ENGLISH
19
MAINTENANCE WORK ON CHASSIS AND ENGINE
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Changing the fork offset (caster) *
The fork offset
[A]
in the 250/450 SX-F models (center fork legs - center steering
head angle) can be set to either 18 or 20 mm. This allows you to optimize
the handling to match the race course.
Remove the blind screw
[1]
to see which offset is set. If the mark
[B]
is in
front, the offset is 18 mm. This setting will deliver more directional stability
on fast race courses.
If the mark
[B]
is in the rear as illustrated, the offset is 20 mm. This setting
will deliver better handling in curves.
The offset is set to 20 mm in the condition at delivery.
To adjust the offset, dismount the front wheel and remove the front wheel
fender.
Remove the screw on the starting number plate. Remove the clamp screws
on the hand brake cylinder and fasten the hand brake cylinder to the left fork
leg with a cable tie to keep the brake line from kinking (see illustration).
Loosen the clamp screws and take the fork legs out of the triple clamps.
Loosen the collar screw
[2]
on the lower triple clamp 2 turns.
Remove the blind screw
[1]
from the upper triple clamp, loosen the clamp
screw and upper triple clamp on the seat. Remove the O-ring
[3]
and the
protection ring
[4]
.
Tap gently on the lower triple clamp with a rubber hammer to loosen the steering
stem
[5]
out of the bearing seat. Take the lower triple clamp with the steering
stem out of the steering head.
Remove the collar screw from the lower triple clamp and pull out the steering
stem. Thoroughly clean all parts. Turn the steering stem 180° and insert it in
the triple clamp, tighten the collar screw all the way to the stop.
Grease the steering head bearing and sealing elements.
Be sure to lock the thread on the collar screw [2] with Loctite 243. Do not
confuse the collar screw [2] with the blind screw [1]. The collar screw is self-
locking.
B
A
2
1
3
2
5
4
3
4
5
2
