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That's intentional. I've been working on making 450s turn better on tighter tracks. Even the forks are up in the clamps about 9mm. This thing is stable AND it turns like a 125.
I ran the axle waaaaay back like I do on a CRF/KXF...But, I'm enjoying the ability to easily take inside lines with this set-up.
Stock, the forks are pretty good but seem a little slow to respond to those brutal kickers that tracks get late in the day. They're better than most; but, seemed to be tuned slow on the compression side as if they're trying to match the slow over-all compression of the shock. The shock just WILL NOT loosen up enough to respond well to choppy kickers or square edged bumps.
I'd talked to someone that tested the "Works" version of this design during the RCH Suzuki era and he'd told me that the shock was ALWAYS "over-valved" and went on to say that it was never quick-enough to react to all the various obstacles on the track...especially "outdoors". He felt that the shock may very well be capable; but, they never got it to work the way they wanted and just went back to the excellent shock they'd been running.
I'd seriously considered a different shock. I talked to an excellent suspension specialist at Factory Connection by the name of Mike Haist and he'd suggested that I give them a try because they're familiar with the shock and understand it's differences.
So, after I raced the Mammoth Qualifier at The Oatfield in April, I sent the suspension off to FC & did a little light servicing on the bike.
When I got it back I went out to Pala and was amazed. You can see that post from May on page 2 of this thread. The bike felt lighter and waaaay more responsive. It jumped, turned and took whoops WAY better and it's simply much easier to ride. The shock feels normal. It is much livelier and is capable of being adjusted fairly "normally"...which you can't say about the stock shock.
The forks went from good to "Epic!". The new Showas are pretty darn good out of the box and FC makes them "A-Kit Great". Any of you RM-Army types in Southern or Northern California that wants to give it a spin? Let a brother know!
The Shop
Now, if the shock (or the linkage) is something you're comfortable with, I'd go for it. But, it's still just a band-aid (link) & what you really need is a good shock...
So, that brings us to the Öhlins: if you've got good local support for that shock & you're comfortable with the price?
ABSOLUTELY!
The bike feels like an entirely DIFFERENT (read BETTER!) bike once you get the rear-end working right. The ability to really attack turns, whoops and big jumps is unleashed and you can really capitalize on the way the RMZ turns...even in the rough stuff.
Here my question... I run T4 in everything I’ve ever rode. I don’t feel like the bike idles real clean. Hard to explain. Almost a little rough?? I’ve never owned a Suzuki so I’m not sure what they should sound like. I did adjust the idle a few times but other than speeding it up or slowing it down, it doesn’t change much.
Kind of a vague question I know.... but any adjustments that need (or can) to be made off the top of your head??? Is it the 4’ long muffler causing the rough sounding idle? Just don’t want to break anything!!!!
If ya really think something is funky, take it back to the shop and compare it to another RMZ.
Running T4 is wise. Really good consistent fuel that lets your bike run right. Keep it out of sunlight/heat and store it in a dry place.
If the bike feels a little rough on square-edged bumps, trying taking a little bit of compression out of the shock.
Enjoy your new ride!
Manny
I left the standard one in it. Haven’t messed with them at all. Probably stick with it.
Do you mess with the idle speed at all? I typically have ran my bikes with a little faster idle in the past....
Appreciate the insight!
Well, I'm pretty stoked on my Factory Connection revalve. It works as good as any other shock I've had on a 450 track bike. Some of you have asked "How do you get the bike to stay 'planted' in the really ugly rutted turns at places like Hangtown or Glen Helen?
Simple!
It's the shock.
It's that Good!
The shock is much livelier in the middle of the stroke and that seems to have helped it with its "dead feeling". The compression adjuster now makes a real difference on the "High Speed" side of the compression stoke and that's making the biggest difference.
Factory Connection has figured this shock out!
Notes: stock link.
Also, a lot of people have had good luck with just getting the correct springs for the fork. I went with Factory Connection up-front, too. Stock is really pretty damn good and just needs the preload set correctly & that often is corrected with good springs. I run my forks up in the clamps about 10mm.
Soviet's NOT the "Auto' clutch. I've got one of those on my Husky 350 for off-road and it's awesome.
It resolves ANY braking issue.
I call this thing “The Small Black Chevy” of 450s. It’s THAT GOOD.
In the beginnng: The Shock set-up was a challenge and Factory Connection resolved that. The fork is excellent and the average guy can get it figured out with a flat-blade screwdriver and might need to correct the pre-load. All the while...
It handles like a TRUE Suzuki.
It turns like a dream and it’s easy to get around the track thanks to an easy to use engine package and an excellent gear box that’s controlled by a VERY easy & smooth clutch.
I raced it (for what’s probably the last time) at this year’s Day in The Dirt:
One holeshot (in a race that was actually my “practice laps” on Friday).
A really fun Team Race on Sat with the folks from Guts (3rd place start!)
And...a Win in 0-50 Int on Sunday! (Another great start!)
The bike is SO EASY to ride for long periods of time...it really is.
I’m gonna miss this thing...
My genius race-tuner adding some Engine Ice...
Friday’s “Warm-Up Race”
Sunday’s Old Guy Race!
Another Win for the TRULY “Long Term Vital MX 2018 RMZ450”.
Pit Row
This has been the single most dependable 450 MXer I've ever ridden for a long period of time.
Post a reply to: The Vital MX '18 RMZ450 (2018 Day In The Dirt Race Report and LONG TERM WEAR status)