Whats up everyone? So i have been riding motocross for about a year now still a beginner maybe moving up to novice soon! Only have like three pretty close friends who know about bikes and motocross and i am constantly getting different answers or opinions from them. Nothing unusual about this, i understand but i was wanting to get more opinions/views. I have some questions about upgrading some things on my bike. I have a 2011 crf450r. I already have renthal twinwall bars, protaper bar clamps, sunline v1 mdx levers/just the levers i didnt get the complete assembly so i still have the stock perches, fastway pegs, fmf power core 4 slip on, chain and sprockets/stock front 52 rear, grips, suspension and air filter. Pretty minor things but i was wondering where i should go from here? I just got new gear and boots, still have a fox v1 helmet so thinking of getting a better helmet but any/all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys/gals!

Id suggest you buy the best helmet you can afford. As a matter of fact, if you cant afford a shoei or arai put it on credit.

Then call Marty Smith for a riding lesson. And I'm not kidding. You'd be amazed at how many things you're doing wrong. Id also have you put the stock gearing back on the bike. It'll be easier to ride. There's no reason for a beginner to gear the bike down.

Dont put a Shoei or Arai on credit. Go get yourself a Fly V2 and be happy.  I came from Shoei's to Fly lol.  Not trying to start a helmet vs. thread but there is comparable or equal helmets that cost less.  The V2 being one of them.  I have always said if its good enough for a top 20 pro than I'm sure its good enough for me.  Get a better helmet first. Do you wear a chest protector? if not get one...I have broke mine several times but never a rib(except when I didnt have it on )

As for the bike.  Your stock perches are fine with MDX levers...Honda has the best stock clutch pull ratio IMHO.  I doubt you really need a faster bike...I would concentrate on controls and ergos.  Being comfortable will make you faster.  You should have no problem clearing everything on a stcok crf450 motor.  But my first suggestion would be to get a new map for your FMF exhaust.  That should make a big difference.  I wouldnt really worry about making alot more power though.  I know guys racing Pro2 Worcs and Expert class at some local races and have almost completely stock engine.

I wear the full kit, elbow guards, knee guards, chest protector, gloves, helmet, kidney belt, and boots. I swear by them.  Keeps little spills from hurting you. Hope you have most of them at least.  Wondering if the neck protector is worth it or just annoying actually... any input is appreciated.

I would suggest a longer shock linkage. It would help with the handling and get rid of the stinkbug rear.

Rich_Bing, on 16 May 2012 - 12:27 PM, said:

the 2011 has a longer link stock.

Shawn_Mc, on 16 May 2012 - 12:30 PM, said:

It might be longer but not long enough. A longer linkage helps bring the rear end down and is great for handling.

Rich_Bing, on 16 May 2012 - 12:33 PM, said:

Who makes a link that is longer than the stock one?

Shawn_Mc, on 16 May 2012 - 12:39 PM, said:

Pr Circuit and Ride Eng. are two right of the tip of my head. I know there a few more companies as well.

http://www.procircui...f450r-2011.html

Edited by Rich_Bing, 16 May 2012 - 12:46 PM.

Quote

The new 2011 arms are 146mm also, but they also changed the bell crank and ended up in basically the same place.

Thanks everyone for your input. I probably am going with a helmet first but was just wondering about the rest. The linkage is something I was thinking of but will it affect anything cus im 6'4''? Also how do the maps work cus I feel just the slip on itself gave alot of power and response so what will the remap do?

rwoten654, on 16 May 2012 - 07:30 PM, said:

The map will let the motor utilize the exhaust better and should be noticeable everywhere in the rpm if you get a good map.  Almost like when you have to re-jet a bike after an exhaust change.

I would get a re-mapped for sure and get your suspension set up for your size and weight and riding style... Depending on your weight, your probably looking at a re valve and maybe springs. Hook up with a good suspension tuner with good experience. There's a lot of suspension guys in SoCal, so choose wisely. I have been using Rick at TooTech for years and have built a good relationship with him. He knows my riding style and is always available to help me tweak things over the phone when I'm at a different track. Never mind about getting more power at this point, work on setting up your bike for you. Suspension will help you tremendously. Good luck and have fun!

lourencom, on 17 May 2012 - 01:19 PM, said:

Read his original post he already has suspension.  But I agree with you.  new 450 the best things to do suspension/ergos first...make it comfortable.

I am faster on a 125 setup for me than a 450 that I am uncomfortable on.