wondering if anyone has a good suggestion for my 2026 crf450r suspension.
I’m a pretty fast A rider with aspirations to go to Loretta’s in 25+ and get a pro license etc. got some spring tubes in the forks with a revalve, and the rear shock we put an 18mm shaft and a revalve/ re spring
I’ve ridden bikes with A kit before and they were way more plush than my bike currently is. A kit seems more planted to the ground and more predictable. Anyone also have this experience? Comparing to stock components?
There’s some guys that will die on the hill of “you can make your stuff work plenty good for what you’re doing” but I feel like now that I’ve seen the other side there’s no going back
Wondering what guys in my situation and speed level are doing? I’m not trying to break the bank and buy a full A kit setup, but wondering if there’s a cheaper option that still delivers the results I’m looking for. And if I need to just nut up and buy A kit someone that knows more than me please tell me I need to😂
Pro Circuit & Tell Justin Exactly what you are looking for & he will get you on the ride you are looking for!!
i'm a 66 yr old man riding a 2021kx450 & Pro circuit did exactly what i ask for
Not just i'm 220 lbs set it up for me
Tell them what you are looking for for best results
you should watch @RideJBI youtube video on Akit vs revalve..kind of eye opening. Might help you make your decision.
SOOOO you are an A rider and asking others for suspension set up advice???
In your first post ever????
The first question you should be asking is who setup the A kit stuff you rode? How many revalves have you had on your stock stuff to find the setting you prefer? Unless your racing supercross the 18mm shock shaft is the opposite of what your looking for in the rear, the Lawrence's run the stock 16mm shaft for motocross. Racing A grade I've owned Showa A kit, kyb a kit and have ridden friends WP pro components in the past and my advice is to save your money. Yes it has better hold up and predictability in very heavy or deep conditions however it is harsher in drier choppier conditions. I run stock components these days and it certainly doesn't hold back my potential. Get a better setting in your stuff and spend the money on fresh tyres and track days and you'll be further ahead.
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Thanks for the info. This is my first Honda so I’m not really sure where to start. I didn’t know that the 16mm shaft is preferred, I was told the opposite so that’s helpful! And yes I definitely have a couple more revalves until I could find a setting I really like. Maybe that 18mm shaft is the source of some of the discomfort in the rear.
Not too proud to admit when I don’t know something 🤷♂️
Set the sag up soft and keep testing your brains out till you like it, go to far this way….then go to far that way. You will hit something you like.
But there won’t be a setting that anyone can give you that you will like on a beat Loretta’s track late in the afternoon
How much do you weigh? What are your current springs? Spring tubes and 18mm shaft is a setup towards stiffer. Are you looking for more compliance on small bumps? Are you looking for better bottoming resistance? A kit is not specifically the answer. Well setup stock is much better than a portly setup A kit. Find what you dislike and what it is doing well. One thing to make sure and experiment with is fork and shock spring preload. Especially with the spring tubes. This is typically 3-8mm preload and will change the feel and balance just like rear sag. Experiment with clickers. Soft shock can make a fork feel firm. Firm fork can make a shock feel soft. Typically if the valving is nothing out of the ordinary it’s going to come down to clickers, springs, oil height and preload. Every variable that is introduced can make it more complicated. Test one thing at a time and note +\- change. Make sure linkage, swingarm and steering bearings are free and greased. Check fork alignment. Check chain tension. Check chassis bolt torque.
I once saw a video of Jeremy McGrath and he was lubing his chain 3-4 inches at a time, you could tell he never lubed a chain in his life, and was one of the best, relax lump…
Graeme Broughe.
He will actually spend time with you to TEACH you about your suspension. His settings have been spot on for me over years. He will also work with you until you are absolutely happy. Great dude! I can't say enough good things about him.
Op was the A kit you rode on a 25/26 honda? Go with what that guy had or its apples N oranges.
But Having rode 23 through current hondas Make the bike as long as possible. Race cups to lessen head angle & gain 4-5mm wheel base. Run the FCP upper engine hangers.Make the low end smooth & lengthen power with pipe, vortex.
The 18mm shock shaft on the WE feels ok but its true about the 16mm.18mm moves more oil through adjuster .
I have also have had luck with a 1 step stiffer rear spring than you would expect. this lessens spring preload .helps off throttle loading of front.
But all these mods come on the 2027 due to arrive shortly. sell 26 & you may be money ahead.
Larger diameter shock shaft would take more force to compress.
Imagine entering a swimming pool via cannonball vs dive,
changing your body's diameter changes the force needed to enter the water, measurable by the amount of water displaced.
Over the years more pro's than you'd think have tested, used re valved stock stuff. Don't one track mind yourself into thinking its A kit or bust.
Love the tech nerd stuff. Thanks for the suggestion. Lots of good info.
Work with someone who rides and can go as fast or faster than you.
I highly recommend Levi Kilbarger as that guy. Bonzi in Ohio. He will give you what you want.
Where are you located ? If you’re in So Cal I have a buddy who’s worked for a bunch of teams over the last 40 years and will come to the track and spend all day with you as needed.
I know everyone has “ their guy” but I’m confident Bret would exceed your expectations.
Dm me if you want his number.
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