Worth replacing 2012 CRF450 forks with the new air forks from a 2013

Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler
Edited Date/Time 7/16/2013 9:35pm
I just bought a new 2012 CRF450. I decided to fix the flaws of the 2012 instead of going with a 2013. I got a good price on it and prefer the looks of the 2012 Hondas. Do you think it is worth replacing the 2012 forks with the new air forks from a 2013 CRF450? Some people rave about the new air forks (especially bottoming resistance), but I am not sure how much better a well set up 2013 air fork is over a well set up 2012 fork. Any opinions or experiences with the 2013 air fork?

The fact that the pros haven't jumped on them yet and are running last years forls might be a signal. I beleive they are saying they have the old fork worked out and havent had enough time to work on their set ups for the air forks yet.

mike
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Xeno
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Xeno 6/16/2013 8:52am
6/16/2013 8:52am
Well, the air forks will cost over $2000. For half of that you can have Pro Circuit set up your suspension with their internal parts.

You will be amazed at the final product- way better than stock air forks.
Crush
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Crush 6/16/2013 9:03am
6/16/2013 9:03am
From the reading i've done, if you find someone with a 13 it's pretty likely they'd happily swap ya!

haha...
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Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 6/16/2013 9:08am
6/16/2013 9:08am Edited Date/Time 6/16/2013 9:13am
I have Showa A-kit suspension on my other bike, but I ran into a very nice deal on a pair of new 2013 air forks.

I remember long ago when we made our own air forks.. we used to remove the springs, would add a spacer and a longer bolt at the bottom of the fork internals to increase the fork travel, and drill and tap the fork cap for a valve (I think we used tire vales Smile ). Actually they worked very well... Fork action was smooth and progressive and bottoming resistance greatly improved. It wasn't bad at all for a home garage modification.

mike
gotwings
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gotwings 6/16/2013 9:27am
6/16/2013 9:27am
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...

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JW381
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JW381 6/16/2013 9:33am
6/16/2013 9:33am
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
It's true, you shouldn't listen to people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact.

Evil Evil
zlowery
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zlowery 6/16/2013 9:57am
6/16/2013 9:57am
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
Exactly.
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 6/16/2013 9:59am
6/16/2013 9:59am
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when the decsion has already been made and past history. Dual exhaust, pointy space toy plastic, and a $2k higher price tag than what I paid for the new 2012 (not to mention that I am also still unsure of the air forks) is what I based the decision on. I decided to build the bike I want to ride.

Back to the topic of the air forks.. what I found intesresting is I have found a few instances of collapsed forks on the 2013 CRF's and KXF's on these modern tech purpose-designed air foks. I dont recall too much of that happening on the old fashioned mid-1970's technology not even designed as air forks. I modified my 1975 CR125 and 1976 RM250 forks.. did a lot of mud races and they held up fine. Not sure what that tells us.

mike
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JW381
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JW381 6/16/2013 10:05am
6/16/2013 10:05am
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when...
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when the decsion has already been made and past history. Dual exhaust, pointy space toy plastic, and a $2k higher price tag than what I paid for the new 2012 (not to mention that I am also still unsure of the air forks) is what I based the decision on. I decided to build the bike I want to ride.

Back to the topic of the air forks.. what I found intesresting is I have found a few instances of collapsed forks on the 2013 CRF's and KXF's on these modern tech purpose-designed air foks. I dont recall too much of that happening on the old fashioned mid-1970's technology not even designed as air forks. I modified my 1975 CR125 and 1976 RM250 forks.. did a lot of mud races and they held up fine. Not sure what that tells us.

mike
I've never rode either, but based on the "dual exhaust, pointy space toy plastic, and a $2k higher price tag than what I paid for the new 2012" I think you made right decision. I'd say all modern bikes can be made to ride blisteringly fast, so might as well get the one you want.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 6/16/2013 10:07am
6/16/2013 10:07am
You can sell your forks to the Air-Fork-New-Technology-Scares-Me crowd...or...tell an Air-Hater w/ a '13 that you'll trade him if he throws in a new set of tires...

