2019 Kawasaki KX450F Info Released

Squirrelings 6/12/2018 4:59pm
6/12/2018 4:59pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2018 4:59pm
seth505 wrote:
Imagine an orange bike had eaten through chain guides in a few hours then it would be “euro engineering” and a big deal. Silly
I'll get back to you when my bike snaps in half. Never made a single "euro" comment of any kind.
motoarmageddon 6/12/2018 5:04pm
6/12/2018 5:04pm
Gandorlf wrote:
They haven't used cotter pins for like 4 years man!
Markopolo400 wrote:
Doh I suck. Sideways
Gandorlf wrote:
Haha! I know this because when I bought my 15, my favourite thing about it was the lack of cotter pin! They get all chewed up...
Haha! I know this because when I bought my 15, my favourite thing about it was the lack of cotter pin! They get all chewed up if you're constantly taking them out/putting them in. Real SOB.
a cotter pin on a axle nut is a guarantee that it wont fall off. The lock nuts that you all want, they wear out after time. And then get loose. My buddys YZ axle nut fell off and broke his hub and swingarm. That wouldn't have happened if he had a cotter pin. You have to use a new cotter pin every time is the downside
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seth505 6/12/2018 5:05pm
6/12/2018 5:05pm
seth505 wrote:
Imagine an orange bike had eaten through chain guides in a few hours then it would be “euro engineering” and a big deal. Silly
Squirrelings wrote:
I'll get back to you when my bike snaps in half. Never made a single "euro" comment of any kind.
I was considering keeping it a secret if my bikes snap but I’ll come clean.
dmm698
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dmm698 6/12/2018 5:29pm
6/12/2018 5:29pm
ML512 or anyone in the know on these - all this rave about “A-kit” like forks and shock. If I took my 2016 kx450 with pc spring a kit forks and shock, copied the PC valving from the kit to this new stock stuff, am I going to yield the same results (assuming settings are similar between chassis? IE a 19 doesn’t require something totally different than a 16). I’m assuming since the shock is offset there’s no way my 16 a kit will fit a 19. The forks may work if I use old wheel an axle (looks like diff axle sizes)?

I ask because compared to all the stock revalved stuff I’ve ridden the a kit shock is hands down the best feeling one I’ve ridden once setup for me (no, not the placebo effect because I tried it with the valving it originally had and it sucked). It’s planted and feels dead, never does anything funny. Square edge chop in ruts is like non existent. Forks are also super plush but firm. Or am I better off trying to source an a kit body that’ll fit a 19 and dropping my internals/shaft in as well as Clevis if it’ll fit and running an older wheel with my forks?

The Shop

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davis224
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davis224 6/12/2018 5:30pm
6/12/2018 5:30pm
Motofinne wrote:
The shrouds look like something from a KLX bike. That ruins the look completely for me, worst looking 450 at the moment (that is a subjective...
The shrouds look like something from a KLX bike. That ruins the look completely for me, worst looking 450 at the moment (that is a subjective thing though).

But the overall performance upgrades look promising!
That was my first thought, it looks like a KLX 650
Squirrelings 6/12/2018 5:37pm
6/12/2018 5:37pm
seth505 wrote:
I was considering keeping it a secret if my bikes snap but I’ll come clean.
Laughing Laughing I hope it doesn't and doubt it will, believe it or not!
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drt410 6/12/2018 5:55pm
6/12/2018 5:55pm
dmm698 wrote:
ML512 or anyone in the know on these - all this rave about “A-kit” like forks and shock. If I took my 2016 kx450 with pc...
ML512 or anyone in the know on these - all this rave about “A-kit” like forks and shock. If I took my 2016 kx450 with pc spring a kit forks and shock, copied the PC valving from the kit to this new stock stuff, am I going to yield the same results (assuming settings are similar between chassis? IE a 19 doesn’t require something totally different than a 16). I’m assuming since the shock is offset there’s no way my 16 a kit will fit a 19. The forks may work if I use old wheel an axle (looks like diff axle sizes)?

I ask because compared to all the stock revalved stuff I’ve ridden the a kit shock is hands down the best feeling one I’ve ridden once setup for me (no, not the placebo effect because I tried it with the valving it originally had and it sucked). It’s planted and feels dead, never does anything funny. Square edge chop in ruts is like non existent. Forks are also super plush but firm. Or am I better off trying to source an a kit body that’ll fit a 19 and dropping my internals/shaft in as well as Clevis if it’ll fit and running an older wheel with my forks?
This bike now has 49mm forks like the factory forks.
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KDXGarage 6/12/2018 6:05pm
6/12/2018 6:05pm
Looks awesome!

Please, grown men, please. Stop saying "I will wait until 2020" when you are ashamed to say in front of strange men that you don't know... "I can not afford it".

