Chassis Adjustments; Rear End; Fork Height/Angle; Wheelbase - Honda CRF450R 2011 Owner's Manual

Chassis Adjustments

The following suggestions may improve a specific
concern. Subtle changes in overall handling may
also be noted.

Rear End

If you have a problem with rear wheel traction,
raise the rear end of your CRF by increasing the
rear suspension spring pre-load. Instead of running
105 mm (4.1 in) of sag, you can run 95 mm (3.7 in)
so the rear of the motorcycle will sit a little higher.
This should produce more traction because of the
change to the swingarm and location of your
CRF's centre of gravity.
If you have a problem with the steering head
shaking when you use the front brake hard or if
your CRF wants to turn too quickly, lower the rear
of the motorcycle by reducing the rear suspension
spring pre-load. This will increase fork rake and
trail and should improve stability in a straight line.
The effective suspension travel will be transferred
toward the firmer end of wheel travel.
Keep the race sag adjustment (page 132) in the
95 – 115 mm (3.7 – 4.5 in) range.

Fork Height/Angle

The position of the fork tube in the clamp is not
adjustable. Align the top of the outer tube (not the
top of the fork cap) with the top of the top bridge.
Standard Position
The standard position (1) align the top of the outer
tube (2) (not the top of the fork cap) with the top of
the top bridge (3).
(1) standard position
(2)
(1)
(2) top of outer tube
(3) top bridge
(3)

Wheelbase

Adjusting your CRF's wheelbase can offer subtle
changes in overall handling. You may adjust
wheelbase by adding or removing links on the
drive chain. If you change the wheelbase, be sure
to recheck race sag and adjust, if necessary.
In the past, a general rule was lengthen the
wheelbase to add straight line stability, shorten the
wheelbase to improve turning. However, we
suggest you do not lengthen the wheelbase of your
0 mm (0 in)
CRF unless you are racing on a track with more
fast sections than normal.
As a general recommendation, keep the wheelbase
as short as possible. This positions the wheels
closer together, improves turning response,
increases weighting (traction) on the rear wheel,
and lightens weighting on the front wheel.
With your CRF, you will probably find that the
standard setting or a shorter wheelbase will offer
more overall benefits.
Chassis Adjustments
141
Adjustments for Competition