2016 KX450 Anybody got one?

bvm111
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6/19/2016 6:44pm Edited Date/Time 6/19/2016 7:30pm
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
Will you deliver to Vegas? Wink

And why are you getting out of it if you don't mind me asking? I have never owned a modern four stroke, and trying to decide between the 350SX or the KX.

Thanks

BVM
6/20/2016 7:11pm Edited Date/Time 6/20/2016 7:12pm


Got my 16 about a month ago.... Absolutely love it. Coming from a KLX400 (DRZ400) this thing is like a mountain bike with 55 hp! Just took it to silver lake sand dunes this weekend and couldn't be happier with the performance. I've ridden my buddies 450s (CRF, YZF, KTM) and this is the best feeling 450 I think I've ever ridden. The white coupler was perfect in the sand where I normally use the black at my buddies private track on his property. I do get the clutch noise on decel when it's hot and it sounds like a little extra oil will help. Was thinking about a rekluse clutch as well. If anyone wants to share some suspension settings for an intermediate rider around 175lbs with gear I'd like to see. I'm running their medium settings from the manual and it's a touch soft on some harder landings. I also rode the bike at Tin Cup trail system and it was amazing in the woods. Super nimble and fast in the technical stuff.
jeffro503
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6/20/2016 8:57pm
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
bvm111 wrote:
Will you deliver to Vegas? ;) And why are you getting out of it if you don't mind me asking? I have never owned a modern...
Will you deliver to Vegas? Wink

And why are you getting out of it if you don't mind me asking? I have never owned a modern four stroke, and trying to decide between the 350SX or the KX.

Thanks

BVM
Barron....Get the KX!!
6/22/2016 5:54am Edited Date/Time 6/22/2016 7:44pm
Where is everyone getting plastic for the 16? Cycra is my go to place (local) but I am not seeing any plastic for the 2016 kx450f. I need a rear fender and side panels.

The Shop

RJMX834
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6/22/2016 7:39pm
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
I too am a cycra guy. I've been calling them since March about getting a flo green kit for 3 months. It keeps getting pushed back. I had to settle for OE green acerbis for now.
6/22/2016 7:54pm
RJMX834 wrote:
I too am a cycra guy. I've been calling them since March about getting a flo green kit for 3 months. It keeps getting pushed back...
I too am a cycra guy. I've been calling them since March about getting a flo green kit for 3 months. It keeps getting pushed back. I had to settle for OE green acerbis for now.
I just checked the Acerbis website and they have flo green listed for the 2016 450! Might have to order a complete kit now....
6/24/2016 11:18am
RJMX834 wrote:
I too am a cycra guy. I've been calling them since March about getting a flo green kit for 3 months. It keeps getting pushed back...
I too am a cycra guy. I've been calling them since March about getting a flo green kit for 3 months. It keeps getting pushed back. I had to settle for OE green acerbis for now.
Cycra stated they would release the new Kawi plastics in April. Here we are almost July, the 17 models are out and still nothing for a 2016. If you have a KTM or Yamaha, that's where the focus is, Kawasaki doesn't matter to them.
6/24/2016 1:45pm
RiverockMX wrote:
Cycra stated they would release the new Kawi plastics in April. Here we are almost July, the 17 models are out and still nothing for a...
Cycra stated they would release the new Kawi plastics in April. Here we are almost July, the 17 models are out and still nothing for a 2016. If you have a KTM or Yamaha, that's where the focus is, Kawasaki doesn't matter to them.
Yeah I just went with Acerbis.
jtiger12
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6/24/2016 2:28pm
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
That's a good deal. If I bled green, I'd look into shipping that thing to Maryland
jeffro503
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6/24/2016 5:24pm
So is there any of the guys in here that forked over some serious coin for an A-kit or possibly a WP CV and trax shock kit for their Kawi?

If not.and you ended up getting the stock Showa stuff re-done , what your experience with it and who did you use?
6/24/2016 7:28pm
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
I have a Showa A-Kit on my 250f, thought about switching it over. I just got a 16 450. Would it swap over?
RJMX834
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6/24/2016 7:40pm
RiverockMX wrote:
Cycra stated they would release the new Kawi plastics in April. Here we are almost July, the 17 models are out and still nothing for a...
Cycra stated they would release the new Kawi plastics in April. Here we are almost July, the 17 models are out and still nothing for a 2016. If you have a KTM or Yamaha, that's where the focus is, Kawasaki doesn't matter to them.
mjr119 wrote:
Yeah I just went with Acerbis.
X2. Got the OE green about a month ago. Just bought a flo green acerbis kit today. I called cycra today one last time. Now they told me they have no idea. So they lost my business.
7/2/2016 7:58pm Edited Date/Time 7/3/2016 4:53am
Installed my FMF 4.1 Titanium in anodized blue with carbon end cap and megabomb header yesterday. I know some weights have been posted but just wanted to share my results. Busted out the shipping scale and found a pretty substantial difference of 3 pounds! I've only ridden it with the spark arrestor installed on the green plug map (stock) but the bike feels smoother on the power delivery and stronger out the top.







