[Thumper35]

Hi, this is my first post, I am a new member. I have a 2011 CRF250R and I am having problems getting it balanced to take the corners well. Some of it is me, but I am working with an Ex Pro Factory rider and getting better. What is a good set-up to start with. I have so much advice not specific to this bike, which I am told has issues. Is it really high in the rear or did some test rider decide that and recommend a lowering link that works for him. That would make raising the fork tubes silly if it already high wouldn't it ? What sag should I run ? The bike has been set up for me, so spring rates and valves are good. I am getting frustrated and need some help.

[crfsonly]

welcome to CRF's Only! first, off bike set up, this includes everything that can be modified, is a matter of rider preference. this is why i seriously laugh out loud when i read many of the "test rider" opinions about a new bike. for example, take all the factory built bikes and swap them among the pros and ask for their expert opinions about the bike's handling, power, braking, control etc. you'll get a lot of varied opinions. the best bike is the bike you've set up to your preferences. every bike has inherent design choices that work for some and don't work for others. in most cases, these are areas that can be adjusted to fit your needs. with turning there are several areas that can be adjusted. first, suspension. get your suspension dialed in to your weight, skill level and type of riding you do most. second, rake. you can adjust the rake of the bike by through setting your shock's race sag and by raising or lowering the forks in the triple clamps. small adjustments can have significant results. third, changing the stock shock linkage can have many benefits for turning and keeping the rear planted. i would not resort to this until you've done the other items mentioned. lastly, ergonomics play a big roll. bar height and position, seat height, etc.

you mentioned skill...this is huge. in most cases, we are holding the bike back not the other way around. get it dialed in as mentioned and then focus on the skills.

again, welcome!

ken

[Thumper35]

Thanks for the reply Ken. I already spent over $1300 on the suspension. I have a "guy". It has been dialed in for me specifically. Sag is set, clickers are great. Takes breaking bumps, accelerating bumps, chopped up straights, jumps...basically everything very well. I can case a big jump and she sucks it right up. BUT, it corners like crap. Problem is, I am in Georgia and my "guy" is in Canada. I have tried everything that i know to get the right recipe except changing the Link arm. (When we set the bike I was much slower) We have experimented with new tires, pressures, sags, fork heights, you name it. The link will be here tomorrow so I will let you know how it goes but man what a frustrating and expensive endeavour. Also, my chain has stretched about 3 mil, does this change between the wheel centres effect handling ? I just talked to some of the pros here and some highly recommend the link, other say to lower the sub frame. I might start playing with the bars next. I guess I find what is right for me sooner or later. Is this a typical dance wit all riders or is it Honda specific ??

[staffy24]

Thanks for the reply Ken. I already spent over $1300 on the suspension. I have a "guy". It has been dialed in for me specifically. Sag is set, clickers are great. Takes breaking bumps, accelerating bumps, chopped up straights, jumps...basically everything very well. I can case a big jump and she sucks it right up. BUT, it corners like crap. Problem is, I am in Georgia and my "guy" is in Canada. I have tried everything that i know to get the right recipe except changing the Link arm. (When we set the bike I was much slower) We have experimented with new tires, pressures, sags, fork heights, you name it. The link will be here tomorrow so I will let you know how it goes but man what a frustrating and expensive endeavour. Also, my chain has stretched about 3 mil, does this change between the wheel centres effect handling ? I just talked to some of the pros here and some highly recommend the link, other say to lower the sub frame. I might start playing with the bars next. I guess I find what is right for me sooner or later. Is this a typical dance wit all riders or is it Honda specific ??

normal.... this mite sound silly but it helped me to watch some instruction videos we think we know it all but even after riding for almost 40 years i found out some things that helped me also the bikes have changed a lot from my xl and xr cr days lol

[Thumper35]

I watch Semics videos every night.

[crfsonly]

the only thing trying the link is going to hurt is your pocket book. it's relatively inexpensive compared to the $13000 you've spent in your suspension. also, suspension requirements do change the faster you become.

ken

[Thumper35]

I installed the 2mm longer link. Put the Fork tubes back to flush and am now running a 101 Sag. On a soft course so i might play with this a little more but the bike definitely feels way more balanced and does what I tell it to in the corners....finally !!! Still need some tweaking, but on the right path. I knew there was something wrong and am so happy i didn't just give up and ride it the way it was. The link made such a difference, I don't feel like I am fighting it all the way around a corner anymore......The rest is up to me now. Still got a long way to go but this helps heaps. Also put a new MX51 110/80 on the rear instead of the stock 100/90. Ready to roll now. Thanks for all the input. How high should I go with the Race sag on linked bike ? I guess more trial and error. If I learned anything this week it is all about feel, you can't just apply a set of parameters. Thanks again. PS Ken, on the Factory Effex EVO graphics kit, does the swing arm and number plates come with ?