2011 CRF450R Handling

[MXandSXracer21]

I have a 2011 CRF450R that I primarily use for hare scrambles/woods. 

I've been having issues with handling on my bike, particularly with it feeling busy/twitchy. The suspension has been revalved for woods/MX combo for previous owner (same weight 210lbs and about same skill level). 

Springs are 0.50kg front, and 5.9kg rear. I checked the sag recently and I was at ~125mm. I know I should be around 105-108mm sag but I can't get my top preload ring to break loose. 

The top of my fork tubes are flush with the top of the triple clamp. 

Can I get more stability with clicker adjustments? Is there another issue that's causing this? 

 

Thanks for any help! 

[mog]

Too much sag can cause it to shake

[KtmNoob69]

7 hours ago, MXandSXracer21 said:

I have a 2011 CRF450R that I primarily use for hare scrambles/woods. 

I've been having issues with handling on my bike, particularly with it feeling busy/twitchy. The suspension has been revalved for woods/MX combo for previous owner (same weight 210lbs and about same skill level). 

Springs are 0.50kg front, and 5.9kg rear. I checked the sag recently and I was at ~125mm. I know I should be around 105-108mm sag but I can't get my top preload ring to break loose. 

The top of my fork tubes are flush with the top of the triple clamp. 

Can I get more stability with clicker adjustments? Is there another issue that's causing this? 

 

Thanks for any help! 

Assuming by "busy" you mean noticeable suspension oscillation (opposite of a pogo stick/ricocheting) Speed up your rebound (counter clockwise). You could also stiffen the LSC adjuster which would provide a similar but different result. 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2017 by KtmNoob69

[GDI70]

The 2012 linkage helps as well

 

[Piney Woods]

Spray some penetrating oil on that adjuster and let it sit overnight. Hope you haven't damaged the threads by tightening it too much against the adjuster ring.

[MXandSXracer21]

11 hours ago, mog said:

Too much sag can cause it to shake

Thanks mog! I think getting my sag from 125mm down to 105-108mm range should definitely make a difference! 

[MXandSXracer21]

4 hours ago, GDI70 said:

The 2012 linkage helps as well

 

Thanks GDI70! I had also been considering a set of 22mm triple clamps. Will that make a positive effect also in terms of better stability? 

Do I need only the dog bone or do I need the triangular part as well?

[MXandSXracer21]

3 hours ago, YHGEORGE said:

Spray some penetrating oil on that adjuster and let it sit overnight. Hope you haven't damaged the threads by tightening it too much against the adjuster ring.

I'll try the penetrating oil. The bike was bought preowned and in immaculate condition. 

[H4L]

I have a merge knuckle that I'd sell, if your interested send me a pm.  I had FC due the suspension on a 10 model & they have excellent specs for mx use on the 09-12 CRF450r's.  FC modifies the rear shock so I never ended up using the aftermarket Merge knuckle since it wasn't needed.  With the stock valving & heavier springs I did feel the rear end was a little twitchy.  The aftermarket knuckle helps if you haven't had any shock modification.  

 https://www.mergeracing.com/product/link-knuckle-00-084/

 Your sag is way off & needs to be between 100-110 mm.   I found a good setting for me between 104-106 mm after having the suspension done.     

Edited September 20, 2017 by H4L

[Red800rider]

125?!?!?!???
I'd get the sag right before buying any parts. Does the forks compress at all with rider? I'd bet not much, all the weight is in the back. 4 or 5 mm is VERY noticeable on my 06, even for a rookie like me.
I didn't know a bike could be valved for both woods and mx.....probably not great at either.

Disclaimer: I'm no expert

Mog, what do you mean by "shake"? Not headshake I presume? Would seem the rear should feel very "loose"?

[GDI70]

13 hours ago, MXandSXracer21 said:

Thanks GDI70! I had also been considering a set of 22mm triple clamps. Will that make a positive effect also in terms of better stability? 

Do I need only the dog bone or do I need the triangular part as well?

I believe it was simply the knuckle, or pivot.  I would go to the honda dealer and find out for sure.  It's been a while, but most of the riders had found it to be a good solution at a reasonable price, to improve the older crf450  chassis. 

There were so many riders with modded 450s that didn't have to rush out to buy new bikes with this upgrade.

[Piney Woods]

One guy asks about a dog bone and a triangular part,,,another guy answers using knuckle or pivot. Huh? Come on, I'm confused enough as it is.

[mog]

Yes you can get headshake with too much sag

[Red800rider]

Hmmm....something learned. I thought it was just caused by to little sag, causing steep head angle.