50
4. Make a quick check of fork operation by locking the
front brake and pushing down on the handlebar sev-
eral times.
NOTE :
•
When your CRF is new, break it in for approximately
one hour to ensure that the suspension has worked
in (page 3).
•
After break-in, test run your CRF with the front sus-
pension at the standard setting before attempting
any adjustments.
•
For optimum fork performance, we recommend that
you disassemble and clean the fork after riding your
CRF for three hours. See page 83 for fork disassem-
bly.
•
Replace the tube/slider fork oil every 3 races or 7.5
hours of running. See Section 6 for tube/slider fork
oil replacement/adjustment.
•
Replace the damper fork oil every 9 races or 22.5
hours of running. See Section 6 for damper fork oil
replacement.
•
Use Pro Honda HP Fork Oil 5W or an equivalent
which contains special additives to assure maximum
performance of your CRF front suspension.
•
Periodically check and clean all front suspension
parts to assure top performance. Check the dust
seals for dust, dirt, and foreign materials. Check the
oil for any contamination.
•
Refer to Section 6 for Suspension Adjustment infor-
mation. Make all rebound and compression damp-
ing adjustments in one-click increments. (Adjusting
two or more clicks at a time may cause you to pass
over the best adjustment.) Test ride after each ad-
justment.
•
If you become confused about adjustment settings,
return to the standard position and start over.
•
If the fork is still too stiff/soft after adjusting com-
pression damping, determine which portion of the
travel is still too stiff/soft. This is an important step
that will help you solve suspension problems.
See page 91 for front suspension adjustment.
REAR SUSPENSION
The swingarm is controlled by one hydraulic shock ab-
sorber with an aluminum reservoir for oil and nitrogen
gas pressure. The gas pressure in the reservoir is con-
tained within a rubber bladder.
The shock absorber's spring preload and damping ad-
justments (compression and rebound) should be ad-
justed for the rider's weight and track conditions. (See
Section 6.)
•
The rear shock absorber assembly includes a
damper unit that contains high pressure nitrogen
gas. The instructions found in this owner’s manual
are limited to adjustment of the shock assembly
only. Do not attempt to disassemble, disconnect or
service the damper unit; an explosion, causing se-
rious injury may result.
•
Puncture or exposure to flame may also result in
an explosion, causing serious injury.
•
Service or disposal should only be done by your
authorized Honda dealer or a qualified mechanic,
equipped with the proper tools, safety equipment
and the official Honda Service Manual.
NOTE:
•
When your CRF is new, break it in for approximately
one hour with the standard suspension settings be-
fore attempting to adjust the rear suspension.
•
Make all compression and rebound damping adjust-
ments in specified increments or turns described in
page 73. (Adjusting two or more increments or turns
at a time may cause you to pass over the best ad-
justment.) Test ride after each adjustment.
•
If the rear suspension is too stiff/soft, adjust it by
turning all the compression and rebound adjusters
according to the procedures described in page 73.
After adjusting the adjusters simultaneously, sus-
pension may be fine-tuned by turning one of the
compression or rebound damping adjusters in one-
click or in 1/12 turn increments.
•
If you have a problem finding an acceptable adjust-
ment, return to the standard position and begin
again.
•
If any suspension components appear worn or dam-
aged, consult your authorized Honda dealer for fur-
ther inspection. The suspension components are
directly safety-related and your authorized Honda
dealer is qualified to determine whether or not re-
placement parts or repairs are needed.
•
Contact your Honda dealer for repair of any steer-
ing or front suspension wear or damage.
•
Do not operate the motorcycle with loose, worn or
damaged steering or front suspension components,
as handling will be adversely affected.
WARNING
WARNING
4. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
