Harsh forks?

YZfan1230
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Location
CA
Hey guys, so I've ridden a new local track today for the second time. I've previously ridden on a softer track for 4 years so I'm not adjusted to the new track. So I set my sag (didn't do that the first time) and began messing with clickers. Only problem is my forks feel really harsh. Could it just be from coming up a bit short on these jumps or should I change up some settings? Any help would be awesome
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RussB
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GB
Fantasy
986th
6/19/2017 12:21am
When were they last serviced?
That's always a good place to start with a poor performing fork.

Tell us what bike, model etc you're riding and we will be able to give you more advice
6/19/2017 3:48am
If the forks are feeling harsh when landing from a jump (you say you are landing short) and you have been riding a relatively mild track previously, you may have a whisker too much oil in the forks which stiffens them at the end of the stroke. If you want the forks to sort of feel softer and blow through the stroke a bit, try taking out 10-20cc of oil per leg and give it a go. This is only one solution to your problem. Try it and if it doesn't work, replace the oil and try all the other stuff.. Keep records of everything you do.
Good luck!!

Acidreamer
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Mansfield, OH US
6/19/2017 5:20am
If your springs are too soft for you, you will ride in the stiff part of the stroke. Same goes for bad oil.
YZfan1230
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Location
CA
6/23/2017 12:20pm
The bike is a brand new 16 YZ 450, has maybe 10 hours on it. Maybe I should just stiffen my compression a bit?

The Shop

slipdog
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6/23/2017 12:27pm
How much do you weigh without gear on?
mattyhamz2
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6/23/2017 2:06pm
Might need to get springs for your weight depending on how much you weigh. Don't forget that having the shock set up too soft could cause the forks to feel harsh and stiff. We need more info about your weight to direct you in the right direction
YZfan1230
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234
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Location
CA
6/24/2017 7:14am
Ok so I'm 270 with gear so I'm a heavier rider. I set my sag to 100 and have been working on minor adjustments. I also managed to reduce the harsh feeling by putting my compression up 2 clicks. It's working rather well and now the only time it feels harsh is when I case something (which is to be expected). Thanks for the insight guys!
Acidreamer
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Mansfield, OH US
6/24/2017 3:36pm
YZfan1230 wrote:
Ok so I'm 270 with gear so I'm a heavier rider. I set my sag to 100 and have been working on minor adjustments. I also...
Ok so I'm 270 with gear so I'm a heavier rider. I set my sag to 100 and have been working on minor adjustments. I also managed to reduce the harsh feeling by putting my compression up 2 clicks. It's working rather well and now the only time it feels harsh is when I case something (which is to be expected). Thanks for the insight guys!
Yea dude you need springs first and foremost. Im almost as heavy as you and my kx would sit in the hard part of the stroke. The stiffer springs will hold the bike up higher in the stroke of your forks and shock and utilize the low speed damping ultimately giving you a smoother ride. Racetech springs and shock are about $250 and every bit worth the money.
lumpy790
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York, SC US
6/25/2017 9:06am
Proper springs will make a HUGE difference.

Springs and valving have to work in conjunction. Trying to compensate will make them harsh.

Try heavier springs and back out compression but go a little stiffer on rebound 4 or 5 clicks to slow down pogoing

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