You ask, Keefer answers!
You ask, Keefer answers!
Hey keefer I was hoping to get some suspension advice. I have a 2015 CRF450R with stock suspension. I’m thinking about getting it re-valved later this year and was wondering what you thought would be the best way to go. I’m 220 pounds and a c class rider. I think your going to say a spring conversion from race tech but I thought I’d ask just to make sure. Thanks -Sean
Sean, you are on a KYB PSF 2 fork that is very tough to dial in. The KYB PSF 2 fork is much more finicky and harsh feeling than the previous PSF 1 version Honda came out with in 2013. If you are already planning on getting re-valve then yes I would recommend getting a spring conversion dropped in there. This will give you more front end traction and bring back a lot of comfort to that Honda front end. Not every air fork needs a spring conversion kit, but I have spent many hours testing the PSF 2 and it’s just easier to go with a spring conversion. Trust me…
-KK
Hi Kris,
What would you recommend for an easy to ride track bike for a vet expert just getting back into riding after 10 years or so?Looking for a bike that won’t need a lot of mods with suspension on the plush side. A buddy of mine was asking. It would just be a once or twice a month track bike. I don’t think he’s interested in 250F’s. I ride KTM 350’s and love them, but I know other bikes out there have better suspension and wanted to see what you thought. Really enjoy listening to you guys on PulpMx!
Thanks, Tony
Tony, your buddy should really re-consider about buying a 250F. They are light, easy to ride and will not get you in trouble like a bigger bike will. I have tons of fun on a 250F and if I was only riding a twice a month I would buy a 2016 or newer Yamaha YZ250F. Very fun, capable machine with a strong bottom end pull, great stock suspension and turns fairly well. If he is dead set on NOT getting a 250F then maybe he would be interested in a 250 two-stroke? The KTM 250 SX and YZ 250 two-strokes are very fun for the average/weekend warrior type of rider. They also don’t cost as much and are easy to do maintenance on. I feel like a 450 machine would be overkill for a guy that hasn’t ridden in 10 years. A lot has happened in 10 years with dirt bike technology and getting a fun, yet manageable power band will keep him on two-wheels and out of the hospital. His brain probably remembers how fast he used to go, but his physical ability might not be ready for what his brain is telling his hand to do on the track.
-KK
I’m loving the site and the podcasts! You convinced me to buy a 6D and now I’m in the market for a new bike.
A friend of mine has an RX for sale and it is a great deal. I’m debating getting his used RX and making it a moto bike or buying a new leftover 2017 CRF450R.
I currently have 2 2014 CRF450s and have been riding them with Showa spring forks since 2014. I’m a mediocre at best A rider that rides 25+ and have almost enough Pro-Am points to be able to embarrass myself in practice at a national next year. This would be the bike I would use for that. I’m 5’10” 165lbs. I like my 14 CRFs with spring forks and prefer my bikes to be a little mellow off the bottom for a 450.
The weight difference in the specs is a lot so I’m wondering if that’s just the tank, e-start, and the kickstand or am I missing something?
I’ve got 2 extra sets of wheels so the 18″ rear can just go on my woods bike. Steve Litz is a friend of mine that can help out with the suspension and getting another map setting in the bike.
Is there anything else I should be concerned with on an RX vs an R for moto?
I know you are busy so I apologize for the long email and I appreciate any advice you can give.
Keep up the good work man, you are killing it!
Benjamin, its funny cause a lot of guys out here that race the WORCS series moto the RX pretty darn good. Yes, most of the weight differences that you are seeing is the electric start, fuel tank capacity and kickstand. If you are getting the suspension re-valved (you will need it as the RX stuff is soft) and like a smooth roll on power delivery then there is no reason why you shouldn’t buy this CRF450RX. The transmission is the same as “R” model, but you will have to find a “R” fuel tank to put on that sucker because your 2014 tank will not fit. The 2018 CRF450R’s are actually using the RX engine hangers so you will be ahead of the game so to speak. Take the kickstand off, put that “R” tank, get a newer updated 19 inch rear wheel on and your bike will look like a 2018 CRF450R! Boom! Have fun and good luck getting your pro points. Cheers!