Yes, it can go down like that!

Do you have ANY idea how many people have switched to your forks 'cause they're clueless about the new ones?
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jtiger12
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jtiger12 6/16/2013 1:34pm
6/16/2013 1:34pm
been thinking about doing the same thing you did. leftover 2012. switch out to air forks and an rcs ti rear spring. light, great handling 450 with rock solid reliability.
gotwings
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gotwings 6/16/2013 2:24pm
6/16/2013 2:24pm
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
JW381 wrote:
It's true, you shouldn't listen to people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact.

Evil Evil
I realise you're watching Nascar ang halfway thru your 12er of Coors and trying to be clever, but I'm posting from facts and experience having owned both.
Please leave this to the adults. Thanks.
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gotwings
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gotwings 6/16/2013 2:26pm
6/16/2013 2:26pm
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when...
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when the decsion has already been made and past history. Dual exhaust, pointy space toy plastic, and a $2k higher price tag than what I paid for the new 2012 (not to mention that I am also still unsure of the air forks) is what I based the decision on. I decided to build the bike I want to ride.

Back to the topic of the air forks.. what I found intesresting is I have found a few instances of collapsed forks on the 2013 CRF's and KXF's on these modern tech purpose-designed air foks. I dont recall too much of that happening on the old fashioned mid-1970's technology not even designed as air forks. I modified my 1975 CR125 and 1976 RM250 forks.. did a lot of mud races and they held up fine. Not sure what that tells us.

mike
Sorry, just trying to help. Didnt realise you were just posting to read your owm words on the internet.
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Outsider
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Outsider 6/16/2013 2:28pm
6/16/2013 2:28pm
gotwings wrote:
Sorry, just trying to help. Didnt realise you were just posting to read your owm words on the internet.
Got wings, just ain't got no brains!
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Denn700
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Denn700 6/16/2013 2:49pm
6/16/2013 2:49pm
I have a 13 KX450F and I have other bikes as well. I hate the air forks but I also sponsor a friend who is a pro rider and he loves them. I sent them to Pro Circuit and they did make them better but it still doesnt work as well as the SFF forks on my 250f's. To me they either bottom out when I put less air in them and are good in the braking bumps or they dont bottom out when I put moreair Iin them but they suck in the braking bumps. I am sending them to enzo this week and getting the gold outer coating and everything done but if they cant fix them I am getting some new forks. I may even get A-kit suspension.
TripleFive 6/16/2013 2:49pm
6/16/2013 2:49pm Edited Date/Time 6/16/2013 2:53pm
Sounds like you're wasting money to me.

The best suspension product we ever purchased was a Race Tech manual on re-valving your own stuff.
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mototrader
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mototrader 6/16/2013 2:50pm
6/16/2013 2:50pm
if you can get a deal on them and you think they work good ..why not???

Personally i'd just keep the bike as it is and get the suspension settup for your weight and throw an exhaust on and use the rest to fix whatever imperfections the bike has. i dont understand why local racers and weekend warriors mod out bikes and make them hotrods..all it does is make them slower
JW381
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JW381 6/16/2013 3:08pm
6/16/2013 3:08pm
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
JW381 wrote:
It's true, you shouldn't listen to people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact.

Evil Evil
gotwings wrote:
I realise you're watching Nascar ang halfway thru your 12er of Coors and trying to be clever, but I'm posting from facts and experience having owned...
I realise you're watching Nascar ang halfway thru your 12er of Coors and trying to be clever, but I'm posting from facts and experience having owned both.
Please leave this to the adults. Thanks.
I can't even imagine how far that stick up your ass is. I wasn't even talking about you, fuckin hardass.
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Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 6/16/2013 3:19pm
6/16/2013 3:19pm Edited Date/Time 6/16/2013 3:27pm
gotwings wrote:
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box. And don't listen to...
Just get the 2013. Even though you prefer the looks of the 9-12. Its a much better bike out of the box.
And don't listen to the people who only read idiots comments on the web and re-post them as fact...
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when...
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when the decsion has already been made and past history. Dual exhaust, pointy space toy plastic, and a $2k higher price tag than what I paid for the new 2012 (not to mention that I am also still unsure of the air forks) is what I based the decision on. I decided to build the bike I want to ride.