Here, let me show you, "I can not afford it". See. It is not that hard.

Thanks.
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drt410 6/12/2018 6:09pm
6/12/2018 6:09pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2018 6:16pm
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock 450. Thats badass. Theyre not selling a regular bike and a factory bike to milk every penny out of you, theyre doing it all on the stock 450. It has 49mm large diameter factory style/size a-kit style forks with dark blue titanium coating, 270mm front rotor, 250mm rear rotor, 22mm front axle, aggressive cams, finger followers, bridge box piston, larger intake and exhaust valves, elec start, hydro clutch, 44mm throttle body, side entry airbox with downdraft intake, and at 232 lbs its one of the lightest bikes and only $9200. They just put the beat down on the other brands offering 2 bikes, theyre doing all that factory shit on the “stock” 450 which its hard to even call it that at this point. You throw a pipe on this thing, some graphics, and a seat cover and its a decked out race bike. Round of applause for kawi... theyre going to kill the game with this.

The works edition Honda is $11,500, KTM $10,400. The Honda is more money and only has a polished head, slip on, and forks. The KTM just has slimmer bodywork. The non factory edition kawi is loooaded.
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280driver 6/12/2018 6:12pm
6/12/2018 6:12pm
drt410 wrote:
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock...
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock 450. Thats badass. Theyre not selling a regular bike and a factory bike to milk every penny out of you, theyre doing it all on the stock 450. It has 49mm large diameter factory style/size a-kit style forks with dark blue titanium coating, 270mm front rotor, 250mm rear rotor, 22mm front axle, aggressive cams, finger followers, bridge box piston, larger intake and exhaust valves, elec start, hydro clutch, 44mm throttle body, side entry airbox with downdraft intake, and at 232 lbs its one of the lightest bikes and only $9200. They just put the beat down on the other brands offering 2 bikes, theyre doing all that factory shit on the “stock” 450 which its hard to even call it that at this point. You throw a pipe on this thing, some graphics, and a seat cover and its a decked out race bike. Round of applause for kawi... theyre going to kill the game with this.

The works edition Honda is $11,500, KTM $10,400. The Honda is more money and only has a polished head, slip on, and forks. The KTM just has slimmer bodywork. The non factory edition kawi is loooaded.
You’re right! Cheers Kawi. Sure hope the ride reports tomorrow are good.
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KDXGarage 6/12/2018 6:19pm
6/12/2018 6:19pm
drt410 wrote:
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock...
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock 450. Thats badass. Theyre not selling a regular bike and a factory bike to milk every penny out of you, theyre doing it all on the stock 450. It has 49mm large diameter factory style/size a-kit style forks with dark blue titanium coating, 270mm front rotor, 250mm rear rotor, 22mm front axle, aggressive cams, finger followers, bridge box piston, larger intake and exhaust valves, elec start, hydro clutch, 44mm throttle body, side entry airbox with downdraft intake, and at 232 lbs its one of the lightest bikes and only $9200. They just put the beat down on the other brands offering 2 bikes, theyre doing all that factory shit on the “stock” 450 which its hard to even call it that at this point. You throw a pipe on this thing, some graphics, and a seat cover and its a decked out race bike. Round of applause for kawi... theyre going to kill the game with this.

The works edition Honda is $11,500, KTM $10,400. The Honda is more money and only has a polished head, slip on, and forks. The KTM just has slimmer bodywork. The non factory edition kawi is loooaded.
You have a good point.

What in the world is it lacking that they could deliver in a 2019.5 model??
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drt410 6/12/2018 6:25pm
6/12/2018 6:25pm
So they moved the shock 5mm to the right for the downdraft intake to go next to the shock. Is that going to change the handling? Why wouldnt they lower the shock like honda?




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drt410 6/12/2018 6:28pm
6/12/2018 6:28pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2018 6:32pm
drt410 wrote:
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock...
So the stock kawi is basically a “works edition”. No 2nd more expensive model you have to pay for you get it with the regular stock 450. Thats badass. Theyre not selling a regular bike and a factory bike to milk every penny out of you, theyre doing it all on the stock 450. It has 49mm large diameter factory style/size a-kit style forks with dark blue titanium coating, 270mm front rotor, 250mm rear rotor, 22mm front axle, aggressive cams, finger followers, bridge box piston, larger intake and exhaust valves, elec start, hydro clutch, 44mm throttle body, side entry airbox with downdraft intake, and at 232 lbs its one of the lightest bikes and only $9200. They just put the beat down on the other brands offering 2 bikes, theyre doing all that factory shit on the “stock” 450 which its hard to even call it that at this point. You throw a pipe on this thing, some graphics, and a seat cover and its a decked out race bike. Round of applause for kawi... theyre going to kill the game with this.

