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About a 1/16 of movement in all directions. It should move because it's rubber mounted, but it shouldn't bounce around.
Has anyone tried different triple clamps? If so, which one do you prefer and why?
I’d be interested to know as well. Anybody tried triple clamps that made this model feel more like the last gen as far as stability? I’m regretting selling my ‘21 to buy a ‘24. Handling and engine are a step down IMO after putting 30 hours on my ‘24 this summer.
Keefer has a review on ride eng clamps. Sounds like they had to go through a few revisions to get the right flex characteristics, and that it wasn't as simple as slapping on the existing clamps from the 19-23 model. That alone would make me be wary of any manufacture selling clamps for 24's with the same part # as the 19-23.
https://www.keeferinctesting.com/ride-engineering-23mm-triple-clamp-review-2024-kawasaki-kx450/
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Yes. Ride Engineering that was made this year for the 24. I prefer them over stock. They feel more compliant and accurate. I only got them to begin with because the stock ones had the bar clamp holes misaligned.
I’ve been thinking about the Ride ones due to the fact that they seem to be the only company that has tested for the 24’s.
And bar holes misaligned?! Dang that’s unfortunate!
Yes, 19-23 clamps will work but some of them do not work as well. I helped with a little of the testing for Ride Eng. and they did have to make specific clamps to make improvements on the 24-25 KX450. Entering, exiting turns, tracking through rutted turns as well as changing directions is what most riders felt improvements compared to stock and even the 19-23 Xtrig clamps. I did not read Keefer's report but I know he has tested several clamps on that bike including stock KX250 clamps, which are different than the 450.
What don't you like? I'm running my forks flush and 106 to calm her down.
Man this didn't age well, lol.
There's some info on our clamps here in this Vital video (2:50 - 4:40):
https://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/2024-kawasaki-kx450-project-bike-bolt-performance
@ML512 is working on a full review video for the clamps as well.
I’m about the same. Forks flush at 105 sag with axle moved back as well to regain stability. Lean angle bump absorption does not seem as good. Cornering in general seems worse to me with the front end wanting to knife or oversteer, yet not lean predictably at the same time. I’m having a hard time finding my flow through corners. Also, coming into a soft rutted section, the front end feels like it gets overloaded and loses stability. I can see how it would be better in some conditions (harder, tighter tracks), but I was at one with the ‘21. It was probably the best bike, for me, that I’ve ever ridden being a taller guy that rides in a lot of soft stuff. I don’t think I even need to mention power, but I will. This thing is a dog. I know, a vortex and full exhaust will help, but I’m not in a position to make those purchases at the moment. I’ve done as much as I can with it stock and find myself double or triple clutching out of deep corners in second gear where I never had to touch the clutch twice on my ‘21. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts between the two generations. Your likes and dislikes.
I felt the same way with the stock suspension. Bike was a handful entering turns and fast sections. I'm 165 pounds and my guy went to.52's and it's a whole new bike. I feel super confident on the 24 now. It's give and take on 22 vs 24. 22 was stable as could be, 24 carves turns better.
I don't know if you have gutted the stock exhaust, but it's night and day better. Way less clutch and can pull 3rd gear. The engines on my bikes were similar. The 22 had Vortex and FMF with short header. I do like how far I can rev 3rd on the 24. I'm also running a 51 sprocket.
Front end way too soft dude. You put even more weight on it by moving the rear axle back as well.
Did you mess with the rear shock spring at all?
Nope still on stock spring, it's been revalved though.
I’m on PC clamps. I did not have much of an issue with the stock suspension, other than the forks feeling a little harsh over small hard stuff.
Coming from PC kit stuff on my other bike, I thought it was something I just had to put up with. PC mentioned trying their clamps, and a set popped up on here so I tried them and seems to have fixed my minor complaint. They are almost 10 mm wider on the bottom clamping area so I assume they stiffened up the front even more. They are also solid mounted bars, but I have no vibration complaints. (Again, my other bike is a yz250 and I’m a worn and broken down vet- so keep that in mind. )
I’m running .53 springs in the fork with only a 5.8 on the shock. I’ve swapped springs on this bike at least four or five times already and nothing felt better. I’ve tried softer and stiffer on the shock and softer on the fork.
I have gutted the exhaust and cut open the airbox. Running domed twin air filter with a 3-D printed cage. Also running a 51 tooth. Can’t pull 3rd in corners on the 24, but I’m also 195lbs. Maybe I need to revisit running some preload in the fork. I tried 5mm like race tech recommended at one point and it was almost unrideable.
Pit Row
I had to run the forks higher and less sag. I was originally flush with the forks but couldn’t get it to turn no matter how much sag.
Raised the forks , was able to lower the sag and get it to handle and go through bumps well.
I know you aren’t in a position to do it now, but even a slip on makes her a new bike. I have fmf slip on with rubber grommet removed and it was night and day.
Sucks about the suspension. I got mine done by FC and they nailed it. Best cornering bike I’ve ever had and it kept the old generation stability for me. I’ve never been so confident cornering a bike.
My only complaints are air box is janky but no problems to date. I also had some vibration and arm pump issues. Xtrig bar mounts fixed it.
If you feel any oversteer-twitchiness at all, try going up a fork spring rate. I have .53 kg/mm springs in mine.
Keep going stiffer on the fork. You might need to revalve.
I’m heavy as heck and not super slow and I went with racetech recommended rates and then added 7cc to each fork leg and it’s pretty dang good.
I was talking to my other homie. If you're bike feels good then I wouldn't mess with it. I felt the same as Afterbar until I revalved my stuff. I'm on .52's and can bottom when I push, he might need .54's.
I wonder what I’m missing sometimes, but have to be a cheap hippie sometimes
Same here, Dad life means no Ti exhaust, and I just stare at my Vortex cause I'm too cheap to get it mapped.
Not to derail this- but do you blame your vortex mapping for the woes of your last bike? It’s the last piece of my puzzle… but don’t NEED it and don’t want to degrade reliability. Just curious if you have any idea why your last one blew chunks…
I don't. Twisted has mapped a ton of those bikes. I just think 75 hours of sand riding with a faster guy is hard on a bike. I should have torn it apart as soon as I felt it lose power. Bike started feeling really slow the last 2 rides.
I also have shitty luck. My 16 F150 is in the shop for it's second torque converter in 35,000 miles.
I dont know if it's already in this thread. but is it not possible to read hours in the app?
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