Back to the topic of the air forks.. what I found intesresting is I have found a few instances of collapsed forks on the 2013 CRF's and KXF's on these modern tech purpose-designed air foks. I dont recall too much of that happening on the old fashioned mid-1970's technology not even designed as air forks. I modified my 1975 CR125 and 1976 RM250 forks.. did a lot of mud races and they held up fine. Not sure what that tells us.

mike
gotwings wrote:
Sorry, just trying to help. Didnt realise you were just posting to read your owm words on the internet.
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd up on a past decision and should have bought a 2013. I knew the difference between the '12 and '13 bikes beforehand.

Back to the topic.. I was trying to recall why we gave up on air forks years ago anyway, but that was some decades ago. I vaguely recall that the air forks didnt like the little bumps when they were pumped up to give bottoming resistance. It was a little tough getting the best of both worlds, while the spring didnt have the same bottoming resistance, it was easier to manage the compromise between being good on the soft stuff and good on the big hits. It was years ago so memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it is very similar to the the points that Denn700 was making.

Maybe a good compromise is the combination spring and air fork.. still adjustable.

I will probably will pass on the air forks, but it was a great deal.. probably the guy came to the same conclusion after buying them. Out of the crate, the YZ450F Kayaba SSS forks and the KX250F Showa SFF forks seem to be getting the best praise.

Before the suspension, the biggest problem with the 2012 CRF450 I think is the engine. It is a pig for my liking, but I know it can be dramatically improved. Right now putting in a new stage 2 Hot Cam, Hinson clutch, FMF 4.1 exhaust, Tokyo Mods ECU mapping, Injectioneering throttle body mod, adding a tooth to the rear sprocket, higher pressure radiator cap, HRC triple clamps + a box full of bling. The 2013 CRF450 benefits from about all the same mods.. Besides a better clutch, I think the only significant thing the 2013 does better out of the crate is a better chassis feel when entering turns but the rear shock may be worse on the '13.
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mototrader
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mototrader 6/16/2013 3:47pm
6/16/2013 3:47pm
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when...
I am sure you mean well, but pointless to tell someone to do something after the fact which does nothing except poop on someones decision when the decsion has already been made and past history. Dual exhaust, pointy space toy plastic, and a $2k higher price tag than what I paid for the new 2012 (not to mention that I am also still unsure of the air forks) is what I based the decision on. I decided to build the bike I want to ride.

Back to the topic of the air forks.. what I found intesresting is I have found a few instances of collapsed forks on the 2013 CRF's and KXF's on these modern tech purpose-designed air foks. I dont recall too much of that happening on the old fashioned mid-1970's technology not even designed as air forks. I modified my 1975 CR125 and 1976 RM250 forks.. did a lot of mud races and they held up fine. Not sure what that tells us.

mike
gotwings wrote:
Sorry, just trying to help. Didnt realise you were just posting to read your owm words on the internet.
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd...
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd up on a past decision and should have bought a 2013. I knew the difference between the '12 and '13 bikes beforehand.

Back to the topic.. I was trying to recall why we gave up on air forks years ago anyway, but that was some decades ago. I vaguely recall that the air forks didnt like the little bumps when they were pumped up to give bottoming resistance. It was a little tough getting the best of both worlds, while the spring didnt have the same bottoming resistance, it was easier to manage the compromise between being good on the soft stuff and good on the big hits. It was years ago so memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it is very similar to the the points that Denn700 was making.

Maybe a good compromise is the combination spring and air fork.. still adjustable.

I will probably will pass on the air forks, but it was a great deal.. probably the guy came to the same conclusion after buying them. Out of the crate, the YZ450F Kayaba SSS forks and the KX250F Showa SFF forks seem to be getting the best praise.