The works edition Honda is $11,500, KTM $10,400. The Honda is more money and only has a polished head, slip on, and forks. The KTM just has slimmer bodywork. The non factory edition kawi is loooaded.
KDXGarage wrote:
You have a good point.

What in the world is it lacking that they could deliver in a 2019.5 model??
No idea. Id guess they keep in line with what theyve been doing so far and since this bike changed soooo much just change the graphics and make minor changes till the next reboot.

They just put Honda and KTM on notice though by putting all that “works shit” on the stock bike at $9200. How do you pass that up. Im extreeemely pleased with the new kx450 and yz250f. This year has the best lineup of bikes in history. Theyre all great. Suzuki.... step it up bud. Those even look great too though. Theyre all badass at this point.
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endurox 6/12/2018 8:12pm
6/12/2018 8:12pm
NJKawi913 wrote:
The forks are a HUGE plus. I am very curious to see what kind of performance that valve train can add
theycallmeebryan wrote:
I'm expecting the power output to be close to that of the KTM 450SXF. In the 60-63hp range.
nytsmaC wrote:
If it’s 55hp it will still be more than what 99% of Vitards need. Instead of trying to win thw horsepower pissing contest hopefully they are...
If it’s 55hp it will still be more than what 99% of Vitards need. Instead of trying to win thw horsepower pissing contest hopefully they are working on reliability, durability and ease of use. The con rod plain bearing is a good sign, too bad they didn’t do the crank bearings too.

A durable clutch and chain guide would be a nice feather in their cap. Let KTM have their 60+ HP, who cares.
Honda 450 had most power for 2018 shootout. So spring forks and aluminum frame add 11 pounds over KTM?
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nytsmaC 6/12/2018 10:59pm
6/12/2018 10:59pm Edited Date/Time 6/12/2018 11:03pm
endurox wrote:
Honda 450 had most power for 2018 shootout. So spring forks and aluminum frame add 11 pounds over KTM?
.just little bits of weight all over I’d imagine.
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PJRAUS 6/13/2018 12:11am
6/13/2018 12:11am
Looks pretty good! Nice to see that much development happening, looks like theyve had enough of ktm dominating the development scene
JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 6/13/2018 12:57am
6/13/2018 12:57am Edited Date/Time 6/13/2018 12:59am
Johnny89superbike wrote:
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be...
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be 15mm ?



https://motocrossactionmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2019-kawasaki…
5mm is correct for how much the pegs can be moved down from the default position. That feature has been present for a while.

The bolt holes in the frame may be throwing you off, but the peg mount actually has 2 different sets of mounting holes.

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CASH476
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CASH476 6/13/2018 1:06am
6/13/2018 1:06am
Johnny89superbike wrote:
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be...
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be 15mm ?



https://motocrossactionmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2019-kawasaki…
Previous models were 5mm, I didn't think it was much either, stand on the bike with one peg in each position, makes a bigger difference than you think.
Johnny89superbike 6/13/2018 3:38am
6/13/2018 3:38am
Johnny89superbike wrote:
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be...
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be 15mm ?



https://motocrossactionmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2019-kawasaki…
CASH476 wrote:
Previous models were 5mm, I didn't think it was much either, stand on the bike with one peg in each position, makes a bigger difference than...
Previous models were 5mm, I didn't think it was much either, stand on the bike with one peg in each position, makes a bigger difference than you think.
Thanks guys :-) Makes me think, after many crashes & knee replacements, my left leg is 12mm shorter than the right, maybe l should alter the height of the pegs on my RMZ?
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PRM31 6/13/2018 4:17am
6/13/2018 4:17am
Kawasaki seems to be in the game for sure. I like that they are offering just one version of a 450. KTM and their mid-cycle Factory edition is a nice offering, as you can get some fancy parts and an early look at the next years bike. But I think Honda offering two versions at once is a mistake. To me it takes away from the regular version.
Looking forward to hearing what riders think of the new Kawi.
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rossi46 6/13/2018 4:33am
6/13/2018 4:33am
Fuck it’s ugly
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JBecker 72 6/13/2018 4:34am
6/13/2018 4:34am
Johnny89superbike wrote:
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be...
Did the Kawa release make a mistake with the footpeg repositioning distance? 5mm aint jack, I would say looking at the diagram that it would be 15mm ?



https://motocrossactionmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2019-kawasaki…
CASH476 wrote:
Previous models were 5mm, I didn't think it was much either, stand on the bike with one peg in each position, makes a bigger difference than...
Previous models were 5mm, I didn't think it was much either, stand on the bike with one peg in each position, makes a bigger difference than you think.
Johnny89superbike wrote:
Thanks guys :-) Makes me think, after many crashes & knee replacements, my left leg is 12mm shorter than the right, maybe l should alter the...
Thanks guys :-) Makes me think, after many crashes & knee replacements, my left leg is 12mm shorter than the right, maybe l should alter the height of the pegs on my RMZ?
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the pegs down and the bars forward on my 16, I have tons of room. When I get back on my YZ250 I feel cramped in comparison.
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Paul333 6/13/2018 4:43am
6/13/2018 4:43am
JBecker 72 wrote:
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the...
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the pegs down and the bars forward on my 16, I have tons of room. When I get back on my YZ250 I feel cramped in comparison.
I could not agree more.

