Honda Set-Up and Maintenance Tips

We asked Honda's Lars Lindstrom for some set-up and maintenance tips for Honda CRF450R owners. As much as we've worked on and ridden our red bikes, we still learned a thing or two. This is a must-watch if you're a Red Rider.

[@twistedjigco.548]

Thank you for the 65mm. My chain always ends up a bit lose until I started using chain wax the right way too. It goes on wet but if you let it dry for a couple hours it’s nice and firm/tacky with no chain rattle like wet lubes. I had no idea!

[@JasonNaughton]

Really interesting. Very good job. I hope you guys do this more often with all bikes.

[@wideopenmx850]

The riv nut on the bottom of my skid plate was spinning too....put a little jb weld around the rim of it and the problem is solved. Also the chain guide wears out fast. A TM guide fixes that. You can also follow the wires from the clutch switch down the left side of the bike and plug the two wires together that are coming from the computer and you don’t have to pull the clutch in to start the bike anymore 👍🏻

[@maverick2242]

I know it won’t happen, but make a CR again!

[@CARTERTH1]

Simple and very good information. Good answers to long term questions. Thank you for this post.

[@Two-StrokeLife]

Yes, cover your kill switch. I work at a really small dealership and have seen two 2017's and a 2018 go bad.

[@SouthWestBristol]

Great tips thanks for sharing

[@tylermcguyrt5207]

So about the skid plate is a is a problem I have right now with my 19 450 it spins in place and I cannot get it off. Any suggestions?

[@cr250FoLife]

When he was talking about the oil blowoff and draining it from the hose under the air box... that hose vents from the cylinder head cover and I have a 2014 crf450r and it has water that needs drained from there every ride and I can’t find anything about it. Anyone have information on that?

[@Jdunnmx217]

65 to 70 MM of chain slack? Is it really that much for the 17 to 19 bikes? My manual state 30 to 40 for my 2011.

[@santaclaracycle]

Great tips 👌.

[@dr187mx]

When will the test ride for the 450we be out?

[@fox13z400]

out of curiosity, do the manufactures ask you to withhold your videos for a few days after the test day? Because it seems like all the magazines (except for racer x which is usually just a few days behind) put there first impression videos out the same day.

[@fox13z400]

That is kind of lame, but im sure it must be advantageous to the manufactures as well to do it that way.

[@Longerbeamer]

How do they remove the rear under skid bolt?

[@wideopenmx850]

Harleywheelies put a small pry bar or flat blade screwdriver in between to put some pressure on the skid plate while loosening and the bolt will come out. Then you can put a dab of JB weld around the riv nut edge and it will never spin inside the frame again 👍🏻

[@Longerbeamer]

wideopenmx850 word I’ll try that again. I pulled the skid plate down and tried to use a screwdriver but it just kept spinning, no luck.

[@wideopenmx850]

Harleywheelies ya it took me a little bit too before it grabbed enough to come out. Maybe try to get a little JB weld on it before you take the bolt out with a toothpick or Q-tip etc. good luck man!

[@thebigkiddy]

What is sag?

[@joecamel6835]

Ball sack droopage .

[@Alpinestarss23]

donn has been on it again lately!

[@FordtechAiden]

The kill switches are bunz

[@tyjones7888]

Legit first