Before the suspension, the biggest problem with the 2012 CRF450 I think is the engine. It is a pig for my liking, but I know it can be dramatically improved. Right now putting in a new stage 2 Hot Cam, Hinson clutch, FMF 4.1 exhaust, Tokyo Mods ECU mapping, Injectioneering throttle body mod, adding a tooth to the rear sprocket, higher pressure radiator cap, HRC triple clamps + a box full of bling. The 2013 CRF450 benefits from about all the same mods.. Besides a better clutch, I think the only significant thing the 2013 does better out of the crate is a better chassis feel when entering turns but the rear shock may be worse on the '13.
how fast are you??
mark_swart
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mark_swart 6/16/2013 3:51pm
6/16/2013 3:51pm
I don't think the maintenance headache would be worth it, especially in addition the expense of tracking some down and then getting them set up. Heck, wasn't Reed running the older ones this year?
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 6/16/2013 4:57pm
6/16/2013 4:57pm
gotwings wrote:
Sorry, just trying to help. Didnt realise you were just posting to read your owm words on the internet.
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd...
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd up on a past decision and should have bought a 2013. I knew the difference between the '12 and '13 bikes beforehand.

Back to the topic.. I was trying to recall why we gave up on air forks years ago anyway, but that was some decades ago. I vaguely recall that the air forks didnt like the little bumps when they were pumped up to give bottoming resistance. It was a little tough getting the best of both worlds, while the spring didnt have the same bottoming resistance, it was easier to manage the compromise between being good on the soft stuff and good on the big hits. It was years ago so memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it is very similar to the the points that Denn700 was making.

Maybe a good compromise is the combination spring and air fork.. still adjustable.

I will probably will pass on the air forks, but it was a great deal.. probably the guy came to the same conclusion after buying them. Out of the crate, the YZ450F Kayaba SSS forks and the KX250F Showa SFF forks seem to be getting the best praise.

Before the suspension, the biggest problem with the 2012 CRF450 I think is the engine. It is a pig for my liking, but I know it can be dramatically improved. Right now putting in a new stage 2 Hot Cam, Hinson clutch, FMF 4.1 exhaust, Tokyo Mods ECU mapping, Injectioneering throttle body mod, adding a tooth to the rear sprocket, higher pressure radiator cap, HRC triple clamps + a box full of bling. The 2013 CRF450 benefits from about all the same mods.. Besides a better clutch, I think the only significant thing the 2013 does better out of the crate is a better chassis feel when entering turns but the rear shock may be worse on the '13.
mototrader wrote:
how fast are you??
Getting slower by the minute.. by my 70's air fork comments, you might have guessed I am an ageing vet rider. Been riding MX since I was 8.. that is about 45 years of MX. I was an expert class rider in the mid to late 70's. Just an old vet rider now but still somehow manage to keep up with many of the young guys if riding regularly. Why?
mototrader
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mototrader 6/16/2013 5:37pm
6/16/2013 5:37pm
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd...
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd up on a past decision and should have bought a 2013. I knew the difference between the '12 and '13 bikes beforehand.

Back to the topic.. I was trying to recall why we gave up on air forks years ago anyway, but that was some decades ago. I vaguely recall that the air forks didnt like the little bumps when they were pumped up to give bottoming resistance. It was a little tough getting the best of both worlds, while the spring didnt have the same bottoming resistance, it was easier to manage the compromise between being good on the soft stuff and good on the big hits. It was years ago so memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it is very similar to the the points that Denn700 was making.

Maybe a good compromise is the combination spring and air fork.. still adjustable.

I will probably will pass on the air forks, but it was a great deal.. probably the guy came to the same conclusion after buying them. Out of the crate, the YZ450F Kayaba SSS forks and the KX250F Showa SFF forks seem to be getting the best praise.

