[EastTNMini]

Just bought my first CRF450X (2005 model hardly ridden since new). Can someone confirm if the suspension on a 450R is the same or different on a 450X. I appreciate any feedback and look forward to the forum.

[JimDirt]

Welcome to the site !!

The same as in what specifically ???

The X and R are both 47mm , and are the same but slightly different , the length of the tubes is slightly different , so you can't use a R lower Tube on a X upper tube , or a R upper tube on a X lower tube or vice versa , the valving is completely different/softer on the X , the axel position is set in a different location (fork lug)(the X will turn sharper due to the lug difference from a R as well as from the stops on the lower triple clamp) , which affects turning and handling slightly , the brake caliper mount may be different where it bolts to the fork lug ,if so you would use the caliper mount from the specific bike it came on , as the caliper would be the same , however both use 24mm triple clamps and otherwise the forks themselves are basically "The Same" and interchangeable when done completely , same goes for internal parts , bottoming cones , rebound rod length , etc. are different

Can you put X forks on a R or R forks on a X ?? ... Yes , they will swap out with no issues except the above mentioned which may or may not suit your specific needs , , you can adjust the fork height to compensate for the slightly different length , however I would not recommend using 1 X and 1 R fork leg together

The shock will also be slightly different , the Clevis (the bottom of the shock that attaches to the linkage) is slightly different length , as is the valving different/softer on the X .... the spring is the same and will interchange

Hope that helps ...

[EastTNMini]

Thanks Jimdirt,
My whole reason for asking is I have a friend who has complete front and rear suspension from an 05 450R that has been shortened and rebuilt for supermoto/track. I want to use on my 05 450X and make mine streetable.

[JimDirt]

Well that should be OK , then , but as mentioned , not 100% on the shock clevis , as that changes year to year , I do not know the specific size differences , as the linkage is different from the R to X , so that would lead me to think that the clevis is different length , or overall shock travel/length is different , but that might not matter with the lowered setup , what I would do is take the shocks and set them side by side and note any differences , and test fit to see if there is any binding if set on your bike , remove the spring to allow you to fully work the suspension with it on there ...

[EastTNMini]

Thanks for all of the great advice. Glad I found this site.

[JimDirt]

No problem ... and glad you could join us , there are not enough places like here , where you can come talk about bikes or ask questions about them without all the drama some sites have ......