Stock 05 CRF450R Suspension

[ALB]

Hello to all,Got my 1st bike in 28yrs this past summer an 05 crf450r,the bike is great however it seems harsh on landings and the front wants to pitch or have head shake on high speed runs.When I was riding way way back I wasn't the fastest but did pretty good at the local Pro level,I can't ride like I did back then but I still like to push it and run as hard as possible at times.Could someone out there please let me in on the basic suspension needs of the 05 crf450r such as oil weight and volume,if springs are neccesary,as well as these Gold Valves that I have been reading about (we never had such a thing when I raced) but then the forks were right side up too.Lots of things have changed over the years,except for the people they are still the best group out there.Any input would be great,I ride mostly pleasure but have cut out a pretty good track over the past few months ie: tight turns,straights,jumps 8-10ft etc My weight is 175lbs Thanks ahead of time.

 

[kawamaha]

take out 5 of the big shims (30mm) of the compression and fill in std oil qty (385cc) and your fork works!

 

[ALB]

Thanks kawahama,I would think that the system was designed to have the shims.Will this in any way effect the mechanical function of the forks in a negative way?

 

[kawamaha]

Will this in any way effect the mechanical function of the forks in a negative way?

no! there are about 36 shims for the compression (16 large ones with 30mm diameter) you only make the compression softer. but you should make yourself familiar to the new fork designs, they have been changed in 28 years :)

 

[ALB]

Thanks kawamaha,I appreciate your help and the sharing of your knowledge.You got that right in regard to the changes.I don't know if it's advancement or complication of a relatively simple thing,when I raced it was rather straight forward and if you were into bikes it wasn't to hard to figure out.I have begun to study the new designs and functions of the different components and will continue to do so,but I figure the best thing to do is to ask for help from those who have the knowledge because it can save a lot of time and expense.I will try the shim reduction,and thank you again for your help.

 

[ted5]

Kawamaha. That's your fix? You're kidding right?
I love this. Internet valving, by someone who could be in a nut house for all you know. :coocoo:

 

[kawamaha]

fortunately i am german and don't understand all the things you wrote.
well, you can ask questions about valving 3 hours a day in the internet or you can try valving in the same time...
i just try to help people who are completely new to the "mystery" of valving and if they don't like it they can always go back to the (most very harsh) standard setup :clue:

 

[Vic]

Kawamaha. That's your fix? You're kidding right?
I love this. Internet valving, by someone who could be in a nut house for all you know. :coocoo:

It might work for him. You don't know 'til you try. It's easily reversible, if it doesn't.


Why/how does someone that hasn't raced in 28 years race the pro class?

 

[ALB]

Thanks for all of your positive input ted5,and by the way I reread my post after your question and I can't find where I said I was racing pro level at present Vic

 

[Vic]

I can't find where I said I was racing pro level at present Vic

My bad.

 

[chrismxer]

ALB I would suggest you read your manual. Hondas manuals are very informative and are a lot better than most other manufactures. You seem in the right weight range for your springs, so thats a good start.

 

[theDogger]

Did you ever re-valve your suspension? What Happened? If not I think that I can help. I have all the basic stacks that RG3 & Factory Connection use.

They are basic setups that they use as baselines for I would say 95% of their customers. None of the big shops really do any heavy re-vavling unless you keep sending the suspension back to them.....around the 3rd or 4th time.... :yikes:



theDogger

 

[Mikie3188]

Valve stacks

Dogger-

Could you please email me your phone# and a good time to call when you get a chance? I want to try some different stacks & would be interested to hear what RG3 and FC are doing.

Mikie1@comcast.net

 

[theDogger]

email sent!

 

[Vic]

I'm interested, too.

Vic @ Dirtrider.net (no spaces)

Thanks!

 

[Danger]

And me please, dangeroo0 @ paradise.net.nz (no spaces too) thanks matey. :cool:

 

[Motodan624]

Suspension

Hi Dogger
I'd like to see what those specs are too.
danielg94@comcast.net

Thanks
Dan

 

[Vic]

theDogger has left the building.

 

[Dino Y]

if the bike feels harsh on landings try to see if it botoms out. If bottoming is your broblem add a few clicks to your compresion. taking out 4 30mm shims it will make your forks plusher and bottom out easier. Stock springs are OK for your weigh.

 

[Dino Y]

if possible can i get that spec list too. Please.....
yz125r@hotmail.com

 

[GTR]

Dogger,
I've read your posts on DR and Thumpertalk, and I'm impressed, indeed. If you would share some of your vast store of knowledge with me I'd be indebted. I'm 5'7" and 180lbs, MX outdoor, B-class. I really think my suspension is holding me back. Either compliant and bottoming, or stiff. Can you hit me with some of those "base stacks" from the big suspension co's?
GTRarick@cs.com.
Thanks in advance!
Gordon

 

[theDogger]

Here is a Cookie cutter setup on a 04 CRF450 Showa TC from one of the big boys

Fork Springs ???? Start @ 365cc +/-
Base Valve
12 30 x 0.10 (16-30x.10 OEM)
1 29 x 0.10
1 28 x 0.10
1 27 x 0.10
1 26 x 0.10
1 25 x 0.10
1 24 x 0.10
1 23 x 0.20 (1-23x.10 OEM)
1 22 x 0.10
1 21 x 0.10
1 20 x 0.10
1 19 x 0.20 (1-19x.10 OEM)


Mid-Valve Mid-Valve

1 10 x 0.10 (Added)
2 17 x 0.10 (4-17x.10 OEM)
4 20 x 0.10 (6-20x.10 OEM)

Shock Spring ???? Comp. Low

12 44 x 0.20 (9-44x.20 OEM)
6 44 x 0.15 (6-44x.15 OEM)
1 38.5 x 0.15
1 35 x 0.15

Everything else remains OEM

Comp.High Comp.High


2 42 x 0.20
1 40 x 0.25
1 39 x 0.25
1 38 x 0.25
1 37 x 0.25
1 36 x 0.25
1 35 x 0.25
1 34 x 0.25
1 33 x 0.30
1 32 x 0.30
1 31 x 0.30
1 30 x 0.30
1 29 x 0.30
1 28 x 0.30
1 27 x 0.30
1 26 x 0.30
1 25 x 0.30
1 24 x 0.30
1 23 x 0.30
1 35 x 0.30


Reb.Low Reb.Low
1 40 x 0.20
1 25 x 0.10

Reb.High Reb.High

1 40 x 0.30
1 38 x 0.30
1 36 x 0.30
1 34 x 0.30
1 32 x 0.30
1 30 x 0.30
1 29 x 0.30
1 28 x 0.30
1 27 x 0.30
1 26 x 0.30


And no changes to anything else...this is there basic cookie cutter valving....