-KK
Kris, I have a 16 Kawi 450 with TAC forks, I am 6 foot 2 and weigh about 200 pounds and to set my forks up I just use the showa app. When I ride I feel like the front end wants to wash out all the time in flat turns and In ruts I am having a hell of a time keeping the bike from jumping out of the rut. I don’t really want to dump the money into the conversion kit because I only ride a couple times a month. But when I go to the track I want to know I’m getting the best feel out of my suspension. And yes I do set my sag. So is there any settings you would suggest? And I run renthal twinwalls with the cross bar cut. Would a fat bar help with feel?
Thanks Keef
P.S more after dark ok pulp, that stuff is awesome!
Ben
Sorry about the un-timely response. Been busy as all hell! First of all try going to a Fatbar or Protaper EVO bar and that will help flex. Even with the Renthal Twinwall crossbar cut it is still quite stiff. For a base setting try these numbers to see if this helps. Also, there are other variables you must consider as well if you’re popping out of ruts and washing your front end. Make sure you have a good front tire with the correct air pressure, your fork height is stock and not to mention technique plays a huge part in getting a bike to lay over properly in a corner. Good luck!
-KK
Fork:
Comp. 3
Rebound 10
Inner Chamber 154-156 psi
Outer Chamber 15.2 psi
Balance Chamber 175 psi
Shock:
Low Speed Comp 11
High Speed Comp 1.5
Rebound 11
Sag 105-106mm
I’m getting ready to purchase new boots. With that said I just have trashed a pair of Gaerne SG-12’s in less then a year. Had two ankle injuries and wore through the inner rubber pads in 6 months. Before those I had Alpinestar Tech-10’s and they were great except the buckles and lasted for 2 years. Before that it was SIDI’s and they were uncomfy and fell apart quick. Befpre those it was all Tech-6’s.
So with my recent and limited boot history, i’ve never tried, Fox, TCX, Fly or O’neal. Before I throw down hard earned money once again (i’m pretty poor) I would like your opinion on whats available and is the best bang for the buck.
I appreciate your time in helping me with this decision.
Sincerely,
Cory Franklin
Cory,
Sounds like you went through some boots and all of the ones you mentioned are pretty darn good in my opinion. I am doing a boot shootout podcast that will be up later this week and it will break down the pros and cons of each one of the boots you mentioned above. For best overall ankle protection you can’t beat an Alpinestars Tech 10. The Gaerne SG-12 is also really good, but with slightly less ankle protection than the Tech 10. The Fox Insitnct is the most comfortable boot I have ever worn, but they don’t last as long. The soles on the Instinct gets ate up quickly, but it feels like you’re wearing a shoe.Have your tried the Sidi Crossfire TA? I have had good luck with the life span on those and they are a little wider than the Crossfire SRS. In the end there are only four boots I would buy myself and that is an Alpinestars Tech 10, Gaerne SG-12, Sidi Crossfire 3 or TA and Fox Instinct’s. Check out the the podcast soon for more info on each boot!
-KK
Hi Kris, I am a die hard pulp fan and always here you helping guys out and I have a suspension issue I just can’t seem to make my bike work right. I am currently running a 2015 Honda CRF250R and I have my suspension re sprung and re valved from my local Enzo suspension specialist. I recently have purchased a ride engineering link and now my rear my end is lower which seems to have made the bike turn awesome but now my front forks feel so far off. I completely bottom out and & not even that hard of hits. I have turned my compression clickers up but now it seems so harsh on just normal terrain. Currently running 106mm sag. So I guess my real question is direction do I wanna go, do I put the stock link back on so my front fork feels normal or is there settings on my fork that I have to search and find. I have the Showa SFF TAC fork, which I really dislike and almost willing to look into getting a new bike just to get that comfort of a spring fork again. -Jamie
Jamie,
Did you make sure Enzo didn’t lower your shock internally? I know Enzo has settings where they lower the shock internally and if you didn’t tell them you were running a link this could lead you to an unbalanced machine. What is weird is that you are bottoming your fork, but if it’s low in the rear it should feel choppered out in the front. First thing’s first though… Check you sag and run a setting of 104-105mm. Second, call your local Enzo guy and make sure your shock isn’t lowered internally. If it is take the link off and try running the stock link. You then should gain some more comfort and added balance to your machine. Also, what are you running for air pressures in your fork? This is very important as well. Try these settings below in your fork to help you get a baseline. If all else fails get a spring conversion kit and slip them into your Showa fork. Your Honda will thank you later..
-KK
Fork:
Inner Chamber 178 psi
Balance Chamber 163 psi
Compression 8 out
Rebound 11 out
Fork Leg Height Flush-2mm
