[Tombo]

Kinda new to tuning dirk bikes. Never really touched my last bike. I never really tried to push on it (it was my first bike KTM EXC 250f, this is my second year riding). So I never really felt the need, I was comfortable on it. Never really road MX tracks much either. Now that I am on my new bike it is wacked feeling. I am afraid to jump it, it seems unpredictable. Oh its a 06' CRF450.

I played with the "clickers" a bunch today and got things to settle down quite a bit. 5 clicks less LS, 3 clicks less HS and 3 more rebound. I was getting kicked and swapping the rear end around. Mostly under acceleration, jumping. But now the bike feels almost too dead at times. Mostly while breaking / cornering in choppy stuff. Maby it is packing up? Can you mess with the psi in the shock? If so what traits will that effect?

May one just take a punch and hammer to loosen off shock collar top ring. Then adjust the bottom one. Taking into consideration the risk of slipping with the punch and smoking the threads (I think I will be fine). Or should I go get a collar spanner, if so what one would you recommend. I think I will be using this tool only a few times. Once to see if I can get the sag / feel right with the stock spring. Maby again if I need to swap to a lighter spring.

Bringing me to my second question, I am about 150lbs with out gear so maby 165 with. What spring would you guys recommend? Beginner motocross with some trail riding / racing.

Leading me to the fork, I really feel like it needs softer springs. Backed the comp off a bunch after playing with the shock. To try to balance things out, it still feels bit harsh. I have no idea what the oil level is at, I have yet to go there. I did put some air bleeders on and use them. They seem to help a bit.

I think once I get the rear end sorted I will drop the forks in the crown to get it to turn in better. But I wouldn't do that now as I get the occasional, mild head shake as it is.

Maby I am barking up the wrong tree here, trying to get the bike to feel softer, like my old KTM EXC trail bike. Or like my Down hill bike. Maby I need a new mind set, approach. I don't have a bunch cash to toss at a tuner. I like to sort things out for my self. Its more fun that way. If I can't get it much better by winter, then I will go down that road. Also I am not afraid to tear down the fork. I did my KTMs with out any worries. I haven't got into playing with shims or any like that yet. Just a simple oil / seal change. But Iam willing to try if some one has a killer set up.

Thanks for help,
Tom

[James T Kirk]

i'm in the midst of replacing the seals and springs in my forks right now. i had to go the other way, stiffer springs all around on the crf250x. i weigh 210 with gear.

i used this link to determine spring weights: http://www.racetech.com/evalving/menu/searchdirt.asp

i replaced the shock spring and it was really easy to use a punch and hammer. be sure to set your sag!!! i used a link to a how to article (but deleted it now oops)....along with lots of research on these forums.

the stock 450 is set up for a heavier bike/rider i believe, stiffer springs.

this is a good article about the shock: http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/me2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=DEB4FC80F93F46768CB9629FFEA106BF

ok, gotta go back outside and do the other shock...



kirk out