Applied Racing Has The X-Factor!

Applied Racing created the aftermarket triple clamp industry and continues to be a recognized leader. They pride themselves in not only providing leadership in quality and value but also in innovation. A great example of this is their Factory Triple Clamp set with the CRF-X mount kit.

Applied Racing is the only aftermarket triple clamp manufacture this author is aware of that provides a kit for direct fitment of the stock headlight fixture for the CRF250X and CRF450X. Let's face it, the X models are often forgotten by the aftermarket manufactures, especially the triple clamp manufactures. It's great to see Applied Racing taking a unique and cost effective approach to address the needs of X owners.

Essentially the Factory Triple clamp is the same clamp we reviewed on the 2005 CRF450R. The only thing needed for the CRF-X is the optional X mount kit. Big deal you say, a mount kit isn't that "innovative". Sure any manufacture of a triple clamps could do this...but, they haven't. Beyond this, one could argue that Applied Racing should have designed a specific triple clamp set for X models. Actually, I'm really glad they didn't. The mount kit allows me to swap between the stock headlight and the stock CRF450R number plate. Running the stock plate prevents unnecessary damage to the headlight when running in the light of day.

NOTE: To run with the stock CRF450R number plate you'll need to remove the stock odometer and mounting plate. This is not an issue if you have already replaced the odometer with the Trail Tech Computer.

Since the CRF450X comes stock with aluminum triple clamps why would you want to replace them with aftermarket clamps in the first place? Some think it's all about the bling. That's a bonus but not a good enough reason. For me, it's all about function and ergonomics.

Function

Applied Racing triple clamps are not cast aluminum like the stockers. This means they are stiffer which deliver better feedback and control. This stiffness and control is further aided by the increased size of the clamping area. This reduces flexing of the forks under load and when deflecting off trail trash resulting in better pilot feedback and control.

If this wasn't enough, they are offered in different offsets which effectively change the rake angle which will increase steering responsiveness. Applied Racing offers their Factory Triple clamp in 22mm and 24mm offsets.

Ergonomics

Applied Racing provides several bar clamps that allow you to move the bars up and out to improve cockpit egros for tall riders. If you're tall, moving to a higher bar mount positron is absolutely a must. As someone who is 6'3" and had bikes with and without this modification, I can tell you the difference is unbelievable. It's not just about comfort either, but control. Moving the bars up and out, puts more weight over the front, provides more control in the standing position, and delivers less fatigue along the way.

Applied Racing offers bar clamps in +5mm, +10mm, and +15mm heights. These bar clamps offer two postions forward and aft. You can also specify optional rubber or solid bar mounts which provide more vibration dampening or greater control respectively. It comes with both standard and oversized bar caps and one-piece top straps. For this review Applied sent our set with rubber mounts and oversized bar clamps.

Weight

The CRF450X isn't a pig but it's not the lightest of bikes either. Now that Honda has a baseline model to work from I'm sure their engineers are already at work looking to shave weight. Until then the Applied Racing Factory Triple Clamp Set will shave 11.1 ounces. It's not often that a product offers you better ergonomics, control, quality, and appearance while shedding ounces, not grams, of weight at the same time.

Fit and Finish

The Applied Racing Factory Triple Clamp Set is made from 6061 and 7075 billet aluminum. The quality of design and workmanship is obvious from the minute you remove it from the box. It comes with both a supercross-style top bar clamp as well as standard bar caps. The supercross-style cap helps prevent twisting of the bar clamps if you're using rubber mounts. Every piece of the clamp set fits perfectly. The included hardware is likewise high quality.

Applied offers this clamp set in four different colors: silver, black, red, and blue. For our review Applied sent us the red set. The red anodized finish was impeccable and gives the CRF450X that 'factory' look.

Installation

One of the installation items you'll have to plan for is installing the stem and bearing. If you order your Applied Factory Clamp Set with the stem it will come pressed and ready to receive the steering stem dust seal and bearing. The stem is compatible with the stock stem if you want to save the $49.95. Of course this means you'll have to remove it from the stock clamp and pressing it into the new Applied lower clamp. In either case, you'll need to plan to remove or install a new steering stem seal and bearing on the stem.

My recommendation is to purchase the triple with the stem pre-pressed and then purchase either the OEM bottom bearing and dust seal or Pivot Works makes a steering stem bearing kit. The reason for this recommendation is it keeps your stock triple clamp in tact to either sell or retain should you sell your CRF450X and want to keep your Applied Racing triple clamp.

I know some of you might be tempted to use the freezer method for pressing the steering bearing on. I've tried this before and it flat out didn't work. If you don't have a press, take it to your local shop and have them press it. Many shops will do it for a small fee or for free.

NOTE: When pressing the bearing on don't forget to put the dust seal on FIRST. You will only forget to do this once before you'll never forget it again.

With the bearing pressed on, the Applied Racing Factory Clamp was prepared for installation. Remove the front wheel, handlebars, forks and stock triple clamp. With the triple clamp off, inspect the top bearing and both upper and lower bearing races for any damage or wear. Clean and re-grease the top bearing and races. Grease the new bottom bearing on the new Applied Racing clamp. Using the Honda Shop Manual follow the instructions for installing the new clamp set, forks, front wheel, and handlebars. Pay careful attention to properly torque the bolts to Honda's recommended specifications.

The X mounting kit also needs to be installed during the installation of the triple clamp. The top clamp pinch bolts will be used to mount the side headlight brackets. The odometer mounting plate will be mounted as shown with the supplied bolt. The bottom headlight mounting bracket mounds to the bottom bracket as shown. The included bolts are used to mount the front fender and this bracket.

During my installation every component of the clamp installed perfectly. The fork tubes were perfectly aligned and sized. The front fender, headlight shroud, and brake line keeper all bolted on perfectly. The fit is absolutely perfect.

Testing

I purposely rode the CRF450X on a short loop that I'm very familiar with prior to swapping out the stock triple for the Applied Racing Factory Triple. I made the ride, swap triples, and then made the ride again...all in the same day. This gave me as close to back-to-back comparison testing as possible without the luxury of having an extra CRF450X. This loop is littered with trail trash, rocks and ruts, which deflects the front wheel wildly in certain sections. What was immediately noticeable is the increased stiffness of the triple and the affect it has on feedback and control.

The Applied rubber bar mounts not only help reduce vibration to your hands, but being made of sanoprene are more durable than the stock cones. If you go with the stock or the Applied rubber mounts you'll really appreciate the provided one-piece top strap bar clamp which helps prevent the bar from twisting after a crash.

Conclusion

The Applied Racing Factory Clamp Set offers CRF250X and CRF450X owners a great value in a triple clamp. It has everything you need in a triple clamp including the ability to retain the stock headlight. This clamp allows you to dial in your ergonomics, increase your control, shed some weight, add a factory look, all at a great price. Again, my only wish is that it came with a pressed steering stem bearing as an option.

CRF's Only Staff Review July 2005
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