Before the suspension, the biggest problem with the 2012 CRF450 I think is the engine. It is a pig for my liking, but I know it can be dramatically improved. Right now putting in a new stage 2 Hot Cam, Hinson clutch, FMF 4.1 exhaust, Tokyo Mods ECU mapping, Injectioneering throttle body mod, adding a tooth to the rear sprocket, higher pressure radiator cap, HRC triple clamps + a box full of bling. The 2013 CRF450 benefits from about all the same mods.. Besides a better clutch, I think the only significant thing the 2013 does better out of the crate is a better chassis feel when entering turns but the rear shock may be worse on the '13.
mototrader wrote:
how fast are you??
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Getting slower by the minute.. by my 70's air fork comments, you might have guessed I am an ageing vet rider. Been riding MX since I...
Getting slower by the minute.. by my 70's air fork comments, you might have guessed I am an ageing vet rider. Been riding MX since I was 8.. that is about 45 years of MX. I was an expert class rider in the mid to late 70's. Just an old vet rider now but still somehow manage to keep up with many of the young guys if riding regularly. Why?
unless you're qualifying for nationals or you're a humongous lard ass (300+ lbs without gear) , any stock 450 has more than enough power to get around the track
thephoenix 6/16/2013 6:04pm
6/16/2013 6:04pm
mototrader wrote:
if you can get a deal on them and you think they work good ..why not??? Personally i'd just keep the bike as it is and...
if you can get a deal on them and you think they work good ..why not???

Personally i'd just keep the bike as it is and get the suspension settup for your weight and throw an exhaust on and use the rest to fix whatever imperfections the bike has. i dont understand why local racers and weekend warriors mod out bikes and make them hotrods..all it does is make them slower
I would have to agree. My last 450 (in 2005 haha), I had it fully juiced, headwork, cam, springs, carb work, 13.5:1 piston, full exhaust, U4 fuel...beast. I holeshot everything, but by the end of the 3rd and 4th moto, after 30 other classes raced, the bike was hard to hang onto, and once you were tired, it was lights out.

Now, the STOCK 450's are making the power my fully modded '04 was...and people think they need more power...if you don't have a pro license, it's doubtful you can even use the stock power (except for fatass vet riders that need all they can get).

I was just as fast on a 250f, especially on a rough track. Amateurs don't need 60hp.
mx317
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mx317 6/16/2013 6:18pm
6/16/2013 6:18pm
Damn, there's a bunch of pricks in this thread.
mototrader
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mototrader 6/16/2013 6:22pm
6/16/2013 6:22pm
mx317 wrote:
Damn, there's a bunch of pricks in this thread.
lols, yeah..giving someone sound advice makes me a prick...you know..telling the dude not to mess with a good thing if it ain't broke..
throttle77
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throttle77 6/16/2013 6:26pm
6/16/2013 6:26pm
Xeno wrote:
Well, the air forks will cost over $2000. For half of that you can have Pro Circuit set up your suspension with their internal parts. You...
Well, the air forks will cost over $2000. For half of that you can have Pro Circuit set up your suspension with their internal parts.

You will be amazed at the final product- way better than stock air forks.
This seems like the best idea.
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JW381 6/16/2013 6:27pm
6/16/2013 6:27pm
mx317 wrote:
Damn, there's a bunch of pricks in this thread.
mototrader wrote:
lols, yeah..giving someone sound advice makes me a prick...you know..telling the dude not to mess with a good thing if it ain't broke..
No I agree with 317. You didn't answer his question or give him advice in regards to his question. You and gotwings basically just told him his question was dumb. Who died and made you dipshits the moto wisemen?
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San Clemente, CA, USA
Xeno 6/16/2013 6:27pm
6/16/2013 6:27pm Edited Date/Time 6/16/2013 6:28pm
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd...
Wasnt looking to hear my own words.. was looking for other opinions about a possible future decision re the forks, not to hear that I f'd up on a past decision and should have bought a 2013. I knew the difference between the '12 and '13 bikes beforehand.

Back to the topic.. I was trying to recall why we gave up on air forks years ago anyway, but that was some decades ago. I vaguely recall that the air forks didnt like the little bumps when they were pumped up to give bottoming resistance. It was a little tough getting the best of both worlds, while the spring didnt have the same bottoming resistance, it was easier to manage the compromise between being good on the soft stuff and good on the big hits. It was years ago so memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it is very similar to the the points that Denn700 was making.

Maybe a good compromise is the combination spring and air fork.. still adjustable.

