Kawasaki KX450F: review, history, specs

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Kawasaki-2005-KX450F.jpg
Kawasaki KX450
Manufacturer
Also called KX 450 F Monster Energy, KX450F Monster Energy, KX 450F Monster Energy, KX450F Leo Vince, KX 450F Leo Vince, KX 450F, KX450F, KX 450 F, KX 450
Production 2006 - 2019
Class Motocross
Predecessor Kawasaki KX250
Engine
449cc 4-stroke, DOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Bore / Stroke 96.0mm x 62.0mm
Compression ratio 12.8:1
Horsepower 56.05 HP (41.8 KW) @ 8500RPM
Torque 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 7000RPM
Fuel System injection
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Spark Plug NGK CPR8EB-9[1]
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed

Final Drive: chain

Clutch: wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain: 520x114 ‘06-19[2]
Front Sprocket 13T ‘06-19[2]
Rear Sprocket 50T ‘06-19[2]
Suspension Front: inverted showa sff-air tac fork with triple air chamber, dlc coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment
Rear: uni-trak® linkage system and showa shock, 19-position low-speed and 4-turns high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload
Brakes Front: single disc. semi-floating petal discs
Rear: single disc. single-piston caliper.
Front Tire 80/100-21
Rear Tire 120/80-19
Wheelbase 58.46 inches (1485 mm)
Length 86.02 inches (2185 mm)
Width 32.68 inches (830 mm)
Height 50.2 inches (1275 mm)
Seat Height 37.6 inches (955 mm)
Weight 220.02 pounds (99.8 Kg) (dry), 110.0 kg (wet)
Oil Capacity 1.2 L (1.3 US qt)
Oil Filter K&N KN-112
Recommended Oil K-tech 10W-40
Fuel Capacity 1.64 Gallon (6.20 Liters)
Related Kawasaki KX250F
Competition Honda CRF450R
Manuals File:2013 Kawasaki KX450F owners manual.pdf
File:2015 Kawasaki KX450F owners manual.pdf
More Manuals


The Kawasaki KX450 was a single cylinder, four-stroke Enduro motorcycle produced by Kawasaki between 2006 and 2019. Max torque was 36.88 ft/lbs (50.0 Nm) @ 7000 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 56.05 HP (41.8 KW) @ 8500 RPM.

Kawasaki-2005-KX450F.jpg
KX450D6F 64044.jpg

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a liquid cooled single cylinder, four-stroke. A 96.0mm bore x 62.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 449.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 80/100-21 front tire and a 120/80-19 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc. semi-floating petal discs in the front and a single disc. single-piston caliper. in the rear. The front suspension was a inverted showa sff-air tac fork with triple air chamber, dlc coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment while the rear was equipped with a uni-trak® linkage system and showa shock, 19-position low-speed and 4-turns high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload. The KX450 was fitted with a 1.64 Gallon (6.20 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 220.02 pounds (99.8 Kg). The wheelbase was 58.46 inches (1485 mm) long.



2006 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

The 2005 Kawasaki KX450F is a large dirt and motocross machine, built with serious performance in mind. Definitely not for the beginners, the 2005 KX450F features a powerful 449cc 4-stroke racing-specced engine loaded with titanium valves and a compression release system making it easy to start.

The aluminum frame and narrow-profile bodywork and radiator shrouds add valuable points on the maneuverability. The Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate fork provides excellent damping and countless setup possibilities; together with the fully-adjustable rear shock, the 2005 Kawasaki KX450F can be easily tuned to respond perfectly to almost any rider and riding style, while delivering top-drawer performance on any surface type.

Large petal rotors provide powerful stopping force and help the rider tame this beast.


2007 Kawasaki KX450D[edit | edit source]

One of the greatest new features for the 2006 Kawasaki KX450F is the addition of a 5th gear. With the revised gearbox, this nifty off-road/ motocross bike is now even more convenient for the discerning rider, as it offers better maneuverability and a wider range of riding possibilities.

The brake cylinder has also been redesigned to offer better hand lever positioning, helping riders get a better feel of the bike and thus being capable to ride more confidently (read aggressively).

With the weight of the 2006 KX450F still under 100 kg (220 lbs) and a narrow, sturdy aluminum frame, this motorcycle is far more easy to handle than you'd think. The Diamond-Like Carbon coated forks and fully-adjustable suspension system provide excellent damping while the new airbox with mesh arrestor helps offer more torque at low rpm.


2008 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

After adding a 5th gear to the previous year model, Kawasaki took the KX450F to the drawing board once more, for the new season. The 2007 Kawasaki KX450F sports a much smoother-shifting 5-speed gearbox while retaining all its racing character and legendary reliability, not offering a more linear power distribution for predictable behavior.

A revised clutch cable boot offers easier adjustability for more convenient setups on the fly, while the Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate fork and rear shock deliver countless setup possibilities for almost any rider, any riding style and any surface.