At 6' I loved being able to drop the pegs and bars forward on my 2012 KXF450. It was a complete game changer ergonomics wise.

Squirrelings 6/13/2018 4:56am
6/13/2018 4:56am
JBecker 72 wrote:
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the...
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the pegs down and the bars forward on my 16, I have tons of room. When I get back on my YZ250 I feel cramped in comparison.
Paul333 wrote:
I could not agree more. At 6' I loved being able to drop the pegs and bars forward on my 2012 KXF450. It was a complete...
I could not agree more.

At 6' I loved being able to drop the pegs and bars forward on my 2012 KXF450. It was a complete game changer ergonomics wise.

Do you guys run your mounts in the forward position? I can't get comfortable with the bars that far forward. Makes the front end feel very unpredictable for me and downright sketchy.
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DB97 6/13/2018 4:59am
6/13/2018 4:59am
Squirrelings wrote:
Do you guys run your mounts in the forward position? I can't get comfortable with the bars that far forward. Makes the front end feel very...
Do you guys run your mounts in the forward position? I can't get comfortable with the bars that far forward. Makes the front end feel very unpredictable for me and downright sketchy.
I'm 6' and haven't tried lowering the pegs I thought it also moved them forward. As for the bars I always have them in the center in line with the forks, to me it makes sense to transfer as much energy as possible straight into the forks.
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JBecker 72 6/13/2018 5:12am
6/13/2018 5:12am Edited Date/Time 6/13/2018 5:13am
JBecker 72 wrote:
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the...
Being 6’1” with long legs and not as limber as I was in my twenties, the lower peg mounts are a nice touch. After moving the pegs down and the bars forward on my 16, I have tons of room. When I get back on my YZ250 I feel cramped in comparison.
Paul333 wrote:
I could not agree more. At 6' I loved being able to drop the pegs and bars forward on my 2012 KXF450. It was a complete...
I could not agree more.

At 6' I loved being able to drop the pegs and bars forward on my 2012 KXF450. It was a complete game changer ergonomics wise.

Squirrelings wrote:
Do you guys run your mounts in the forward position? I can't get comfortable with the bars that far forward. Makes the front end feel very...
Do you guys run your mounts in the forward position? I can't get comfortable with the bars that far forward. Makes the front end feel very unpredictable for me and downright sketchy.
I run mine in the front holes, but the clamps facing backwards. If that makes sense. So if I flipped the clamps I could get them one position more forward.

The bars are basically directly over the forks. On my Yamaha, they are behind the center line of the forks.
Squirrelings 6/13/2018 5:31am
6/13/2018 5:31am
JBecker 72 wrote:
I run mine in the front holes, but the clamps facing backwards. If that makes sense. So if I flipped the clamps I could get them...
I run mine in the front holes, but the clamps facing backwards. If that makes sense. So if I flipped the clamps I could get them one position more forward.

The bars are basically directly over the forks. On my Yamaha, they are behind the center line of the forks.
Yeah, that makes sense. I run mine forward in the back hole. Couldn't jive with the front hole. Thanks Kawi for the options! Haha
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mx317 6/13/2018 6:31am
6/13/2018 6:31am Edited Date/Time 6/13/2018 6:32am
DB97 wrote:
I'm 6' and haven't tried lowering the pegs I thought it also moved them forward. As for the bars I always have them in the center...
I'm 6' and haven't tried lowering the pegs I thought it also moved them forward. As for the bars I always have them in the center in line with the forks, to me it makes sense to transfer as much energy as possible straight into the forks.
There are two sets of holes in the frame brackets and two sets of threaded holes in the frame. The peg mounts come straight down using the other set of holes if that makes sense. When you have the pegs off you can see the top edge of the threaded holes of the other position in the other holes in the bracket.
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DB97 6/13/2018 6:35am
6/13/2018 6:35am
mx317 wrote:
There are two sets of holes in the frame brackets and two sets of threaded holes in the frame. The peg mounts come straight down using...
There are two sets of holes in the frame brackets and two sets of threaded holes in the frame. The peg mounts come straight down using the other set of holes if that makes sense. When you have the pegs off you can see the top edge of the threaded holes of the other position in the other holes in the bracket.
Thanks, I've seen them just never tried it guess I should might get my knees to grip the seat better.

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