Is the CRF Judder Spring Completely Necessary? CRF450RL Clutch Plate Swap

This week we remove the OEM judder spring assembly, which consists of a small friction plate, the judder spring itself, and a small retaining plate. Many argue that this setup is prone to breaking and while it does allow for a larger clutch engagement, it's better to swap the assembly entirely for a more "traditional" friction plate. I made the swap and saw for myself the differences in not only feel but the physical difference in clutch engagement. I was surprise to see there was such an impact! Which do you prefer?
Friction Plate: amzn.to/3HWltWT
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Website: www.lexdfox.com
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[@lexdfox]

I made an oopsie in the clutch install! Be careful to align the final friction plate in it's own groove separate from the rest! See the Short I made in addendum: kzbin.infohxjfzNGJjFM And if you're interested in doing this yourself, be sure to use my affiliate link for the correct friction plate! amzn.to/3HWltWT

[@cumminscartel1825]

But not if it's the rekluse manual clutch that fits in oem basket!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

This is a really interesting video as I don't meet many riders that will take the leap of faith to try something new and compare. Well done!

[@lexdfox]

I tend to be the test mule, mostly because I can't not fiddle with something! Thanks, Eric!

[@leyside]

Hey dude, great video. I also have a CRF450L, and did this mod. Just so you know, that last friction plate on top goes in differently than the ones below. There are separate grooves in the basket for the last friction plate to drop into. You can see it on your disassembly - as you are undoing the bolts you can see it. Or you can see it on my channel - way lower budge than yours, but hey I’m still learning this whole video and KZbin production thing. Safe riding to you, love the SM wheels on your bike.

[@lexdfox]

Thanks for the heads up! Guess I didn't read the manual too carefully, I'll crack it back open and orient it right!

[@jctoth]

I'm running the Rekluse auto clutch on my CRF450RL and it retains the judder spring. I recently took the judder spring out along with the wavy plate and replaced them with a standard Rekluse drive plate and friction disk. I like the Rekluse much better without the judder spring. With the judder spring when taking off from a stop the takeoff felt slightly smoother. Without the judder spring the shifting is way more positive and the vague feeling at the shift lever is gone, no more difficulty finding neutral at the stop light. Ditch the judder spring!

[@coyotef150surfer7]

Good one, looking forward to the improvement video!

[@lexdfox]

Thanks! I actually took a test drive with the improvements tonight, wish I had it sooner, world of difference!

[@dustinklassen8982]

Thanks for sharing. Going to remove the spring from my CRF250R. Pretty much my only complaint about the bike is my clutch takes to long to fully engage. Appreciate the video

[@randallharley6567]

Great video thanks, im going to put a hinson clutch in mine.

[@lexdfox]

Thanks, I might also go Hinson in the future. 👍

[@YZEtc]

I removed the judder spring shortly after I got my 2021 CRF450RL home from buying it. I didn't care for the longer clutch lever throw needed to go from fully disengaged to fully engaged and vice versa. To me, this feels awkward. The 2020 CB300R I used to ride was like that as well, and I did not like that characteristic since I'm used to less clutch lever throw needed to get the job done. Without the judder spring requires about half the clutch lever throw to operate the clutch. If you are on the fence about trying it, you can always go back to stock if you don't like it.

[@Shaymer705Racing]

I bought the friction plate 2 years ago, never installed it, My bike dyno 50Hp at the wheel and have 30,000km on same clutch, no slippage yet, might change if i do need knew clutch if it ever where’s out, im supermoto, and barely use the clutch. Just a blip shift.

[@BikeLife1]

What are those small mirrors above the hand guards? Are they any good with visibility?

[@lexdfox]

They're minimal, but terrible for visibility.

[@jodyherd2010]

Hey mate curious the brand of mirrors you have on the 450

[@lexdfox]

This one: amzn.to/42oRPSs

[@karlalton3170]

Its clear you have no idea what the judder spring is really for ? Its to help and ensure smooth pick up when changing gears and to help your chain and sprockets last longer . Reason they really fit it is because on those bikes there is no rubber cush drive behind your rear sprocket they are solid mounted its to compensate for that . Removing it , yes you might get better clutch feel but if your hard on your clutch expect to be changing your chain and sprockets more often 😁😁🤘🤘