For 2026, there wasn’t a lot of changes from the manufacturers so we checked on our 2025 settings to see if they were still valid and tweaked if need be. This means for 2026, baseline clicker settings have changed only a little from the previous year. We made sure to spend some time on all of these machines and have directed you towards these settings for a more friendlier feeling (for your new 2026 450 machine). If you have any questions, I am here to help as much as I can. Kris@keeferinctesting.com is the place to ask away.
Yamaha YZ450F:
Yamaha did the most updates in 2026 with an updated frame, engine mounts, suspension valving, among other engine updates as well. Yamaha was trying to balance out their machine with the goal of less pitching in mind (on/off throttle). The Yamaha is still pretty firm feeling but the fork is soft initially then ramps up quick and gets firm. If you’re looking for some added feel, try this setting.
Fork:
Spring Rate: 5.0 N/m
Height: Flush-2mm
Compression: 9 clicks out
Rebound: 10 clicks out
Shock:
Spring Rate: 56 N/m
Sag: 105mm
Low Speed Compression: 12 clicks out
High Speed Compression: 1.5turns out
Rebound: 10-11 clicks out
Kawasaki KX450:
The KX450 is unchanged for 2026. We have the exact same valving so not much has evolved here. The 24-26 KX450 has more of a front wheel biased feeling yet still has a lot of stability around fast/rough tracks. The fork is a bit softer than the shock at times but I think the initial part of the stroke (of the fork) is much too soft so I seem to ride in the mid stroke and that creates a harsh feel on de-cel. Once dialed in, the SHOWA components are quite good and give the rider a blend of comfort that is much better than some others in its class.
Fork:
Spring Rate: 5.1 N/m * Stock is 5.0 N/m* (Drop one 5.2 N/m spring in on one side)
Compression: 10 clicks out
Rebound Range: 9 clicks out
Fork Height: 2-3 mm
Shock:
Sag: 105mm
Spring Rate: 54 N/m (190 pounds or over, try optional 56 N/m)
Low Speed Compression: 10 clicks out
High Speed Compression: 1 1/4 turns out
Rebound: 12 out
Honda CRF450R:
Fork:
Spring Rate: Recommended 5.1 N/m *Stock is 5.0 N/m* (One 5.2N/m spring one side)
Height: Flush-2mm (I like flush around Southern California tracks and 2mm on rutty/softer tracks)
Comp: 9 out
Rebound: 10 out
Shock:
Spring Rate: 52 N/m (If over 190 pounds try a 54 N/m)
L/S Comp: 8 clicks out
H/S Comp: 1.5 turns out
Rebound: 12 clicks out
Sag: 106mm
Suzuki RM-Z450:
We have an RM-Z 450 setting for you all and that hasn’t changed. The BFRC is not great and it doesn’t go off of clicks, yet instead it goes off of turns. It is tough to figure out, we are not going to lie. We came up with a suspension settings that had some more comfort but had as the hold we wanted without getting the Suzuki harsher than it already is.
Fork:
Spring rate: 5.0 N/m
Compression: 9 clicks out
Rebound: 14 clicks out
Fork-leg height: 3-5mm
Shock:
Spring Rate: 54 N/m
Hi-compression: N/A
Compression: 1.25 turn out
Rebound: 1.5 turns out
Race sag: 105mm
KTM 450 SX-F:
Fork:
Height: 3mm
Air Pressure: 10.8 bar or 156 psi of air
Compression at 10 clicks
Rebound 15 out.
*With Aftermarket Triple Clamp*
Height: 3mm
Air Pressure: 10.9 Bar or 158 PSI
Compression: 14 clicks out
Rebound: 14 clicks out
Shock:
Spring Rate: 45 N/m (If you’re over 195 pounds a 48 N/m is best)
Sag: 102mm
L/S Comp: 10 out
H/S Comp: 1.25 out
Rebound: 12 out
Husqvarna FC450:
There isn’t a Husqvarna FC450 for 2026 so below is a repeat of 2025 for you.
Fork:
(Stock Triple Clamp):
Height: 3mm
Air Pressure: 10.9 Bar or 158 PSI
Compression: 12 clicks out
Rebound: 13 clicks out
*With Aftermarket Triple Clamp*
Height: 3mm
Air Pressure: 10.9 Bar
Compression: 14 clicks out
Compression: 14 clicks out
Rebound: 13 clicks out
Shock:
Spring Rate: 45 N/m (If you’re over 190 pounds a 48 N/m is best)
Sag: 102mm
Low Speed Compression: 8 clicks out
High Speed Compression: 1.25 out
Rebound: 9 clicks out
Gas Gas MC450:
The 2026 Gas Gas MC450 has a similar suspension feel to the KTM, but the chassis feel still has slightly more compliance (could be the triple clamps) so the setting that I came up with is only slightly slower moving than the KTM. This is a general happy spot for the other red machine:
Fork:
Height: 3mm
Air Pressure: 10.9 Bar
Compression: 13 clicks out
Rebound: 12 clicks out
Shock:
Spring Rate: 45 N/m (If you’re over 190 pounds a 48 N/m is best)
Sag: 103mm
L/S Compression: 10 clicks out
H/S Compression: 1.25 out
Rebound: 8-9 clicks out
Triumph TF450-X:
I have ridden the TF450-X quite a bit and I can say although soft, it has good comfort but needs to be stiffened a little to feel balanced off throttle. I have also tried aftermarket clamps with this setting with good results. Ride Engineering triple clamps or X-Trig clamps can help the front end of the Triumph track better off throttle. Below is a good starting point for the TF450-X.
Fork:
Spring Rate: 4.8 N/m
Height: Flush-2mm
Comp: 8-9 out
Rebound: 11 out
Shock:
Spring Rate: 58 N/m
L/S Comp: 9 clicks out
H/S Comp: 1.5 turns out
Rebound: 11 clicks out
