Honda CRF450R 2006, Owner'S Manual

Page: 103 / 172

Adjustments for Competition
99
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 number plate bolt (1) and number
plate (2).
3. Remove the handlebar pad.
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 cc)
in both fork legs until the desired performance is
obtained. Do not, however, lower the oil level
below the minimum oil level.
Minimum oil capacity:
Standard spring: 10.5 US oz (311 cm 3 )
Softer spring:
10.7 US oz (316 cm 3 )
Stiffer spring: 10.3 US oz (305 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)
Force (N)
Stroke (mm)
Oil capacity 13.8 US oz (407 cm
3
)
(MAX)
Oil capacity 12.7 US oz (375 cm 3 )
(STANDARD)
Oil capacity 10.5 US oz (311 cm
3
)
(MIN)
(2)
(1)
(3)
(1) number plate bolt
(2) number plate
(3) handlebar pad
(cont’d)