[Four-Fifty-X]

Hopefully this topic has not been beaten to death...couldn't find it via search.

The manual for my '06 450x states the fork springs "are about right for riders weighing beteen 150 and 160lbs. So if you're a heavier rider, you have to go up on the oil level or get a stiffer spring."

Out of the box, the fork contains 11.2 US oz, and max with the standard spring is 13.6 US oz.

For the suspension gurus out there, about much should I add the first go around, maybe 1 oz? I'll add .2 oz after the initial bump, until I think the feel is good.

I weigh 200-205, and I'll be riding both tight trails and fireroads. I would say I'm an above average rider with little fear of going fast.

Thanks.

[JTO]

According to Race Tech's Spring Rate Calculator, the stock springs ARE for a 200 lb rider (without gear).

Fork Spring Calc
Shock Spring Calc

Also check here for some additional setup info. They recommend adding 3cc of oil to each fork.

[Four-Fifty-X]

According to Race Tech's Spring Rate Calculator, the stock springs ARE for a 200 lb rider (without gear).

Fork Spring Calc
Shock Spring Calc

Also check here for some additional setup info. They recommend adding 3cc of oil to each fork.

Race tech's calculator indicates a rider weight of 166 for stock fork springs. Desert riding...

[slomotobug]

I am in the range of 215-220lbs, I changed the oil to 10W in the forks and went 40cc more than stock. The "add 3cc" thing does nothing. Think about it, one ounce is around 28cc, so if you add 3cc, you're adding about 2 drops of oil to the fork, nothing......

I have found that using 7W or 10W oils in the forks is more effective than just adding fluid. Plus it's a good idea to get the stock oil out anyway, it's a break in only oil, just like what comes in the engine and tranny, it's not meant for long term use.

[JTO]

Race tech's calculator indicates a rider weight of 166 for stock fork springs. Desert riding...

My bad!
I just checked...for some reason they show the stock '05 springs are for a 200 lb rider, but they are showing '06 are for a 166 lb rider.
That doesn't make sense! I can't imagine Honda changed the springs at all, and certainly not that much

[Jeff4510]

I am in the range of 215-220lbs, I changed the oil to 10W in the forks and went 40cc more than stock. The "add 3cc" thing does nothing. Think about it, one ounce is around 28cc, so if you add 3cc, you're adding about 2 drops of oil to the fork, nothing......

I have found that using 7W or 10W oils in the forks is more effective than just adding fluid. Plus it's a good idea to get the stock oil out anyway, it's a break in only oil, just like what comes in the engine and tranny, it's not meant for long term use.

so how are the results with that change? I am 205 and I ride woods and some desert. thanks!

[whoya]

Race tech's calculator indicates a rider weight of 166 for stock fork springs. Desert riding...

My bad!
I just checked...for some reason they show the stock '05 springs are for a 200 lb rider, but they are showing '06 are for a 166 lb rider.
That doesn't make sense! I can't imagine Honda changed the springs at all, and certainly not that much

Ive found some conflicting info on race tech site also. Like "The rear spring is ideal for a rider weight of 200 lbs". Now how can this be? I also saw the 150 - 160 lb reference in the manual for the fork springs.
They dont mention the ideal weight for the rear spring... but it does explain the rear spring will be determined by setting race sag. I weight 185 and my sag was 4 1/2 " from the dealer so I had to turn a bunch of preload into it. Now the spring length is 9 7/8 "...... right on the edge for a stiffer spring.

[Four-Fifty-X]

Race tech's calculator indicates a rider weight of 166 for stock fork springs. Desert riding...

My bad!
I just checked...for some reason they show the stock '05 springs are for a 200 lb rider, but they are showing '06 are for a 166 lb rider.
That doesn't make sense! I can't imagine Honda changed the springs at all, and certainly not that much

Ive found some conflicting info on race tech site also. Like "The rear spring is ideal for a rider weight of 200 lbs". Now how can this be? I also saw the 150 - 160 lb reference in the manual for the fork springs.
They dont mention the ideal weight for the rear spring... but it does explain the rear spring will be determined by setting race sag. I weight 185 and my sag was 4 1/2 " from the dealer so I had to turn a bunch of preload into it. Now the spring length is 9 7/8 "...... right on the edge for a stiffer spring.

I noticed that too. Why is the front end setup for a light rider and the back end setup for a 200 pounder? It doesn't make sense, but I think it's true. I know three of four guys that have put new fork springs in, but are happy with the rears...