The weight of the 2007 KX450F still is under 100 kg (220 lbs) and a narrow, sturdy aluminum frame, this motorcycle is far more easy to handle than you'd think. The Diamond-Like Carbon coated forks and fully-adjustable suspension system provide excellent damping while the new airbox with mesh arrestor helps offer more torque at low rpm.


2009 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

After adding a 5th gear to the 2006 year model, it was time for electronic fuel injection to be installed in the new 2008 Kawasaki KX450F. The Keihin carb has been replaced by a top-drawer fuel injection system providing an even more better power distribution across the rpm range with zero lag.

Frame got narrower while the swingarm was redesigned and a new Uni-Trak rear shock got a larger piston (50mm) for better efficiency. A Renthal race-type handlebar was also provided, together with wider serrated foot pegs and a synthetic, lighter skidplate. With a 340 ground clearance, the 2008 KX450F is simply the best Kawasaki has offered to the release date.


2010 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

After 2008 brought the first Kawasaki KX450F with electronic fuel injection, it was time to take things even further, so the 2008 model comes with a tweakable ECU, allowing expert riders to finely-tune their engines in order to get the best performance. The bike's computer is already self-adjusting according to the riding style, but the optional KX FI Calibration Kit is the ultimate tool.

New Kayaba forks sporting the Diamond-Like Coating are present on the 2009 Kawasaki KX450F, complemented by a new-ratio Uni-Trak rear shock, while the revised piston and radiator provide a new level of performance and dependability.

Ergonomics have also been updated, keeping the bodywork slim and comfortable for aggressive riding styles, while still making the bike look great.


2011 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

The 2010 Kawasaki KX450F is a motocross bike designed with flawless performance in mind. Not only it sports factory-inspired components, such as the top-drawer revised piston and race-oriented suspensions, but it also comes with new features to make riding better. The ECU now misses the traditional battery whose weight was stripped off the KX450F; the fuel injection system now needs no more adjusting on the fly depending on climate and track.

Expert riders can map their own ignition settings thanks to the optional KX FI Calibration Kit, able not only to tweak the engine characteristics, but also to record and analyze the gathered data. The fuel pump is not lighter and repositioning it ensured a more reliable operation.

This 449cc single-cylinder dirt beast will surely offer experienced riders all the brawn and high-class technology they need to prove their best.


2012 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

The 2011 Kawasaki KX450F sports innumerable upgrades from the previous models. This new motocross machine sports a new frame with a slightly narrower profile and sporting the same rigidity, a 4-way adjustable handlebar position, racing-like short silencer, adjustable foot pegs and even optional lower seat height.

Three standard engine mappings can be easily switched to by simply connecting the corresponding couplers, but the KX FI Calibration Kit lets the experienced rider fine-tune the bike to obtain the perfect response.

Even more, riders can activate the Launch Control mode with just a press of a button and enjoy the factory-specced engine mapping that provides the best starts: maximal power and thrust with minimal wheel slip.


2013 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

For 2012, Kawasaki KX450F receives nifty enhancements. This motocross bike is now loaded with even more factory-inspired components, such as the revised piston and ECU, a new frame, now made from both cast and extruded aluminum elements, a top-drawer fuel injection and pump system, capable to withstand all sorts of racing abuse and a 4-way adjustable handlebar.

The bike sports three standard engine mappings which can be easily switched to by simply connecting the corresponding couplers. However, the KX FI Calibration Kit lets the experienced rider fine-tune the bike to obtain the perfect response. Even more, riders can activate the Launch Control mode with just a press of a button and enjoy the factory-specced engine mapping that provides the best starts: maximal power and thrust with minimal wheel slip.


2014 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

The 2014 MY of the Kawasaki KX450F comes with many features to ensure the rider will not be disappointed, no matter how difficult the trail may be.

The bike sports features such as launch control, which reduces wheelspin when accelerating hard on slippery trails or the Kayaba Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF) using compressed air instead of a traditional metal-coil spring. These new-tech forks reduce the overall weight of the bike, making it nimbler without impacting the precise feel of the steering. This big-bore off-roader also comes with a free Kawasaki Genuine PSF Air Fork Pump for easy adjustments of the fork pressure.

Another new feature of the KX450F is represented by the narrower grips. Softer and more comfortable, they are mounted on an adjustable 4-position handlebar, which allows the rider to pick a suitable riding position, no matter the size of one's inseam or arm length.


2016 Kawasaki KX450F[edit | edit source]

The new KX450F will unleash your potential with our strongest engine and chassis package ever. At its KX core, a simple philosophy - more power with more control… and yet more podiums! Adjustable ergonomic fit, ultra-slim chassis plus suspension and engine upgrades for 2016 deliver both the Power and the Glory.


2017 Kawasaki KX 450F[edit | edit source]

The 2017 KX 450F motorcycle is the most powerful, lightweight, and agile KX 450F ever. Developed from the highest levels of racing, this championship bike has advanced technology sourced straight from the world’s premier race team—another reason why the KX 450F is The Bike That Builds Champions.


In Media[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2013 Kawasaki KX450F Owners Manual. Kawasaki. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.