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Other than shortening it 6mm
Looking at an early CRF450 shock
Need spacers for the upper mount, and have to machine the clevis 2mm
Anyone from in here still around? I’m working on fitting this shock from an 06 KX450f and I have filed a little of the frame already and I’m not really comfortable doing much more. I’m grinding near a welded zone. Much more and I’m literally going to want to re-weld. Any advice or is it time to go a different route?
If my thinking is correct, the shock will never get closer to the frame than it is right here. As the rear wheel cycles upward, it will pull the shock away from the frame. I could potentially file a little more of the away and then put some thick graphics there.
I guess technically the shock would only barely potentially touch while in the air?
Very frustrating. This was an attempt to save a few dollars and it looks like I just made it more expensive
Hi Owen mate!
I’ve just registered with Vital, you all seem a great bunch, super knowledgeable and helpful!
I just wanted to know how you got on with it in the end?
I recently picked up a 2022 RMZ450 that the BFRC is knackered on. Been told around a 3 week turnaround time to have it rebuilt and I’m itching to get out on it so I’m looking for cheap temporary replacements to get me riding for next few weeks. I’ve found an 07 KXF450 shock online that’s a affordable and from what I read previously in this thread should be a straight swap, not sure if I’d want to be grinding anything away at this point though.
From my understanding the 18-20 RMZ’s are identical pretty much to the later models so I’m hoping I can go down an identical route as you.
Apologies for pulling up an old thread again but any info would be amazing!
Thanks man!
Be sure to check the sprocket bolts
Hey dude. Good to have you here.
So, the shock "fits".... However it impacts the frame pretty bad. I started to file out a notch for the reservoir to fit and quickly realized that you have to remove a very significant amount of the frame for the shock to clear and not contact the frame. I abandoned the project before getting in too far as I was afraid I was compromising the integrity of the bike. I would NOT recommend doing this. I have seen a few people do it, and maybe they got lucky with some production tolerances and their shocks fit with less modifications but I got out of my comfort zone quickly.
The shock from the 2018-2026 are all identical. You can bolt up a shock from any of these years and it will fit just fine. Furthermore, a shock from a 2019-2026 RM-Z250 will also bolt right up as well with zero modification. That is what I ended up doing and it's awesome.
I think the best fitting KYB shock is the 08 one. That is what I used on my 2018 RMZ450 and did not have to file off any of the frame. It is a very tight fit and would rub the frame a little if you bottom out the suspension.
Thanks for the reply my man!
Shame though as they’re super easy to come by, however I have found a good condition used BFRC that’s the same and cheap so contemplating just getting that to take the uncertainty out for now.
This is my first 450 after having the last few years on an RMZ250 so wish me luck haha!
Got to get my head around tuning the couplers so I can maybe dial her back a bit as I’m sure it’s going to feel absolutely nuts in comparison to my old bike.
How strange! The 06-08 KXF shocks are the exact same so I wonder why some are getting away with it and others are having to grind clearances. As Owen mentioned though, maybe the production tolerances have worked in you favour and other maybe not so lucky. Who knows.
I may well pick one up anyway and see what it’s like on my bike just in case but to make sure I’m good to go I’ll probably go like for like. Not only that, would be interesting to get used to the BFRC and swap in the KYB to compare the two
First 450 ever? My RM-Z was also my first 450.
Use the tuning app and look around on here for some good maps. I have one I think is mellow but strong and I'd be happy to share it if you'd like. All we do is screenshot the data values and you have to copy the info into your tiles and ranges.
I will just urge you to not consider yourself "adapted" for at least 6ish rides. A 450 is truly a different motocross experience than anything. I've had every bike at this point and the 450 stands apart so far. It just makes so much power and torque everywhere that it is almost counterintuitive. It will sound like it's lugging and flat while simultaneously pushing you off the rear end. They're awesome machines and now a year or so in, i am so in love with this bike. It does everything I want it to exactly how I want it to. It is hands down the best motorcycle I have ever been on. If I had to put it second, it would only finish behind my previous generation RM-Z250 which I felt the same about.
Enjoy! Reply or message if you need any help. There's a handful of us RMZ guys on here and between us we have some tips, tricks, and hot takes lol.
It could be luck.
I had the BFRC worked on by my suspension tech and put it back on, I actually did like it after that. I can not tell you what he did to it because I don't ask questions, he has been my tech for over 15 years so I just tell him how it feels stock and then he does his magic and 95% of the time, it is good to go once he is done.
I am on a YZ450 right now but will probably go back the RM-Z once it gets electric start since I am spoiled now. Also, from what I have been told, the 28 model will also have KYB. Time will tell.
Pit Row
I saw some pictures of the RMZ and I do think the 27 will have KYB on it actually. Not sure but it looks like it. Very attractive.
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