mxb2
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7/2/2016 8:08pm Edited Date/Time 7/2/2016 8:18pm
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
In the pictures,it looks like the megabomb?, Fyi fix the crossbar pad, haaaha
Justin345
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7/3/2016 5:45am
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
Revalved stock is good. A kit = cheating. You can find good deals on used sets. I just sold one of my A kits for the kx450f yesterday. Keep your eye open and have cash ready, you can find used sets for under $3k (not the newer SFF or TAC stuff, that's usually running $4k+ since its newer). But the production version of those forks are VERY similar to their A kit variant. I believe all internal parts swap interchangeably between the 2.
JoJmoto
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7/3/2016 8:43am Edited Date/Time 7/3/2016 8:44am
Anyone know if there is a difference aside from weight, between the stock kawi "Megabomb" and the real FMF one?
jeffro503
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7/3/2016 9:50am
Carlos Z wrote:
Not much news or reviews about that bike but I hear they are at the dealers. Have one?
Justin345 wrote:
Revalved stock is good. A kit = cheating. You can find good deals on used sets. I just sold one of my A kits for the...
Revalved stock is good. A kit = cheating. You can find good deals on used sets. I just sold one of my A kits for the kx450f yesterday. Keep your eye open and have cash ready, you can find used sets for under $3k (not the newer SFF or TAC stuff, that's usually running $4k+ since its newer). But the production version of those forks are VERY similar to their A kit variant. I believe all internal parts swap interchangeably between the 2.
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi and had the extra cash sitting around after...I would have bought that set from you. I have been thinking about taking the plunge to a full WP a-kit , but that's around the same price as a newer used set of the regular Showa or KYB suspension. I'll cross that bridge when I get there....but in your opinion , which one do you think would perform better and then have a better resale value? WP CV and Trax or a slightly used A-kit?
Justin345
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7/3/2016 9:59am Edited Date/Time 7/3/2016 10:01am
jeffro503 wrote:
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi...
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi and had the extra cash sitting around after...I would have bought that set from you. I have been thinking about taking the plunge to a full WP a-kit , but that's around the same price as a newer used set of the regular Showa or KYB suspension. I'll cross that bridge when I get there....but in your opinion , which one do you think would perform better and then have a better resale value? WP CV and Trax or a slightly used A-kit?
I'm honestly not sure. I've never tried the WP cone valves or trax shock but I actually toyed with that idea myself! The only thing I have read is the cone valve intro on dirt rider when they did a test of stock vs cone valves on the Kawi, Honda and ktm or husq. Their opinion was the cone valves were awesome on the Honda and ktm/husq. A huge improvement over stock. Their opinion on the Kawi was uninspiring. They basically said it was, eh, not much improvement over stock which I thought was interesting. I also think that it would be easier to resell Showa or KYB kit suspension for the Kawi over the WP. Now if you had a KTM, WP all the way. Those older vet guys that own KTMs have $$$ and scoop up used sets of cone valves daily.

http://www.dirtrider.com/2016-wp-aer-48-fork-cone-valve-fork-and-trax-s…

jeffro503
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7/3/2016 10:11am
jeffro503 wrote:
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi...
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi and had the extra cash sitting around after...I would have bought that set from you. I have been thinking about taking the plunge to a full WP a-kit , but that's around the same price as a newer used set of the regular Showa or KYB suspension. I'll cross that bridge when I get there....but in your opinion , which one do you think would perform better and then have a better resale value? WP CV and Trax or a slightly used A-kit?
Justin345 wrote:
I'm honestly not sure. I've never tried the WP cone valves or trax shock but I actually toyed with that idea myself! The only thing I...
I'm honestly not sure. I've never tried the WP cone valves or trax shock but I actually toyed with that idea myself! The only thing I have read is the cone valve intro on dirt rider when they did a test of stock vs cone valves on the Kawi, Honda and ktm or husq. Their opinion was the cone valves were awesome on the Honda and ktm/husq. A huge improvement over stock. Their opinion on the Kawi was uninspiring. They basically said it was, eh, not much improvement over stock which I thought was interesting. I also think that it would be easier to resell Showa or KYB kit suspension for the Kawi over the WP. Now if you had a KTM, WP all the way. Those older vet guys that own KTMs have $$$ and scoop up used sets of cone valves daily.

