Four stroke,
single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity
449 cc / 27.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke
96.0 x 62.1 mm
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Induction
Keihin FCR
Ignition
Digital AC-CDI
Starting
Electric & kick
Max Power
56.4 hp / 41.5 kW
@ 8500 rpm
Max Torque
50 Nm / 5.1 kg-m
@ 7500 rpm
Transmission
5 Speed
Final Drive
Chain
Frame
Aluminum, perimeter
Rake / trail: 27.1 degrees / 4.6 in.
Front Suspension
48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with
22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping
Front Wheel Travel
285 mm / 11.2 in
Rear Suspension
UNI-TRAK® single shock system with 22-way
low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way
rebound damping
Rear Wheel Travel
278 mm / 10.9 in
Front Brakes
Single 250mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre
80/100-21
Rear Tyre
110/100-18
Rake
27.1°
Trail
122 mm / 4.6 in
Dimensions
Length 2180 mm / 85.8 in
Width 820 mm / 32.3 in
Height 1255 mm / 49.4 in
Wheelbase
1480 mm / 58.3 in
Seat Height
940 mm / 37.0 in
Ground Clearance
320 mm / 12.6 in
Dry Weight
115 kg / 253.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
8 Litres / 2.1 US gal
Kawasaki’s 2009 KLX™450R may have inherited the lightweight
engine and chassis from the multiple championship winning KX™450F
motocrosser, but it is much more than a high-strung racer with a
headlight and 18-inch rear wheel. Designed for the rigors of the
off-road world, the KLX450R delivers a wide spread of power with
high-traction torque and superior throttle control, combined
with the enhanced durability, comfort, and long range that’s
required in unforgiving off-road environments.
A simple push of the starter button is all
that’s required to light off the 449cc four-stroke engine. In
addition to push-button electric starting, the KLX rider also
has the option of using the kick-starter. However, a
high-capacity starter motor and compact, high-output battery
helps ensure quick and reliable starts under just about any
condition a rider might face.
A long lasting, trouble-free engine is the
heart of any successful off-road racing platform. These extra
durability traits were engineered into the KLX450R’s engine via
steel exhaust valves and a reservoir tank equipped radiator to
provide efficient cooling during long rides.
The KLX450R’s cam lift and timing, and beefy flywheel are
designed to produce good low and mid-range performance.
Harnessed to this engine is a wide-ratio five-speed transmission
with gears specifically for the demands of off-road competition.
The overall result is a gutsy response, ideal for hill climbing,
mud holes, or other poor-traction challenge.
Avoiding rider fatigue, whether during a
race, or a long weekend of back country exploration, was another
top-priority for Kawasaki’s engineers. To minimize bothersome
rider-taxing effects, the KLX450R’s nimble chassis utilizes
top-of-the-line suspension components. Up front its Kayaba AOS
inverted fork provides superb damping and more precise steering
with tuning specifically optimized for light, easy handling
characteristics. Oil and air are kept in separate chambers for
sustained and stable damping performance during long events and
low-friction seals for smooth fork action. Matching the fork is
an equally capable Uni-Trak® rear suspension system. Its shock
features both high-speed and low-speed compression damping with
the suspension arm mounts below the swingarm for a longer rear
suspension stroke.
Further enhancing rider comfort is a wider
seat with slip-resistant top surface and smooth sides for
enhanced mobility. The KLX450R’s 18-inch rear wheel is well
suited to absorbing sharp-edged impacts and allows the rider to
choose from a wide selection of off-road tires. Among the other
off-road features are a two-piece, left-side cover that allows
easy access to the air cleaner; engine guards for both sides of
the engine; and a works-style aluminum skid plate.
A lightweight digital instrument cluster
includes speedometer, dual tripmeter, odometer, and clock. The
plastic fuel tank, which meets all environmental regulations,
has a 2.1 gallon capacity and a reserve-enabled petcock.
Lightweight illumination equipment includes a compact 35-watt
headlight with a plastic lens to show the way to the podium and
an ultra-compact and energy efficient LED taillight to highlight
the part of the KLX450R that competitors are most-likely to see.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are
available through Kawasaki dealers.
Features
Ultra-powerful 449cc Liquid-cooled, Four-stroke Single
- 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with four valves
- Features superb low and mid-range power delivery
- Linear power curve offers plenty of over-rev, for maximum
flexibility in choosing shift points
- Cam lift and timing boost low- and mid-range torque
- Camshaft lobes and tappets feature a soft-nitride surface
treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
- Hand-finished surfaces of the polished intake ports improve
intake efficiency at all rpm
- Lightweight 36mm titanium intake valves and aluminum valve
retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control
at high rpm
- 30mm steel exhaust valves for improved durability
- Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation
- Screw-type automatic cam chain tensioner with oil pressure
spring
- Low-friction coating on piston skirt
- Extra flywheel mass provides ultra-smooth engine power
delivery
- Crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered for additional
rigidity
- Crankshaft, rotor mass centralization, oil circulation, and
ignition timing designed for ideal engine braking
characteristics
Exhaust
- Large 41mm titanium exhaust header for maximum power
- Tapered exhaust pipe joint helps increase ultra-low rpm power.
