Posts
37
Joined
6/24/2019
Location
US
Edited Date/Time
2/11/2020 1:25pm
Hey guys I was wondering what I could do to help with the front end dive in corners and the bad oversteer these bikes are known for, should I get some 22 or 24 offset triple clamps or maybe the merge racing linkage, or should I get the suspension re valve for my weight I’m only about 140 pounds. Thanks in advance 
Another thing you could try is tightening your stem nut to stiffen the steering. Seems like I have to go through and re-tighten my KTM clamp nut every 10 hrs or so to get rid of that twitchy over steer.
Had an 09 done by MDK locally & a 10 done by FC. They are both some of my favorite 450’s owned after suspension work. Excellent cornering bikes with a nimble feel to them considering they’re 450’s. I considered swapping the clamps to 22’s as well, but didn’t feel the need after the suspension was dialed. Those KYB’s are really good once set up right in the hands of a reputable tuner who has done the the R&D.
If you have the funds I’d highly recommend FC. They have excellent valving specs for these bikes.
Or buy a 19/20 and realise how much better this generation is.
The Shop
Assuming that update gets you closer to a comfortable feel and balance but you want more, then a revalve and proper setup for you would be next. If you can find some 22mm clamps, they were also an improvement on that chassis; just be aware that the lower bearing and HPSD mounting position varied for a few years on the CRF's so some aren't direct "bolt-ons". We even tried 24mm clamps and liked the feel for faster tracks (Glen Helen, Cahuilla, Pala), but it did give up some turn-in and overall agility.
14/52 gearing, that good Yosh system you have, 110/90-19 rears with quality front tires, and the LightSpeed pegs (tiny bit lower and more rearward than stock) also helped us in our search for CRF bliss!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIGHTSPEED-TITANIUM-FOOT-PEGS-HONDA-2002-2019/…
Free sag info: https://motocrossactionmag.com/living-with-the-race-free-sag-convergenc…
At 140lb for sure springs the first place to start.
Off the showroom floor I agree they weren’t the best example. With the right mods they are very good MX bikes.
My 10 with FC suspension, TI Yosh system & a remap for the pipe is not far off 18 & 20 models owned. I wouldn’t say the 17+ is superior.
The best example was an 11 I got to ride from a local pro back in 2012. It had all the goodies from a Yosh engine package with exhaust, vortex ign. & FC suspension. That bike is comparable to the 18 & 20 showroom stock bikes IMHO.
You are on the right track - I would go straight to the 24mm clamp and push the fork caps as deep as you dare.
I remember hearing the Merge knuckle was a big help, but switched bikes before I could try.
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