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09 TE450 Suspension settings

Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan

Husqvarna
AA Class
Hey guys, wondering if anyone out there has found a well balanced feel for the front forks on an 09TE450.
I weigh about 76kgs with my riding gear on and have set the sag. I've done about 1000kms but the front forks still feel twitchy, especially over tree roots and rocks. I've worked my way from the standard settings but what Im against now is one click firmer on the compression deflects badly on solid impacts on the trail, but one click softer on the compression is too soft. The suspension is factory standard with no revalving etc.
I have my forks dropped through the tripple clamps as well and have a scotts steering dampner which has saved me a few times!
 
Unfortunately, you're going to have to have those forks massaged by a suspension guru to get rid of that unpredictability you're feeling. The forks will have a bad choke point in their stroke about 4-5" from the bottom on a higher speed hit and feel like they've bottomed out. It's a valving flaw. If the spring rates are the same as my stock 08's were, they're WAY too stiff for your weight. The 450's and 510's were sprung for 230lb riders, so this means you can't set the sag correctly for your weight and you're riding around with the front and back ends near the top of their strokes instead of approximately 1/3 - 1/2 into the stroke like they should be. Hope this makes sense?

I had my boingers valved and sprung for my weight, 170lbs and just about couldn't believe I was on the same bike! No more cringing when seeing the sharp rocks and roots and potholes. I can plow them now and the bike is predictable. Had mine done by a local Zoke guru, LTR. Don't know who you have available for that work on your side of the world, but I recommend it as the 1st big mod to accomplish, you won't regret it!
 
Thanks for your insight. My plan is to get my forks and shock sprung and revalved for my riding and weight. Im looking forward to that added confidence and speed!
 
ioneater,
Did you change springs at both ends? Do you know what rate you went to?

I'm 160 w/o gear and my 09 450 seems sprung pretty well in the back, but stiff up front. Valving quality doesn't seem too bad at either end, but the front end does feel like other forks that have had the oil level too high. I think I'm gonna take some out and see if that gives me any clues...
 
Picklito;74232 said:
ioneater,
Did you change springs at both ends? Do you know what rate you went to?

I'm 160 w/o gear and my 09 450 seems sprung pretty well in the back, but stiff up front. Valving quality doesn't seem too bad at either end, but the front end does feel like other forks that have had the oil level too high. I think I'm gonna take some out and see if that gives me any clues...
Click to expand...

Here's Les's info sheet on what he did. Forks stock= .50 Forks now= .44
Shock stock= 5.6 Shock now= 5.2

Also his clicker settings which I haven't touched. It's a goosedown pillow now :thumbsup:




HTH
 
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