Chad Reed admits he is still searching for a better set-up after two fourth place Monster Energy Supercross finishes. Image: Simon Cudby.

TwoTwo Motorsports team owner/rider Chad Reed was able to salvage a fourth place finish for the second weekend in a row at Phoenix on Saturday night, but continues the search for an optimum setting on his 2013 Honda CRF450R.

The dual American and world champion hasn’t been able to battle for victory in the opening two rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross series, not yet 100 percent comfortable with the set-up he has on the all-new model.

Reed has been switching back and forth between Showa’s new SFF Air fork and the more conventional spring version, planning to test further this week in a bid to gain a concrete direction.

“We have come away with some safe points, but we really do need to step it up now,” Reed said. “Its no secret that I wasn’t happy with how I rode at A1 and, while tonight I felt that I rode a bit better, there is still work to do with the bike.”

Reed’s experience and knowledge will prove vital in this scenario, as the multi-time champion prepares to return to the test track to sort out the issues faced during the opening rounds.

“We had a long debrief after the race tonight and will be back at the test track early next week,” he added following Phoenix.

Reed currently sits fourth overall in the 450SX class standings, with 15 rounds remaining.

Round three of the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross will take place inside Anaheim’s Angel Stadium on 19 January.