http://www.dirtrider.com/2016-wp-aer-48-fork-cone-valve-fork-and-trax-s…

I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking more along the lines of " Yeah it's good for stock.....but how does it compare to an A-kit of some type?" . I wonder what kind of magic someone like FC could do with the stock stuff? I'm pretty much set with Factory connection since their shop is right down the road , so I don't have to ship anything.
mxb2
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7/3/2016 10:16am
jeffro503 wrote:
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi...
Yeah Justin I actually slobbered over the kit you were selling on here a few weeks ago. If I would have already owned my 16' Kawi and had the extra cash sitting around after...I would have bought that set from you. I have been thinking about taking the plunge to a full WP a-kit , but that's around the same price as a newer used set of the regular Showa or KYB suspension. I'll cross that bridge when I get there....but in your opinion , which one do you think would perform better and then have a better resale value? WP CV and Trax or a slightly used A-kit?
Justin345 wrote:
I'm honestly not sure. I've never tried the WP cone valves or trax shock but I actually toyed with that idea myself! The only thing I...
I'm honestly not sure. I've never tried the WP cone valves or trax shock but I actually toyed with that idea myself! The only thing I have read is the cone valve intro on dirt rider when they did a test of stock vs cone valves on the Kawi, Honda and ktm or husq. Their opinion was the cone valves were awesome on the Honda and ktm/husq. A huge improvement over stock. Their opinion on the Kawi was uninspiring. They basically said it was, eh, not much improvement over stock which I thought was interesting. I also think that it would be easier to resell Showa or KYB kit suspension for the Kawi over the WP. Now if you had a KTM, WP all the way. Those older vet guys that own KTMs have $$$ and scoop up used sets of cone valves daily.

http://www.dirtrider.com/2016-wp-aer-48-fork-cone-valve-fork-and-trax-s…

jeffro503 wrote:
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking...
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking more along the lines of " Yeah it's good for stock.....but how does it compare to an A-kit of some type?" . I wonder what kind of magic someone like FC could do with the stock stuff? I'm pretty much set with Factory connection since their shop is right down the road , so I don't have to ship anything.
Buy my crf. Jeffro w the A kit, problem solved haha.
Justin345
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7/3/2016 10:17am
jeffro503 wrote:
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking...
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking more along the lines of " Yeah it's good for stock.....but how does it compare to an A-kit of some type?" . I wonder what kind of magic someone like FC could do with the stock stuff? I'm pretty much set with Factory connection since their shop is right down the road , so I don't have to ship anything.
I had my stock stuff on the '15 revalved by pro circuit and it was really good. My only complaint woils be the TACs bottom out a little too easily for my liking. Other than that, they really were very good. The A kit is on a different level though. If you can afford it, you'll never hear the words "it's not worth it" come out of my mouth, or fingers in this case. Ha!
jeffro503
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7/3/2016 10:50am
jeffro503 wrote:
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking...
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking more along the lines of " Yeah it's good for stock.....but how does it compare to an A-kit of some type?" . I wonder what kind of magic someone like FC could do with the stock stuff? I'm pretty much set with Factory connection since their shop is right down the road , so I don't have to ship anything.
Justin345 wrote:
I had my stock stuff on the '15 revalved by pro circuit and it was really good. My only complaint woils be the TACs bottom out...
I had my stock stuff on the '15 revalved by pro circuit and it was really good. My only complaint woils be the TACs bottom out a little too easily for my liking. Other than that, they really were very good. The A kit is on a different level though. If you can afford it, you'll never hear the words "it's not worth it" come out of my mouth, or fingers in this case. Ha!
Dang it! Justin you aren't doing a very good job of steering me away from the A-kit idea haha. Laughing
bvm111
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7/3/2016 11:33am
jeffro503 wrote:
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking...
I wasn't real sure how well the stock suspension on the Kawi could be set up honestly. I have heard good things about it....but was thinking more along the lines of " Yeah it's good for stock.....but how does it compare to an A-kit of some type?" . I wonder what kind of magic someone like FC could do with the stock stuff? I'm pretty much set with Factory connection since their shop is right down the road , so I don't have to ship anything.
Justin345 wrote:
I had my stock stuff on the '15 revalved by pro circuit and it was really good. My only complaint woils be the TACs bottom out...
I had my stock stuff on the '15 revalved by pro circuit and it was really good. My only complaint woils be the TACs bottom out a little too easily for my liking. Other than that, they really were very good. The A kit is on a different level though. If you can afford it, you'll never hear the words "it's not worth it" come out of my mouth, or fingers in this case. Ha!
jeffro503 wrote:
Dang it! Justin you aren't doing a very good job of steering me away from the A-kit idea haha. Laughing
Jeff, i think im going to start with gold valves and the spring conversion from Racetech.... Or just throw the TAC on the KX and go with the cone valves on the 450 just to be different!
Justin345
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7/3/2016 4:05pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Dang it! Justin you aren't doing a very good job of steering me away from the A-kit idea haha. Laughing
Do it!!! I've always been really curious how the WP kit would be. I've also been really curious if a newer Showa air kit (SFF or SFF TAC) would compare to stock revalved. I haven't ridden any but with them being so close to the stock variant, I don't think I'd take a $10k gamble on a new set. That's why I've opted to get both of my A kits as the older spring model. My buddy just got a brand new KYB PSF1 works kit from Enzo on his Yz450f that I can't wait to try out. Whichever route you go, enjoy the new bike!
DB97
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7/28/2016 3:33pm








