Chassis Adjustments - Honda CR85 Expert Owner's Manual

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 19.
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 CR by increasing the
rear spring pre-load. Instead of running 3.3 in
(85 mm) of sag, you can run 3.1 in (80 mm) or 3.0
in (75 mm) so the rear of the bike will sit a little
higher. This should produce more traction
because of the change to the swingarm and the
location of your CR's center of gravity.
If you have a problem with the steering head
shaking when you use the front brake hard or if
your CR wants to turn too quickly, lower the rear
of the motorcycle by reducing the rear spring
pre-load. This will increase fork rake and trail
and should improve stability in a straight line.
The effective suspension travel will be trans-
ferred toward the firmer end of wheel travel.
Keep the race sag adjustment (page 82) in the 3.3
- 4.1 in (85 - 105 mm) range.
Fork Height/Angle
The position of the fork tubes in the clamps is
adjustable.
Before making any chassis adjustments or
measuring wheel base, make sure the fork tubes
are set to their proper position.
Standard Position
Align the groove (1) in the outer tube with the
top surface of the upper fork clamp (2).
(1)
(1) groove (2) upper fork clamp

Chassis Adjustments

Wheelbase
Adjusting your CR'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 re-check 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 CR unless you are racing on a track with
more fast sections than normal.
As a general recommendation, keep the wheel-
base as short as possible. This positions the
wheels closer together, improves turning
response, increase weighting (traction) on the
rear wheel, and lightens weighting on the front
wheel.
(2)
With your CR, you will probably find that the
standard setting or a shorter wheelbase will offer
more overall benefits.
Adjustments for Competition
95