I will probably will pass on the air forks, but it was a great deal.. probably the guy came to the same conclusion after buying them. Out of the crate, the YZ450F Kayaba SSS forks and the KX250F Showa SFF forks seem to be getting the best praise.

Before the suspension, the biggest problem with the 2012 CRF450 I think is the engine. It is a pig for my liking, but I know it can be dramatically improved. Right now putting in a new stage 2 Hot Cam, Hinson clutch, FMF 4.1 exhaust, Tokyo Mods ECU mapping, Injectioneering throttle body mod, adding a tooth to the rear sprocket, higher pressure radiator cap, HRC triple clamps + a box full of bling. The 2013 CRF450 benefits from about all the same mods.. Besides a better clutch, I think the only significant thing the 2013 does better out of the crate is a better chassis feel when entering turns but the rear shock may be worse on the '13.
As far as the clutch and gearing: If you are riding hardpack or slippery tracks with sweeping turns- you might consider the Hinson steel clutch basket (aka "momentum" basket). I've ridden the CRF450R with both the Hinson billet aluminum basket and the steel version, and the latter has better traction exiting turns and is less prone to stalling.

For gearing: 14/51 is the ticket for most motocross applications.
mototrader
Profile picture for user mototrader
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3/17/2013
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Buda, TX, USA
mototrader 6/16/2013 6:45pm
6/16/2013 6:45pm
mx317 wrote:
Damn, there's a bunch of pricks in this thread.
mototrader wrote:
lols, yeah..giving someone sound advice makes me a prick...you know..telling the dude not to mess with a good thing if it ain't broke..
JW381 wrote:
No I agree with 317. You didn't answer his question or give him advice in regards to his question. You and gotwings basically just told him...
No I agree with 317. You didn't answer his question or give him advice in regards to his question. You and gotwings basically just told him his question was dumb. Who died and made you dipshits the moto wisemen?
..i stated that it wasnt worth buying a set of forks that are considered sub-par and unproven to some when there was nothing wrong with the 12'

also, making a hotrod 450 is just dumb!!
Tokyo_Tiddler
Profile picture for user Tokyo_Tiddler
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Somewhere in, NJ, USA
Tokyo_Tiddler 6/16/2013 7:12pm
6/16/2013 7:12pm Edited Date/Time 6/16/2013 7:30pm
mototrader wrote:
how fast are you??
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Getting slower by the minute.. by my 70's air fork comments, you might have guessed I am an ageing vet rider. Been riding MX since I...
Getting slower by the minute.. by my 70's air fork comments, you might have guessed I am an ageing vet rider. Been riding MX since I was 8.. that is about 45 years of MX. I was an expert class rider in the mid to late 70's. Just an old vet rider now but still somehow manage to keep up with many of the young guys if riding regularly. Why?
mototrader wrote:
unless you're qualifying for nationals or you're a humongous lard ass (300+ lbs without gear) , any stock 450 has more than enough power to get...
unless you're qualifying for nationals or you're a humongous lard ass (300+ lbs without gear) , any stock 450 has more than enough power to get around the track
Just 185 pounds, but you get lazy when you get old, so instead of railing around a corner, now I just like to grab a handful of throttle and seat bounce over the doubles coming out of the corner. I guess that is why vet riders like the big bikes. After 45 yeas of motocross, I may have figured out what is too much power. A healthy 450 is fine, but I take it you havent ridden a 2012 CRF450 out of the show room.. with the tiny hole in the muffler for the 2012 and the extra lean jetting which kills quite a bit of life in the motor. It just doesnt have the power of my other bike and is hoo hum at best. I am not hot rodding the motor.. not adding compression nor porting.. just putting a right size hole on the muffler so it can breath like it should, fixing the lean jetting so it runs better, fixing the gearing as there is guite a gap between second and 3rd gear, fixing the pitiful 4 spring clutch so it works like intended, and fixing the flame-out problem of the Honda. Not so radical and I wouldn't call that hot rodding. How old are you?

Post a reply to: Worth replacing 2012 CRF450 forks with the new air forks from a 2013