Suspension setup for mx

Hi guys

I've got a 2012 fe570. I just upgraded springs to suit my weight, but left the valving etc stock for the moment. I know this machine is an enduro weapon, and I do use it for this also, but it sure is a comfortable Mx bike for training Motos, and to be honest, I'm seriously thinking about racing it also.

I've used the search function, but couldn't find anything specific for Mx, any rips would be appreciated.

Squ1rrel said:

Tezza - there is no way to say this gently. These bikes are not well suited to MX tracks. I can't think of anything worse than manhandling that 570 around a MX track for practice laps, let alone for a whole moto.

All the wonderful handling characteristics that make these bikes so impressive off-road, simply do not manifest themselves in the cut and thrust world of MX.

I had my FX450 suspension done by Factory Connection (springs and valving), and I can still confirm there is no way to make these bikes feel nimble on a track. I'm absolutely loving it in the desert and frankly, the faster I go, the better it handles - so no complaints there.

Get yourself a 250 2-stroke for MX work, I promise you'll be much happier.

Click to expand...

I'm hearing you mate. But I nearly qualify for masters class, so my pace of riding is nothing like the young fellas on 250f's. I had a rmz450 before this bike, with full blown race suspension, and that thing used to beat me up real quick. I found that on freshly worked tracks with plenty if water I could hammer that thing, but take the track maintenance away and I was mid packing at best. I put the suspension of that bike into the hands of a very good tuner, but soon realized that it's was designed for the serious racer. I clear jumps, not over clear them.

I have a friend with a 4t and a 2t, and he has nothing but dramas when he moves from one bike to the next. The mojo just takes to long to adjust.

I took some helmet cam footage of my practice the other day, and I was quite impressed at the pace, compared to my usual practice pace. I will upload some footage of our next club day when we have one next year.

Taffy said:

I have a 2009 FE570 and have spent all my effort this season in making it firmer but pliant. where are you based? how much do you weigh.

there's a top MX lad MX'd a 450 for the last two seasons and did a fine job but the suspension still bottomed out too easily.

regards

Taffy

Click to expand...

Hi Taffy

I'm only a local clubman rider. I weigh 92kgs and I'm in Australia. I'm not trying to race the state round or anything, just need the suspension to be a little finer tuned.

One of our clubs fastest 450 clubman/senior open riders gave it a run the other day, and absolutely loved the bike, except the suspension. He didn't notice the extra weight and loved it's turning precision over his kx450f. I've got .48 fork springs and a progressive rear.

Do you have any tips for valving etc???