Honda CRF450R 2020, Owner'S Manual & Competition Handbook

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General Competition Maintenance
30
Servicing Your Honda
Brake Fluid Replacement
Refer to Brake Pad Wear on page 117.
Brake Caliper Inspection: Be sure both the front and rear
calipers are able to move freely on the caliper pin and caliper
bracket pins. Check pad thickness periodically and replace the
pads when minimum thickness is reached. If the brakes fade
when they are hot, inspect the pads for glazing or damage, and
replace if necessary.
Brake Fluid Replacement: Refer to an official Honda Service
Manual (page 186) for brake fluid replacement instructions.
Replace the brake fluid in the brake system every 2 years.
Replace the fluid more frequently if you subject your brakes to
severe use. Heavy braking heats the brake fluid and it may
deteriorate sooner than expected. Any type of riding, that
requires frequent use of the brakes, such as in tight woods, can
shorten the service life of brake fluid.
Spokes
Check spoke tension frequently between the first few rides.
As the spokes, spoke nuts and rim contact points seat-in,
the spokes may need to be retightened. Once past this initial
seating-in period, the spokes should hold their tension.
Still, be sure your race (CRF450RX)/moto (CRF450R/
RWE) maintenance program includes checking spoke
tension and overall wheel condition on a regular basis
(page 118).
Nuts, Bolts, Etc.
Application of a thread locking agent to essential fasteners
offers added assurance and security. Remove the nuts,
clean the threads of both the nuts and bolts, apply Pro
Honda Hondalock or an equivalent and tighten to the
specified torque (page 175 - 177).
Bleed Hole
After every race (CRF450RX)/moto (CRF450R/RWE), check
the bleed hole below the water pump cover for leakage. Clean
away any clogged dirt or sand, if necessary. Check for signs of
seal leakage. If water leaks through the bleed hole, replace the
mechanical seal. If oil leaks through the bleed hole, replace the
oil seal. Make sure that there is no continuous coolant leakage
from the bleed hole while operating the engine. A small
amount of coolant weeping from the bleed hole is normal. See
an official Honda Service Manual or consult your dealer for
replacing the mechanical seal or oil seal. Both seals should be
replaced at the same time.
Suspension Linkage Lubrication
Disassemble, clean, inspect and lubricate all suspension linkage
pivot bearings with molybdenum disulfide grease (containing
more than 3% molybdenum disulfide additive Moly Paste 77)
after each 7.5 hours of running time in order to maintain proper
suspension performance and minimize component wear.
Steering Head Bearings
Periodically clean, inspect and regrease the steering head
bearings — especially if wet, muddy or extremely dusty courses
are encountered often.
Use urea based multi-purpose grease designed for high
temperature, high pressure performance (example: EXCELITE
EP2 manufactured by KYODO YUSHI, Japan or equivalent).
Footpegs
Worn footpeg teeth can be repaired by filing the grooves
between the teeth with a triangular shaped file.
Be aware that filing them too sharp will reduce boot sole
lifespan. Sharpen only the points of the teeth. Filing the
grooves deeper will weaken the footpegs. Be sure the pegs
are free to pivot freely and that the pivot pin retaining cotter
pins are in good condition.
Swingarm
Do not attempt to weld or otherwise repair a damaged
swingarm. Welding will weaken the swingarm.
Swingarm Pivot Lubrication
Clean, inspect and lubricate the swingarm and suspension
linkage pivots with molybdenum disulfide grease (containing
more than 3% molybdenum disulfide additive Moly Paste 77).
Be sure all of the dust seals are in good condition.
Throttle Control
Remove the throttle control every few rides, clean the inside
of the throttle pipe and handlebar thoroughly. Inspect the
cable carefully for kinks or other damage that may restrict
throttle control in anyway. Move the handlebar from lock to
lock to be sure there is no cable interference. Make certain
the throttle operation is perfect after servicing and
inspecting.