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Kawasaki KX450: The Nimble Performer

KawasakiKX450 featured img

Key Highlights

  • Displacement
    449 cc
  • Mileage
  • Top Speed
  • Curb Weight
    233.2 lb without fuel / 243.3 lb
  • Fuel Capacity (approx)
    1.64 gal
  • Seat Height
    37.6 in
Base MSRP: $9,599*

*Prices & Specifications subject to change without notice. MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, destination charge and dealer installed options and accessories. Dealer prices may vary.

Latest on Kawasaki KX450

  • The Kawasaki KX450 got reintroduced with quite a few overall changes. The bike has had updates continuously for years.
  • The bike gets fully adjustable suspension and forks in the latest updates.
  • The bike’s overall design has also been revised, and there is only one variant for this dirt bike.

Introduction of Kawasaki KX450

The Kawasaki KX450, launched in 2005, has been given an all-new boost this year. The bike was initially named Kawasaki KX 450 F, but 2019 the ‘F’ was dropped from its name and reintroduced.

This dirt bike, priced around $9,599, has been awarded for being the ‘Best Motocross Bike and the ‘Shootout Winner.’ Kawasaki KX450 gets a new design, features, and updates. All the features and the powerful engine ensure that the bike is a sure winner.

What’s New in the Latest Model of Kawasaki KX450?

  • The engine has a clean throttle response; however, the engine’s power is not as much as expected. It is smooth and has a quick response, but the dirtbike powerband could use an update.
  • The bike gets new graphics for updates and a redesigned fuel tank in the design section.
  • The Kawasaki KX450 features a revised combustion chamber and a piston crown flatter than the previous models.

Highlights of Kawasaki KX450

Design of Kawasaki KX450

The minimalist appeal of the Kawasaki KX450 and the bike’s narrow profile are great appeals for a dirt bike. The lightweight aluminum perimeter frame provides the perfect balance. The long slim seat makes it easy to slip and slide as the bike moves through the tracks and trails.

The handlebars have been changed to Renthal handlebar struts; this helps the design to fit in with the modern age. It gives the Kawasaki KX450 much-needed refinement along with the repositioned footpegs.

The redesigned tank doesn’t interfere with rider movement. The new radiator graphics, which are in-mold, bring pop to the design.

The Kawasaki KX450 has a lightweight frame and beats other bikes in this category. The lightweight gives the dirt bike an elegant feel and makes it easier to move on the track.

Colour and Variants of Kawasaki KX450

Kawasaki KX450 is available in one color:

  • Lime Green

The Kawasaki KX450 is available in one variant:

  • Kawasaki KX450 (Standard)

Engine of the Kawasaki KX450

There is also the option of Launch Control; this is helpful to the rider because it maximizes the traction by alerting the rider.

For the fuel injection, a plug-and-play style is available. The fuel capacity of the Kawasaki KX450 is 1.64 gal.

The piston of this dirtbike is coated with a dry film lubricant, which helps reduce friction and increase the engine’s performance.

The agile handling and ergonomics of the bike are available because of the ERGO-FIT technology; the lightweight structure assures the bike has balanced and rigidity.

Other than that, the dirtbike is filled with all kinds of features like fuel injection, hydraulic clutches, maps(optional), and many others.

Features of Kawasaki KX450

There is also the option of Launch Control; this is helpful to the rider because it maximizes the traction by alerting the rider.

For the fuel injection, a plug-and-play style is available. The fuel capacity of the Kawasaki KX450 is 1.64 gal.

The piston of this dirtbike is coated with a dry film lubricant, which helps reduce friction and increase the engine’s performance.

The agile handling and ergonomics of the bike are available because of the ERGO-FIT technology; the lightweight structure assures the bike has balanced and rigidity.

Other than that, the dirtbike is filled with all kinds of features like fuel injection, hydraulic clutches, maps(optional), and many others.

Suspension, Transmission, and Brake of the Kawasaki KX450

Kawasaki KX450 has a 5-speed transmission with a manual wet multi-disc clutch, and the bike also has a hydraulic clutch actuation.

The suspension of KawasakiKX450 is smooth and plush; it is also highly adjustable. It incorporates a 49mm inverted telescopic coil spring fork in the front and a Uni-Trak charged shock in its rear. The suspension is balanced, and the chassis is also relatively flat and level. The chassis is supple and has an agile feel to it.

The dirtbike has a semi-floating 270 mm braking in the front and a petal disc with a dual-piston caliper. It also has a similar brake with a single-piston caliper in the rear. Kawasaki KX450 has been designed to have a lot of technologies in its braking system. The modern braking ensures to give the bike the advanced power.

Pros and Cons of Kawasaki KX450

Pros

  • Quick and Clean Response
  • Comfortable Suspension
  • Launch Control
  • Nice Handling
  • Adjustable Features
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Jerky During Low Revolution
  • Less Horsepower
  • Durability
  • No updated electronics

Specifications & Features

Power & Performance

  • Displacement
    449 cc
  • Engine Type
    4-stroke single, DOHC, liquid-cooled
  • Bore
    96.0 mm
  • Stroke
    62.1 mm
  • Compression Ratio
    12.5:1
  • Ignition
    Digital CDI with 3 Coupler Options
  • Transmission
    5-speed, return shift, with wet multi-disc manual clutch and hydraulic clutch actuation
  • Chain
    Chain
  • Clutch
  • EMS
    KLCM (KAWASAKI LAUNCH CONTROL MODE)
  • Fuel Capacity (approx)
    1.64 gal
  • Mileage
  • Top Speed
  • Fuel Delivery
    DFI® with 44mm Keihin throttle body
  • Horsepower
  • Torque

Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

  • Rear Tire Size
    120/80-19
  • Rear Suspension
    Uni-Trak® gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir with dual-range (4 turns stepless high speed/19-way low-speed) compression damping, 22-way rebound damping and adjustable preload/12.1 in
  • Front Brake
    Single semi-floating 270mm Braking® petal disc with dual-piston caliper
  • Rear Brake
    Single 250mm Braking® petal disc with single-piston caliper
  • Front Tire Size
    80/100-21
  • Front Suspension
    49mm inverted telescopic coil-spring fork with 16-way compression damping and 16-way rebound damping/12.0 in
  • Frame Design
  • Frame Type
    Aluminum perimeter
  • Suspension Travel (Front)
  • Suspension Travel (Rear)

Dimensions & Chassis

  • Wheelbase
    58.5 in
  • Seat Height
    37.6 in
  • Overall Width
    32.3 in
  • Overall Length
    86.0 in
  • Overall Height
    37.6 in
  • Ground Clearance
    13.4 in
  • Curb Weight
    233.2 lb without fuel / 243.3 lb
  • Steering Head Angle
  • Rake
    27.6°
  • Trail
    4.8 in
  • Frame Type
    Aluminum perimeter

Others

  • Warranty
    Not Available
  • Color Choices
    Lime Green
  • Starter

Gallery

  • Kawasaki KX450: The Nimble Performer Image 1
  • Kawasaki KX450: The Nimble Performer Image 2
  • Kawasaki KX450: The Nimble Performer Image 3
  • Kawasaki KX450: The Nimble Performer Image 4
  • Kawasaki KX450: The Nimble Performer Image 5

Top 3 Competitors of Kawasaki KX450

Kawasaki KX450 vs. Yamaha YZ450F

Price

The Yamaha YZ450F is priced at $9,899, while the Kawasaki KX450 has a price tag of $9,599.

Power and Torque

The Kawasaki KX450 is much stronger from the bottom and pumps out a horsepower of around 52, while the Yamaha YZ450F has a better performance from mid to top and has a similar horsepower of 53 HP.

Features

The hydraulic clutch of the Kawasaki KX450 is a much better option than the cable clutch that Yamaha offers.

The Yamaha YZ450 has a speed-sensitive system for its forks, making it a better option. While the Kawsaki KX450 has a Showa shock that is adjustable and works very well with the braking system, the Kayaba shock of the Yamaha is extremely versatile.

Handling

The Kawasaki KX450 has much better handling with its lightweight structure as well as its comfort; the ergonomics of the Kawasaki KX450 are better than the Yamaha YZ450F.

Kawasaki KX450 vs Husqvarna Husqvarna FC 450

Price

The Kawasaki KX450 has a price tag of $9,599. The Husqvarna FC 450 gets priced at $10.299.

Design

The design may look similar; however, while the Husqvarna FC 450 has inset graphics, the Kawasaki KX450 has a lightweight frame that helps in providing agility and speed.

Engine

Husqvarna FC 450 has a similar displacement to the Kawasaki KX450. The Kawasaki KX450 has a 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with 52.5 HP. The Husqvarna FC 450 also has a similar engine with SOHC and a similar displacement of 450 ccs.

Fuel Capacity

The Husqvarna FC 450 has a fuel capacity of 1.9 gallons, while the Kawasaki has a 1.64 gallons capacity.

Handling

The Kawasaki has Showa suspension, which goes hand in hand with its barking and provides a comfortable, plush feeling. Husqvarna has WP XACT air forks.

While the Husqvarna FC 450 has a better and stronger power source, the agility and handling of the Kawasaki are much better.

Kawasaki KX450 vs. Suzuki RM-Z450

Price

Suzuki RM-Z450 has priced at over $10,199 approximately, while the Kawasaki KX450 price is around $9,599.

Displacement

Both are dirt bikes with similar displacements.

Weight

The Suzuki RM-Z450’s overall weight comes only to 246 lbs, while the Kawasaki KX450 has an overall weight of 232.2 lb. The increased weight is extremely difficult in Suzuki RM-Z450 for higher speed than Kawasaki KX450.

Ergonomics and Handling

Both the bikes have good ergonomics, but the handling of the Kawasaki KX450 is unbeaten, with its Renthal handlebars. The Suzuki RM-Z450 also sports body graphics, including the sponsor, but the Kawasaki KX450 has a better design.

Suspension and Brakes

The Kawasaki KX450 has a Showa shock suspension, and the suspension of the Suzuki RM-Z450 also has Showa suspension, which sports a coil spring in the front.

The braking system on the Kawasaki KX450 and the Suzuki RM-Z450 is impressive.

Conclusion

The Kawasaki KX450 has a powerful engine and sports a lightweight structure; this improves power, further enhancing the engine’s performance. The bike also has a modern braking system and new handlebars. The handling ensures that the bike is an excellent choice for motocross racing. So, all in all, Kawasaki KX450 is ready to meet maximum riding needs.

FAQs

How much is a KX450 worth?

The Kawasaki KX450 costs around $9,599.

How fast is a KX450?

Kawasaki KX450 achieves a speed of about 90mph.

Is the Kawasaki KX450 a good bike?

The bike has been named the best 450 motocross bike for the past 4 years.

How much HP does a KX450 make?

The bike pumps out 52.5 hp.

Is a KX450 a race bike?

Yes, KX450 is meant for motocross and supercross racing.

How heavy is a KX450?

The Kawasaki weighs around 232.7 lb.