Adjustments for Competition 117
Front Suspension Adjustments
Compression Damping Adjustment
This adjustment affects how quickly the fork
compresses. The fork compression damping
adjuster (1) has 18 positions or more. Turning the
adjuster screw one full turn changes the adjuster
four positions. To adjust the compression damping
to the standard position, proceed as follows:
Turn the adjuster clockwise until it will no longer
turn (lightly seats). This is the full hard position.
The adjuster is set in the standard position when
the adjuster is turned counterclockwise 12 clicks.
Make sure that both fork legs are adjusted to the
same position.
Rebound Damping Adjustment
The fork rebound damping adjuster (2) has 16
positions or more. Turning the adjuster screw one
full turn clockwise advances the adjuster four
positions. To adjust the rebound damping to the
standard setting, proceed as follows:
Turn the adjuster clockwise until it will no longer
turn (lightly seats). This is the full hard position.
The adjuster is set in the standard position when
the adjuster is turned counterclockwise 8 clicks.
Make sure that both fork legs are adjusted to the
same position.
Both compression and rebound damping can be
increased by turning the adjuster clockwise.
Always start with full hard when adjusting
damping.
Do not turn the adjuster screw more than the given
positions or the adjuster may be damaged.
Be sure that the compression and rebound
adjusters are firmly located in a detent, and not
between positions.
The fork springs in CRF’s are about right for riders
weighing between 68 kg (150 lb) and 73 kg (160
lb) (less riding gear). So if you're a heavier rider,
you have to go up on the oil capacity or get a stiffer
spring. Do not use less oil than the minimum
specified for each spring or there will be a loss of
rebound damping control near full extension. If the
fork is too hard on big bumps, turn the damping
adjuster counterclockwise 1-turn and lower the oil
capacity in increments of 5 cm
3
(0.2 US oz, 0.2
Imp oz) in both fork legs until the desired
performance is obtained. Do not, however, lower
the oil capacity below the minimum oil capacity.
Minimum oil capacity:
Standard spring: 305 cm
3
(10.3 US oz,
10.7 Imp oz)
Softer spring: 303 cm
3
(10.2 US oz,
10.7 Imp oz)
Stiffer spring: 300 cm
3
(10.1 US oz,
10.6 Imp oz)
When adjusting oil capacity, bear in mind that the
air in the fork will increase in pressure while
riding; therefore, the higher the oil capacity, the
higher the eventual pressure of any air in the fork.
Front Suspension Damping
(1) compression damping adjuster
(2) rebound damping adjuster
Fork Springs
Force(N)
Stroke(mm)
Oil capacity
(MAX)
362 cm
3
(12.2 US oz, 12.7 Imp oz)
Oil capacity
(STANDARD)
Oil capacity
(MIN)
355 cm
3
(12.0 US oz, 12.5 Imp oz)
305 cm
3
(10.3 US oz, 10.7 Imp oz)
CRF450R.book Page 117 Thursday, July 8, 2010 9:34 AM