- Titanium exhaust pipe heat shield
- Silencer uses long-fiber packing for lower maintenance
Cooling
- High-capacity Denso radiators deliver superior cooling
efficiency
- A reservoir tank is fitted to the radiator, for efficient
cooling during long enduros
- Slim radiators feature tightly packed cores and fins designed
to enhanced heat dispersion
- The radiator shroud design is optimised for a seated position
Electric Starting
- High-capacity starter motor is compact, yet offers high-output
to help ensure quick and reliable starts under all conditions
- Lightweight battery is located under the seat and behind the
airbox for optimum mass centralization
- Having both electric and kick starters means the KLX450R can
be quickly restarted if the engine stalls during an event
- Features highly reliable auto-decompression system; the
dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to the
exhaust cam eases starting, and its simple construction helps to
ensure reliability
Wide-Ratio Five-Speed Transmission
- Features ratios selected="true"="true"="true" specially for
off-road racing
- The transmission’s gears are designed for high durability
- Ball bearing shift lever for smoother shifting
- Ratchet-type shift mechanism for smoother shifting and a more
positive feel
Frame
- Lightweight all-aluminum perimeter frame is a composite
structure comprising forged, extruded and cast components
- Slim frame profile, two-piece radiator shrouds, and careful
bodywork design make the KLX450R feel light and narrow beneath
the rider
- Aluminum skid plate
Front Suspension
- Fork tuning is optimized for light, easy handling
characteristics
- Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in
separate chambers for stable damping performance during long
rides
- Large front fork damper cartridges offer a more progressive
and plush action
- Low-friction fork seals help reduce stiction
Rear Suspension
- Uni-Trak® rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm
below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke.
- Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing
high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
- Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed
spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to
match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum
frame
- Sprocket style chain roller reduces drive lash
Brakes
- Petal brake discs front and rear, help reduce unsprung weight
and clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
18” Rear Wheel
- Durable 18” rear wheel allows fitment of a wide selection of
off-road tires
From the Cockpit
- Renthal aluminum handlebars are standard
- Lightweight short-length grips feature a special pattern to
reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider
- Seat is wider than the KX450F’s for additional comfort during
long enduros
- Seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when
seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Off-road racing equipment
- Lightweight digital instrumentation includes a speedometer,
twin tripmeter, odometer and clock
- Lightweight 2.1 gallon fuel tank is constructed to meet strict
U.S. environmental regulations
- Gas tank petcock is fitted with a reserve pickup
- Compact lighting package includes a 35 W headlight with
lightweight plastic lens
- Ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail light
- Two-piece construction of the left-side cover with a special
“door” for easy access to the air filter
- Engine guards protect both sides of the engine
- Includes an aluminum skid plate for added protection from
rocks and ledges
- Sealed chain and a side stand are fitted as standard equipment
- California models feature a secondary air system to enable
them to meet strict emissions regulations
Review
When building their new 450 enduro weapon, Kawasaki took the proven path of
using an established motocross model and then modifying it, thus ending up with
a user-friendly, enduro/trail bike. It can often be a thankless task for the
engineers too; faster riders want 'more motocross' while the average bush-basher
prefers more trail bike influences.
There have been substantial changes made to the base-plant KX450F to turn it
into the KLX450R but we'll just stick with the important stuff.
ENGINE
The KX450F motocross model has an awesome engine, (we've got one at our place,
so we know) and it provides a proven base for the KLX450. The first thing that
the Kawasaki engineers did when transforming the roaring MX donk for off-road
riders was to keep the short-arsed crew happy by adding an electric starter
(hooray for the little bloke!)
Next on the Important Stuff list was the addition of a wide ratio, five speed
transmission. Getting a little more technical now, the flywheel mass
(crankshaft) has been doubled, as in heavier, and this takes some of the
edginess out of the motocross engine. The camshaft design and cam timing have
also been modified in the interests of smoother power delivery and more torque.
One millimetre larger steel, exhaust valves are fitted, to enhance low end power
and offer better durability. Regular stuff like an automatic cam chain
tensioner, an auto compression release for the kick-starter and a four valve,
double overhead camshaft head keep the KLX up to date with modern four-stroke
engine design.
