2011 450R - Suspension / Linkage
  • User avatar
    Project239X
    Posts: 21
    Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:55 am

    2011 450R - Suspension / Linkage

    by Project239X » Wed Oct 03, 2012 3:57 am

    Hey Y'all

    I just sold my 2007 250R and moved up to a 2011 450R. I took it out for the first time last weekend at Armthorpe (Deep, Soft, Heavy wet sand) and I love the bike and the power but the bike handled like a pig. It felt like the tyres were flat and the front kept diving on me. After checking afterwards none of the rebound or comp settings were even (9 on one leg and 7 on the other etc). Eventually I was pushing myself so hard trying to master the bike I came off and broke two ribs :-(

    The bike is already very pretty so I will be directing my money at setting the handling up, I will send it to Shocktech next week to get re-sprung etc....... In the meantime one of my riding buddies recommended also changing to a Pro Circuit linkage also? Immediately another friend said these only really suit short people?? I'm between 6,2 -6,3?

    Can anybody tell me if this is true and would I benefit from one? It's also worth a mention that the bike came with Rinaldi tyres on which I've never heard of, are these also rubbish / adding to my problem?

    Regards
    Steve
  • User avatar
    crfsonly
    Owner
    Posts: 9651
    Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2004 3:45 pm

    by crfsonly » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:11 pm

    the Pro Circuit linkage will help keep the rear planted and more controlled in certain situations. i would only recommend it for suspension improvement and not for height changes.
    OEM Parts for Honda - Yamaha - Suzuki - Kawasaki: http://yeltrik.com
    _________________
    CRF Parts and Accessories: http://crfsonly.com
  • User avatar
    redrider250r
    Posts: 304
    Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 5:57 pm

    by redrider250r » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:13 pm

    Some companies do make specific "lowering links" for shorter riders. If im not mistaken I believe pro circuit makes one of these so make sure you get the right one.
    "If you don't crash, you ain't goin fast enough"
    "The faster you go, the smoother it gets. (Unless saying #1 comes into play)
    2009 CRF250R (mine)
    09 CRF250R (brothers)
    08 CRF250X (dad)
  • User avatar
    crfsonly
    Owner
    Posts: 9651
    Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2004 3:45 pm

    by crfsonly » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:21 pm

    correct...there are the lowering links available. those we stock, are all listed as lowering links. Pro Circuit's link is designed to increase rear suspension control and function. they don't publish any information on whether or not is lowers or highers the rear.
    OEM Parts for Honda - Yamaha - Suzuki - Kawasaki: http://yeltrik.com
    _________________
    CRF Parts and Accessories: http://crfsonly.com
  • User avatar
    Project239X
    Posts: 21
    Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:55 am

    by Project239X » Thu Oct 04, 2012 12:54 am

    Thanks for the info guys, my worry was that I'm looking for handling improvement, because I'm pretty tall I didn't want to be lowering the bike and I was worried this was the case.

    But from what Ken has said so long as I get the right part it will do exactly what I'm after.

    Regards
    Steve
  • bingy331
    Posts: 41
    Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 6:27 am

    by bingy331 » Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:12 am

    To be honest the link does not do all that much.
    Number one is to make sure your susp is set up correct, fresh oils, correct for your weight and in good working condition and all the linkages are in good shape and greased.
    stock rebound and comp settings are always a good starting point to make any minor adjustments from.
    Move the fork tubes down in the clamps as far as they can go when riding sand.
    add a little extra sag when riding sand.
    good quality sand tires
    squeeze and hang on lol

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest