Rear Suspension Race Sag (Off-Road Use Only) - Honda CRF450L 2019 Owner's Manual & Off-Road Handbook

Rear Suspension Adjustments
Rebound Damping
The rebound damping adjuster (6) is located at the
lower end of the rear shock absorber.
It has 17 clicks or more. Turning the adjuster one
full turn changes the adjuster 8 clicks.
• When adjusting the rebound damping adjuster,
make sure to use the proper size tool to avoid
damage.
• Rebound damping can be increased by turning
the adjuster clockwise.
• Be sure that the rebound adjuster is firmly
located in a detent, and not between positions.
(6)
(6) rebound damping adjuster (7) punch marks
To adjust to the standard position:
1. Turn the adjuster clockwise (harder) until it
will no longer turn (lightly seat). Turn the
adjuster counterclockwise (softer) until it
clicks. This click is position 1.
2. Set the adjuster 7 to 10 clicks and adjust it until
the punch marks (7) on the adjuster and the rear
shock absorber are aligned.
148
Adjustments
Rear Suspension Race Sag
(Off-Road Use Only)
Setting the proper race sag (ride height) is very
important for off-road use.
Race sag refers to the amount of rear wheel travel
used by your motorcycle at rest, ready to ride, with
you on the seat. As a general rule of thumb, the
race sag dimension should be about one-third of
the maximum travel.
On your motorcycle, ride height is changed by
adjusting the rear suspension spring pre-load.
(7)
Spring Pre-load & Race Sag Adjustment
The following adjustment procedure establishes
the correct starting point for any suspension tuning
— the proper rear suspension spring preload
adjustment for your specific needs.
Your motorcycle should be at normal racing
weight, including fuel, oil and coolant. You should
be wearing all your normal protective apparel. You
will need two helpers.
To calculate the proper adjustment, it is necessary
to measure between two fixed points — from the
center of the seat mounting bolt to the center of the
chain adjuster lock nut as illustrated here — for
two different situations:
unloaded: motorcycle on an optional workstand
with rear suspension fully extended, no rider.
loaded with rider: motorcycle on ground, with
rider.
1. Support your motorcycle on an optional
workstand with the rear wheel off the ground.
2. Measure the unloaded dimension.
SEAT MOUNTING BOLT
CHAIN ADJUSTER LOCK NUT
3. Measure the loaded with rider dimension.
Remove the workstand. With two helpers
available, sit as far forward as possible on your
motorcycle's seat, wearing your riding
apparel.
Ask one helper to steady your motorcycle
perfectly upright so you can put both feet on
the pegs.
Bounce your weight on the seat a couple of
times to help the suspension overcome any
situation and settle to a good reference point.
UNLOADED
MEASUREMENT
(without rider)
EXAMPLE:
24.6 in (625 mm)