After 3 years without riding I picked one up in december coming off a 2011 kx450. It felt like a completly different bike compared to my 11 it's extremly skinny and the air forks feel different. I got pro circuit to set the suspension up and it feels way better after a few clicker adjustments I still feel like the front doesn't bite as good as spring but the more I trust it the better it feels. The TI-6 was a big improvement with over rev it really stretched out the gears and got rid of the popping. I have 35 hours on the bike and I really like it you won't be dissapointed with one. The usual kawi problems the chain slide lasted 10 hours but the clutch is fine.
mxb2
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7/28/2016 3:46pm
DB97 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/07/28/144998/s1200_WP_20160723_09_47_20_Pro.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/07/28/144999/s1200_WP_20160723_09_47_32_Pro.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/07/28/145000/s1200_WP_20160723_09_47_05_Pro.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/07/28/145001/s1200_wp_ss_20160723_0002.jpg[/img] After 3 years without riding I picked one up in december coming off a 2011 kx450. It felt like a completly different...








After 3 years without riding I picked one up in december coming off a 2011 kx450. It felt like a completly different bike compared to my 11 it's extremly skinny and the air forks feel different. I got pro circuit to set the suspension up and it feels way better after a few clicker adjustments I still feel like the front doesn't bite as good as spring but the more I trust it the better it feels. The TI-6 was a big improvement with over rev it really stretched out the gears and got rid of the popping. I have 35 hours on the bike and I really like it you won't be dissapointed with one. The usual kawi problems the chain slide lasted 10 hours but the clutch is fine.
As a package,how does it compare to the 11 you had? Power,handling,sound. ,brakes etc. Thanks.
DB97
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7/28/2016 4:03pm
mxb2 wrote:
As a package,how does it compare to the 11 you had? Power,handling,sound. ,brakes etc. Thanks.
The engine has a different feel honestly felt like 3rd gear was a little short. It definately likes to rev farther but the exhaust took care of the difference in power and stretched out the gears, it's fast enough but I want to add a get ecu eventually. It handles way better doesn't want to stand up in ruts plus I added core steel brake lines that and the stock 270 rotor is a million times better then the 11. I'm still getting comfortable with riding again but i'm already faster on the 16 for sure.
mxb2
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7/28/2016 4:13pm
mxb2 wrote:
As a package,how does it compare to the 11 you had? Power,handling,sound. ,brakes etc. Thanks.
DB97 wrote:
The engine has a different feel honestly felt like 3rd gear was a little short. It definately likes to rev farther but the exhaust took care...
The engine has a different feel honestly felt like 3rd gear was a little short. It definately likes to rev farther but the exhaust took care of the difference in power and stretched out the gears, it's fast enough but I want to add a get ecu eventually. It handles way better doesn't want to stand up in ruts plus I added core steel brake lines that and the stock 270 rotor is a million times better then the 11. I'm still getting comfortable with riding again but i'm already faster on the 16 for sure.
Thanks man good info, I def recommend remap and good fuel , if ya got the $$ get the vortex or GET ecu , I had a 12 450 kawy,remap,full fmf 4.1. think barked.
DB97
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7/28/2016 4:25pm
mxb2 wrote:
Thanks man good info, I def recommend remap and good fuel , if ya got the $$ get the vortex or GET ecu , I had...
Thanks man good info, I def recommend remap and good fuel , if ya got the $$ get the vortex or GET ecu , I had a 12 450 kawy,remap,full fmf 4.1. think barked.
No problem, i'm sure the 12 flew it had a beast motor already. I just run 93 ethanol free but the GET ecu will definately happen my buddy owes me one part at cost.
Kawi4life
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7/28/2016 5:39pm
Jenkins398 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/06/12/138784/s1200_image.jpg[/img] Just picked her up last week. 5 years without riding, im ready to get back into it.


Just picked her up last week. 5 years without riding, im ready to get back into it.
It's been 5 years for me too (last bike was a 2007 KX450f). I REALLY have my eye on a new 2016 KX450f. First set back is no place to ride followed by I'll be 39 in less than a month and feel like I'm too old...

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