Motocross season hits fast — and if your bike isn’t dialed in before the first gate drop, you’ll feel it in every corner, jump face, and landing. A proper setup doesn’t just improve performance; it keeps you confident, consistent, and safe on race day.
At Crow Performance, we help riders tune their bikes for real track conditions with a focus on suspension, ergonomics, and maintenance. Here’s what every rider should consider before the season starts.
1. Get Your Spring Rate Dialed In
Your suspension springs support your weight, riding style, and terrain. If your spring rate is wrong, your whole setup suffers — no amount of clicker tuning can fix it.
Why spring rate matters:
- Too soft → excessive dive, bottoming out, unstable landings
- Too stiff → harsh ride, poor traction, increased arm pump
What to check before the season:
- Know your rider weight with gear
- Choose front and rear springs that match Race Tech charts
- Adjust race sag (typically 100–108mm depending on the pegs, legs not grabbing the motorcycle)
Pro Tip: Crow Performance can measure your sag, evaluate your current springs, and recommend the correct rates for your skill level and track type.
2. Fine-Tune Your Compression & Rebound Damping
Once your spring rate is right, your damping controls how your suspension behaves under load.
Compression Damping
Controls how the bike absorbs bumps and impacts.
- Too much = harsh over chop, bad square-edge handling
- Too little = bottoms on jump faces/landings
Rebound Damping
Controls how fast the suspension extends after compression.
- Too fast = kicking, swapping in whoops
- Too slow = packing, loss of traction in corners
Before the season:
- Return clickers to
baseline settings (manual or tuner's spec)
- Test the bike on familiar terrain
- Make
1–2 click changes at a time
- Keep notes on what improves or worsens feel
Pro Tip: If your suspension hasn’t been serviced in the last 20–30 hours, oil breakdown can make your clickers feel inconsistent — schedule a rebuild.
3. Make Ergonomics Work for You
A comfortable, balanced riding position is critical for control — especially during long motos.
Key ergonomic points to check:
- Handlebar height & sweep
- Lever angle (slightly downward for neutral wrist position)
- Footpeg condition and grip
- Grips, throttle tube, and controls for smooth operation
Small ergonomic changes can dramatically reduce fatigue and improve body positioning.
Pro Tip: Crow Performance can help tailor cockpit setup to your body size and riding style, reducing arm pump and improving stability.
4. Preseason Maintenance You Shouldn’t Skip
Motocross is brutal on equipment. A preseason inspection prevents mid-season failures and keeps your bike consistent.
Must-do maintenance before the season:
- Fork and shock service
- Wheel bearings, swingarm bearings, and linkage inspection
- Fresh brake pads & fluid
- Air filter service or replacement
- Chain, sprockets, and slider wear check
- Torque critical bolts (triple clamps, pinch bolts, brake calipers)
A well-maintained bike responds better to tuning and suspension changes.
5. Test, Adjust, Repeat
No setup is perfect on the first try. Consistent track testing helps you identify what your bike needs:
- Ride the same track for baseline testing
- Adjust one component per session
- Keep a log of changes and results
- Watch tire wear — it tells you a lot about suspension balance
Crow Performance offers pro-level suspension tuning, trackside support, and custom setup services to help you find the perfect feel.
Kick Off Motocross Season the Right Way
Dialing in your suspension and setup before race season isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of speed, control, and confidence. Whether you're chasing podiums or just riding for fun, a properly tuned bike makes every lap smoother and faster.
Ready to get your bike dialed?
Crow Performance offers:
✔ Suspension tuning & rebuilds
✔ Spring rate setup
✔ Trackside support
✔ Performance upgrades
✔ Motocross & off-road expertise
Get a quote for a preseason service today.
