Adjustments for Competition
109
Front Suspension Adjustments
Both compression and rebound damping can be
increased by turning the adjuster clockwise.
Always start with full hard when adjusting
damping.
Do not turn the adjuster screw more than the
given positions or the adjuster may be damaged.
Be sure that the rebound and compression
adjusters are firmly located in a detent, and not
between positions.
NOTICE
Front Suspension Disassembly
• If your CRF is brand-new, put enough part-
throttle break-in time (about one hour) on it to
ensure that the suspension has worked in.
• For optimum performance, and extended fork
life, the fork should be completely
disassembled and cleaned after the first three
hours of riding. See the Service Manual or
your Honda dealer for this service.
1. Place your CRF on the optional workstand or
equivalent support with the front wheel off the
ground.
2. Remove the front visor (page 102).
3. Remove the handlebar pad.
Remove the handlebar lower holder nuts (1),
washers, mounting rubbers and handlebar (2).
Keep the master cylinder upright to prevent air
from entering system.
NOTICE
Fork Springs
The fork springs in CRF’s are about right for
riders weighing between 150 and 160 lbs (less
riding gear). So if you're a heavier rider, you
have to go up on the oil level or get a stiffer
spring. Do not use less oil than the minimum
specified for each spring or there will be a loss of
rebound damping control near full extension. If
the fork is too hard on big bumps, turn the
damping adjuster counterclockwise 1-turn and
lower the oil level in increments of 0.2 oz (5 cm
3
)
in both fork legs until the desired performance is
obtained. Do not, however, lower the oil level
below the minimum oil level.
Minimum oil level:
Standard spring:
10.3 US oz (306 cm
3
)
Softer spring:
10.5 US oz (311 cm
3
)
Stiffer spring:
10.5 US oz (309 cm
3
)
When adjusting oil levels, bear in mind that the
air in the fork will increase in pressure while
riding; therefore, the higher the oil level, the
higher the eventual pressure of any air in the
fork.
(1) rebound damping
(2) compression
adjuster screw
damping
adjuster screw
(1)
(2)
Fo
rce (N)
Stroke (mm)
Oil level 13.6 US oz (402 cm
3
)
(MAX)
Oil level 11.2 US oz (332 cm
3
)
(STANDARD)
Oil level 10.3 US oz (306 cm
3
)
(MIN)
(cont’d)
(2)
(1)
(1) handlebar lower holder nuts
(2) handlebar
Summary of Contents for 450X 2005
Page 1: ...2005 Honda CRF450X OWNER S MANUAL COMPETITION HANDBOOK ...
Page 10: ...6 Motorcycle Safety ...
Page 16: ...12 Before Riding ...
Page 26: ...22 Basic Operating Instructions ...
Page 110: ...106 Servicing Your Honda ...
Page 154: ...150 Taking Care of Unexpected ...
Page 168: ...164 Technical Information Wiring Diagram ...
Page 179: ...Memo 175 ...
