why does my front end push so much-05 CRF450??

[rodH]

I have noticed that on my CRF, it doesn't turn nearly as good as any of my 2 strokes I have had or even riden. It always feels like the front end wants to washout or push in corners, and the more off camber the corner the worse the problem gets. I NEVER had this problem with my 2 strokes, not even my older RM250.

Is this based on the weight? (I can't imagine the CRF is with low fuel is any heavier than my 97 RM250 with a full tank and a camelback on?). Is it the geometry? or is it the powerband and how it is delivered??

 

[rickyd]

Have you set your sag?? If the rear squats too much, it changes the geometry, causing a push..

 

[Okiewan]

and.. pull the forks up a little.

 

[rickyd]

Check out MB1's site, has some good info http://www.mb1suspension.com/id8.html

 

[rodH]

I have set my sag, the front tire is a Dunlop 742 if that matters. Are you guys saying that the front end needs to be lower (forks pulled up in clamps more?)? and make the front end steeper?

 

[rickyd]

Yeah try raising the forks some ( more sticking out of the top triple clamp) 1-2 MM and see what happens

 

[Okiewan]

I really like the 742 ...
Yes, pull the fork tubes up in the clamp... start with small amounts and see what works best. An 1/8th of an inch will make a lot of difference.

 

[rodH]

thanks guys, so do you think this is more of a function of my set up or a 2t VS 4t thing??? (in other words, can this bike handle like my 2t??)

 

[2-Strokes 4-ever]

thanks guys, so do you think this is more of a function of my set up or a 2t VS 4t thing??? (in other words, can this bike handle like my 2t??)

I think you're probably spoiled to Suzuki turning.....(I am). On 2strokes I think we learn to turn with the rear wheel (sliding it around to point the bike.) 4-strokes seem to be more flow-thru-the-corner bikes.......more difficult to square-off a turn that a 2stroker. I rode a 4stroke for a while, and had to re-learn the turning technique.

 

[Lorin]

Another problem often encountered when changing to a 4st from a 2st, is that due to (usually) better traction from the rear tire, the front end has a harder time "sticking" in the rut. This may require you to weight the front end more through body positioning, etc., this should help keep the front tire planted, and will be less likely to try and ride up and out of the rut (the push you mentioned). For me, when riding 4st's, I attack the corners a little different than I do on a 2st. I do all braking before the corner, and then accelerate through the corner with body weight forward. This can help to force the front tire to stay planted in the run.

 

[rodH]

I think you're probably spoiled to Suzuki turning.....(I am). On 2strokes I think we learn to turn with the rear wheel (sliding it around to point the bike.) 4-strokes seem to be more flow-thru-the-corner bikes.......more difficult to square-off a turn that a 2stroker. I rode a 4stroke for a while, and had to re-learn the turning technique.

I agree with much of what you say (although the YZ seems to handle better than the CRF as well).

As for turning, you are right, even when you watch the SX guys, they tend ro "round" the corner much more, they no longer go straight up the burm, stop and come back down, it is a more flowing/rounded turn. I have noticed that a lot this year (since everyone has swithed to 4 strokes).

I still don't think I am getting the most out of the handling out of my CRF. I do have the applied triple and a Scotts Damper, so I am still trying to dial it all in. I will try the tips suggested, thanks for the help!!!!!

 

[Okiewan]

Another problem often encountered when changing to a 4st from a 2st, is that due to (usually) better traction from the rear tire, the front end has a harder time "sticking" in the rut. This may require you to weight the front end more through body positioning, etc., this should help keep the front tire planted, and will be less likely to try and ride up and out of the rut (the push you mentioned). For me, when riding 4st's, I attack the corners a little different than I do on a 2st. I do all braking before the corner, and then accelerate through the corner with body weight forward. This can help to force the front tire to stay planted in the run.

:cool:

 

[oldfrt613]

I've found the same thing on the little CRF - If I completely let off the gas coming into the corner it seems like the bike would rather go straight than turn, but if I throttle through things are fine. It also doesn't help that you are coming off the sharpest turning of the 250's - zooks are cool like that - twitchy but cool. I came off of racing RM's to CR's, I thought the CR's really pushed compared to RM's, I can only imagine jumping from an RM to the big CRF !