Of course the motocross muffler had to go. It's borderline offensive, even on a
racetrack, and has been replaced with a trail friendly, re-packable, ADR
compliant model. The motocross radiators have been retained although a reservoir
tank has been added to absorb those boiling moments.
CHASSIS
The frame and running gear have the basic layout and look of the moto model but
once again the enduro-friendly wand has been waved over it. Here are examples:
Fuel tank capacity has been increased to eight Litres
, (the KXF is 7.2) and has
a reserve position
The suspension settings have been tuned to be more off-road specific
The fork is a top-of-the-line, Kayaba AOS, jobbie, while the rear end uses the
bottom link, Uni-Trak system
An 18-inch rear wheel and an 'O' ring chain will keep the enduro diehards happy
Our test bike came with Michelin tyres, although showroom models will have
Bridgestone ED03s
The cockpit features Renthal '971' bend alloy 'bars, decked out with Aussie-made
alloy Barkbusters and a digital speedo that'll tell you how fast you went, how
long it took and how far you travelled
The air filter is accessed via a two-piece sidecover and is a 'no tools' job for
servicing, as it should be on a trail bike
And if you were wondering how much did the appetite for ADR compliance and an
electric leg cost in the weight deptartment when compared to the KX450F,
according to Kawasaki about 10kg, although that sounds a little conservative to
us
RIDE TIME
Two things become apparent when you crank up this bike. First the choke lever is
almost impossible to operate unless you have the fingers of a five year-old.
Second, the exhaust note is incredibly quiet. The decibels, or lack of them,
coming from this bike can be confusing. The first couple of laps around our test
track had me questioning why this bike could feel so responsive when it sounded
like a choked lawn mower.
The front end would lift effortlessly over whoops and tree roots and the corner
exit response was smooth and tractable, yet still fast. You really need to ride
this bike a bit to get your head around the motor. It doesn't romp and stomp and
it's not angry, but it does go pretty darn well. It's not a 'chunky' motor and
it doesn't stall easily. You really don't need to use the clutch too much
either, it's very electric.
We rode this bike in a variety of terrain too. You name it: fast swoopy stuff,
tight gnarly hills, sand washes, fire trails, and we kept trying to find an
excuse to need more power but couldn't come up with one. Vince Strang and I
spent a fair bit of time playing with this bike and at the end of the day we
both had to give the engine a thumbs up for trail riding, even if it did sound
like a four-stroke lawnmower.
But, and there's always a but, the other side of the coin is that the KX450 has
no anger or aggression in stock trim but a lot of people who purchase a 450
enduro bike expect some aggro for their dollars. I'm sure that in the next
couple of months an aftermarket race pipe will surface for the KLX and it'll be
interesting to see what effect that has on performance.
The chassis and suspension come straight from the motocross model and Kawasaki
have done a particularly good job on setting the suspension up for off-road
riding. Plush and smooth are two words that get thrown around the keyboard a lot
when it comes to describing motorcycles, but in this case that's an appropriate
description. We had testers weighing from 60 to a 100 kilos ride this bike, (no,
not all at once) and yes, it was a big ask to expect that they'd all like the
stock suspension setup, but they all said the ride was "plush and forgiving". To
us that sounds a helluva lot like an endorsement.
Stopping performance was top shelf stuff too. The front brake had a nice
positive feel at the lever and the bike didn't headshake coming down from speed.
Stability and straight line tracking through rough sections wasn't a problem
either, but tipping the bike into corners was a different matter. It's not that
the KLX450 corners badly, it's just that it likes to stand up, even around
corners, and it takes extra effort on the rider's part to arc a turn fluidly.
Some tuning in with the race sag and fork height could help here. The electric
leg worked well every time but I'd hate to have to rely on it. Like all electric
start, competition off-road bikes the battery just doesn't have enough guts for
constant use, but it did start easily with the kicker and after a few kays the
battery was juiced again anyway.
Crankcase and lower frame protection is something we'd look into if we owned one
of these bikes, and at this stage the only sump guard we know of is the 'Hyde',
imported by A1 Accessories. It's surprising how easy lower alloy frame rails can
be damaged, so for that reason alone we'd fit an aftermarket guard.
SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?
As far as the trail rider goes, this bike is a buy it and ride it proposition.
It has all the necessities for trail riding. The gearing's fine, the brakes
work, the cockpit is all enduro and the engine could pull you smoothly and
quietly up the southern face of Mt Kosciusko.
Racers and rev-heads will demand more from this bike though; they'll want more
hit from the motor, and as a couple of our testers mentioned, they really did
expect more action from a competition 450. We reckon a race pipe, and a little
tuning would fix the mojo problem, but don't feel embarrassed if you just buy
this bike and ride it stock. It goes a hell of a lot better than it sounds. RRP:
$11,990 plus ORC.