Triple This!

Applied Racing has long been a recognized leader in the triple clamp market. In November, 2004 they introduced their new Factory Clamp Set for the Honda CR and CRF models. We couldn't wait to get our hands on one and bolt it up to our new 2005 Honda CRF450R.

Sure the CRF450R comes stock with a set of triple clamps. And yes, they are effective in attaching the forks to your frame. So, why run out and plunk down a small wad of cash for a new Applied Factory Clamp Set? Good question! There are several great reasons and here's just a few: rider egonomics, changingoffset, increased stiffness for better feel and control, reduced weight, and a factory or custom appearance.

Ergonomics

The stock bar clamps allow you can move the bars to a more forward position. That helps free up some cockpit space for taller riders, but does nothing to raise the bars. The Applied Racing Factory Set is available in bar clamps with a stock height, +5mm, +10mm, and +15mm heights. Like the stock bar clamps, Applied's bar clamps offer two positions, stock and a more forward position. This allows you to dial in the optimum bar position for your height and ride preferences. Being 6'3" I opted for the +15mm bar clamp for this review.

You can also specify optional rubber or solid bar mounts. It comes with both a standard and oversized bar caps and one-piece top straps. For this review our friends at Applied sent our set with rubber mounts and standard 7/8" bar clamps.

Offset

In 2002, the CRF450R screamed for a new 22mm offset triple clamp to fix poor cornering characteristics. While the 2005 isn't screaming for an offset change, some pilots will still be looking to change the offset. Applied offers the Factory Clamp Set in the stock offset of 24mm as well as a 22mm offset. If you're looking to create a CRF450 that's more responsive in corners a 22mm offset clamp is the answer. For this review Applied sent us a 24mm offset Factory Clamp to match the stock offset.

Stiffness

The Applied Factory Clamp, machined from 6061 and 7075 billet aluminum, is noticeably stiffer than the stock counterparts. This increased stiffness provides more accurate "feel" and steering control. While this stiffness is difficult to measure in scientific terms, I definitely felt the increased control which translated into more confidence in corners and rough sections of the track.

Weight

One of the significant improvements in the 2005 CRF450R was additional weight savings; 3.5 pounds from our measurements. If better ergonomics, reduced offset, and stiffness aren't good enough reasons to swap out your stock triple, then how about shaving an honest 10 ounces off the front-end of your CRF450? I'm not sure how many titanium nuts and bolts it would take to shave that many ounces, but I know nuts and bolts will do nothing to improve your ergonomics and control.

Appearance

The Applied Racing Factory Triple Clamp Set is nearly a work of art. Even the box is thoughtfully designed and serves as a presentation platform for the meticulously machined components. Each component is an example of excellent workmanship and attention to detail. There's no doubt this clamp set represents the highest standards of 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 CRF450R 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 they can press it on for you free of charge. The clamp is compatible with the stock stem if you want to save the $49.95. Of course this means you'll be in charge of removing the stocker 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 bearing on the stem.

So, how's the average garage mechanic going to fit the bearing to the stem? Using their freezer and oven of course! If you haven't used this method before you have probably wondered if it really works. Well, before you permanently get your tongue frozen to your freezer door read on.

The "freezer-oven method" calls for freezing the steering stem overnight in the freezer while just prior to installation heating the bearing in the oven. Even though I've done this in the past with success, it was a complete failure this time. I was, and remain, baffled as to why it didn't work as in times past. In the end, I was force to use a press to fit the bearing. I called local shops in my area for a service quote and the prices ranged from $16 to $38.

So, you might be asking yourself, "how'd he get the bearing off the stock stem?" I didn't! Call me a wimp, but I purchased a new bearing ($28) along with a new dust seal($4). Why? I've tried in times past to remove the seal and bearing without damaging them or the stem and have come to the conclusion it's impossible.

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. I've given my word not to reveal how I know this. Oh, like you never make promises to yourself!

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.

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

Testing

I mentioned earlier that I'm 6'3" tall and stock ergonomics just don't work for someone my height. I know this because there was a time when I would just suffer with the stock bar height; hoping I could "make do" with poor ergonomics. Back then, I actually thought adjusting the cockpit ergonomics was more about rider comfort than rider performance. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Just raising the bar height and moving them to a more forward position makes a huge difference in feel and control. Add the increased stiffness of the Applied Factory clamps and you will absolutely notice a positive increase in control. This is especially true when the terrain is rough, whether in the straights or the corners.

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 everything you want in an aftermarket triple clamp. The quality, fit, finish, and options provide you the opportunity to customize your ride, increase your control, shed some weight, and give your CRF that factory or custom look. At $336 and some change the Applied Racing Factory Clamp Set is an excellent value. If it came with an option for a pre-pressed steering stem bearing it would be a perfect 10. Even with out the bearing, it's a solid 9.5 on my scale.

CRF's Only Staff Review December 2004
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