Kawasaki’s all-new 2019 KX450 has a new electric-start motor that pumps out 3.3bhp more, has a hydraulic clutch and is claimed to weight less than any rival Japanese 450 – although it’s still heavier than KTM and Husqvarnas.
The motor is lighter, the aluminium beam frame is slimmer, there are new A-kit style Showa forks and the bike will sell at £7399. The official information from Kawasaki – which now calls the bike the KX450 rather than KXF – reads:
The KX450 has always been built with one goal in mind: to put riders on the top step of the podium. With over 40 years of KX heritage, Kawasaki now delivers an unrivaled expert category machine with a stronger engine mounted in the leanest chassis to date. On top of that, the machine has many class defining features ensuring riders reach the podium in style.
With its factory style components and tuning – including the adoption of a new finger follower valve actuation system – the new engine of the KX450 is now even more powerful with an additional 3.4 PS to keep riders ahead of the pack. Small mistakes and sudden stalls do not matter as the electric start will make sure you can quickly fight your way back to the front of the pack and with the convenience of launch control getaways are sure and strong.
The machine now features a new hydraulic clutch offering more direct feel and a light lever action. For those who want to upgrade their riding experience, the KX450 comes with a selection of DFI couplers to easily change engine mapping while the KX FI Calibration accessory kit allows riders to go deeper into detail and fully customise engine maps. To increase performance even further, the newest addition to the KX family is trimmed of all unnecessary material and features an improved lightweight aluminum perimeter frame.
In addition to the powerful engine and slim chassis, increased front and rear traction makes sure the impressive machine can put its considerable power to the ground controllably and efficiently. The larger diameter front axle and revised rear suspension layout and linkage ratios ensure that perfect lines are achieved from gate drop to final flag. Additionally, a Showa ø 49 mm inverted front fork delivers smooth action and compliant damping in all situations, while new stronger brakes ensure great stopping power when needed with a 250 mm rear disc and oversized 270 mm front rotor combining with the new front brake master cylinder to offer all round improvements in braking performance.
The all-new bodywork not only makes the bike look more compact, it also facilitates increased rider movement while the riding position can be tailored to personal preferences due to simple and effective adjustable handlebar and footpeg positions.
The KX450 stands proud and will undoubtedly deliver more victories this season with its powerful engine, leanest chassis to date, and myriad innovative features.
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Displacement
449 cc
Bore x stroke
96 x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio
12.5:1
Valve system
DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: 43 mm x 1 (Keihin)
Ignition
Digital DC-CDI
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Brakes, front
Single semi-floating 270 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rear
Single 240 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front
49 mm inverted Separate Function front Fork Air – Triple Air Chamber (SFF-Air TAC). Compression damping: 22-way. Rebound damping: 20-way
Suspension, rear
Uni-Trak. Compression damping: 19-way (low-speed), 4-turns or more (high-speed). Rebound damping: 22-way. Spring preload: Fully adjustable
Transmission
5-speed
Final drive
Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
2.727 (60/22)
Gear Ratios 1st
1.750 (28/16)
Gear Ratios 2nd
1.412 (24/17)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.188 (19/16)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.000 (19/19)
Gear Ratios 5th
0.875 (21/24)
Final reduction ratio
3.846 (50/13)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame type
Perimeter, aluminium
Trail
122 mm
Wheel travel front
305 mm
Wheel travel rear
307 mm
Tyre, front
80/100-21 51M
Tyre, rear
120/80-19 63M
Steering angle, left / right
42° / 42°
L x W x H
2,185 x 830 x 1,275 mm
Wheelbase
1,485 mm
Ground clearance
340 mm
Ground clearance
340 mm
Fuel capacity
6.2 litres
Seat height
955 mm
Curb mass
108.8 kg