Rutted corners/suspension advice

Tom711
Profile picture for user Tom711
Posts
202
Joined
2/20/2015
Location
GB
Tom711
I rode a maize field track today and with the weather we've been having recently it ended up very rutty through the turns and also running a good bit on the exit. It's the first time I've rode this bike in such rutty conditions and man did I struggle. The front end was constantly climbing out of the ruts, especially when trying to get on the power exiting. Anybody with a bit of suspension knowledge know what adjustments I need to be making? I ride a 16 crf 450 with ohlins cartridges in the forks.
|
Paw Paw 271
Profile picture for user Paw Paw 271
Posts
3640
Joined
4/3/2013
Location
Benton, LA US
Paw Paw 271 12/11/2016 1:46pm
12/11/2016 1:46pm
Get your body weight further up front on the bike in the turns.

Paw Paw
captmoto
Profile picture for user captmoto
Posts
5153
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
captmoto 12/11/2016 3:33pm
12/11/2016 3:33pm
It takes a little more finesse on the throttle too. For me, being kinda ham fisted, I'll try to use a gear higher and then clutch it when I get going a little straighter.
Do what Paw Paw said.first though.
JH911
Profile picture for user JH911
Posts
127
Joined
6/5/2013
Location
Wenatchee, WA US
JH911 12/11/2016 3:40pm
12/11/2016 3:40pm
Once past proper form you may try softening the compression 1-2 clicks to help the fork settle further into the stroke. May be even slow the rebound on the fork as well. Either one could contribute to the bike climbing out of the rut or trying to stand the bike up from a lean. I'd start with compression first. Don't forget to point your toes grip with your knees and elbows up!
j368
Profile picture for user j368
Posts
442
Joined
7/13/2014
Location
Tulsa, OK US
j368 12/11/2016 5:28pm
12/11/2016 5:28pm
Throttle control is critical too. You want to be smooth with the throttle. If you start blipping the throttle to much, the bike wants to stand up right away.

The Shop

See All »
mx621
Profile picture for user mx621
Posts
312
Joined
12/8/2014
Location
DE US
mx621 12/11/2016 6:50pm
12/11/2016 6:50pm
Based on what your describing changing your susp settings will have little impact. Ruts are one of the most tricky things in moto. They take time. I have a rut turn track I ride in my back yard on my crf80.
If your have ohlins inserts it sounds like you are not a beginner. I think we all struggle with ruts at some point. Here are a few things u can try/work on.


-Weight the outside peg on ball of foot.. This is huge for me!! It really makes a diff
-Look ahead. If you stare right in front of the wheel you will always have trouble
-Let the bike lean. Try not to fight the bike. Let it settle
-drag the front brake Gently. I commonly do this. Especially helps while under power, helps keep the wheel planted.
-keep your butt forward. Sitting to far back will make the front end light feeling and more prone poping out.
Tom711
Profile picture for user Tom711
Posts
202
Joined
2/20/2015
Location
GB
Tom711 12/12/2016 4:36am
12/12/2016 4:36am
Cheers guys, I think that throttle control could be a big part of the issue as mentioned. I've been on the 450 a few months now but still find myself riding a little aggressive like I'm still riding the smoker.
I maybe could afford to go a couple of clicks out the compression too, especially round that track as it's just a turn track. If that doesn't help I'm guessing I'll have nothing else to blame but myself Shocked
Thanks again!
Kawasaki-rider 12/12/2016 7:11am
12/12/2016 7:11am Edited Date/Time 12/12/2016 7:12am
Also, a big difference is what bar bend your running. Have you tried some different ones?

Edit: right bar bend will get you further and more front end weight. Smile
305FC250
Profile picture for user 305FC250
Posts
428
Joined
9/18/2016
Location
Miami, FL US
305FC250 12/12/2016 10:30am
12/12/2016 10:30am Edited Date/Time 12/12/2016 10:30am
Kawasaki-rider wrote:
Also, a big difference is what bar bend your running. Have you tried some different ones? Edit: right bar bend will get you further and more...
Also, a big difference is what bar bend your running. Have you tried some different ones?

Edit: right bar bend will get you further and more front end weight. Smile
Anywhere a beginner can read about bar bend and what it does? Or can you school me?
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 12/12/2016 2:32pm
12/12/2016 2:32pm
m21racing wrote:
What is your sag number?
Been waiting for someone to ask this Q...
m21racing
Profile picture for user m21racing
Posts
634
Joined
7/19/2016
Location
Reno, NV US
m21racing 12/12/2016 3:37pm
12/12/2016 3:37pm
I set sag differently than some. I prefer to measure bike on stand in a conical angle, like the seat bolt to axle,then have rider stand on pegs when on the ground. I do this for consistency. Short or tall, all rider's weight will be in same part of bike.

Also, dont be afraid to run less sag on a rutted course, like 100mm.

On forks, you could also raise them slightly in the trees. Maybe 2mm to start with the sag you have. Enjoy!

Post a reply to: Rutted corners/suspension advice