Sachs 48mm Bushings

[Jakobi]

I have done a bit of research and noted that others have experienced the same thing. Slight play between the lower fork leg and the upper.

I can actually feel mine when pulling the front brake at walking pace. I think I notice it more now I've just gone to 2 sizes heavier springs so the bike is holding itself up in the stroke more. Braking hard from speed where the forks settle in there is no such feeling. With the bike on the stand grabbing the front wheel and pulling forwards there is enough play to feel. Grabbing the lower legs same result. Grabbing the upper fork tubes its solid. The seals are not leaking. What are the options here, and what is the downside to riding it how it is. They have always had some play, but definately more noticable now.

Anyone sell replacement bushings with a better fit?

 

[andoman]

I noticed the same thing and was nervous. I showed it to my son-in-law who is an engineer. He said, "The KYB's on my WR450 are worse than that. And I just put all new bushings and seals in...."

So I don't worry about it. Besides, they came back from LTR like that and he told me my internals looked good when he interviewed me about my suspension needs and riding style.

Speaking of Les: GET WELL SOON!!!

 

[Jakobi]

Thats what I thought Ando. They have been like this from day one. Can you feel it when braking though?

Anyone out there able to hook me up with a set of bushings for these? I might still do the lot in 10 hours when I change the oil out.

 

[GasTimppa]

CRF 450 -08 showa bushings. Those fitted perfect to my Sachs 48.

 

[Jakobi]

Thanks GasTimppa.

I'll pick up a set along with a seal driver. Already have a set of spare seals here ready to roll. Did you find that they were a big better fit than the stock Sachs ones?

 

[GasTimppa]

They were tighter than originals. I think they were perfect. I had about 100 hours in my -11 6-days when I changed bushings. All freeplay was gone after repair. It was not too tight either. Inner is 52/48 L15 and outer 49/47 L20.

 

[Jakobi]

Done. Ordered a set of Racetech inner and outer bushes for 02-08 CRF450R or up to 09 450X.

My sachs are still on the stock bushes and seals at 165hrs which is pretty amazing considering the amount of mud the bike has seen. I'll let the TTX break in and get the clickers dialled and then probably change out the oil and slap some new seals and bushes in then. I think the hardest parts going to be removing the safety clip from the base of the TTX.

 

[andoman]

Not When Riding

Thats what I thought Ando. They have been like this from day one. Can you feel it when braking though?

I can only feel the slop when I'm pushing it around and use the front brake. Loading it in the truck, etc. When I first noticed it, I thought my steering stem was a little loose.
Onboard and in motion, I don't notice it at all.

 

[Jakobi]

With the old springs I only noticed it on the stand pulling on the lower fork legs. I originally thought it might have been the headstem as I'd just had everything apart to fit a damper, lube everything and then installed the TTX and new springs all at once. Noticed it on the first ride, but was paying a lot of attention to how the bike was behaving. I actually came back and tightened up the head stem collar a tad more, which made no difference. There is zero play grabbing the legs up higher and it is only at walking pace braking on flat ground that I notice a little movement.

I'll come back and update once I change them out. For the mean time I'm just going to ride it.

 

[Jakobi]

Thread update. The correct Bushes to use are from a 2009+ CRF450R that is equipped with the 48mm KYB forks. The earlier models use a 47mm Showa and the bushings will not work.