Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

rollin64caddy
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San Diego, CA, USA
12/17/2018 3:50pm
Man, sorry to hear about your issues DB! Hope you can get it sorted quick like. On the maintenance note, anyone know the quickest/easiest way to...
Man, sorry to hear about your issues DB! Hope you can get it sorted quick like. On the maintenance note, anyone know the quickest/easiest way to get a service manual on these 19’s? Dealer or?
Check out page 14. Looks like it can be downloaded through a Google search.
Moto520
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Schaumburg, IL, USA
12/17/2018 6:26pm
I ordered it through the local kawasaki dealer. It was around $75
Moto520
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Schaumburg, IL, USA
12/17/2018 7:23pm
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube, TM Designworks lower roller, Renthal Fatbar, and a bunch of other crap that won’t make me any faster. Waiting on the FMF full exhaust and the full Hinson clutch kit is about to get installed. Beautiful bike to look at thats for sure.



Moto520
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12/17/2018 7:31pm
328 Powersports on Ebay buys complete bikes and parts them out. So.....i was able to pick up a complete front and rear wheel for a reasonable price.

The Shop

50dippin
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361
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Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
12/17/2018 9:45pm Edited Date/Time 12/17/2018 9:47pm
Moto520 wrote:
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube...
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube, TM Designworks lower roller, Renthal Fatbar, and a bunch of other crap that won’t make me any faster. Waiting on the FMF full exhaust and the full Hinson clutch kit is about to get installed. Beautiful bike to look at thats for sure.



For anyone thinking of the velcro seat cover from guts, I would skip it and stick the stapled on cover. The velcro sticks out and makes it really hard to get the seat on and mine is already starting to tear at the seem around the rear number plates just from being taken on and off. Also, this is by far the most grip I've ever seen on a cover, maybe even too much.

Anyone seen the p3 carbon skid plate yet? They have it listed on their website but no photos.
D_Mash336
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132
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5/16/2018
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USA
12/17/2018 10:06pm
Moto520 wrote:
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube...
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube, TM Designworks lower roller, Renthal Fatbar, and a bunch of other crap that won’t make me any faster. Waiting on the FMF full exhaust and the full Hinson clutch kit is about to get installed. Beautiful bike to look at thats for sure.



T.m. Designs roller, did you have to replace the mount/post it dits on?
Moto520
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Schaumburg, IL, USA
12/18/2018 9:17am
Moto520 wrote:
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube...
So far.....awesome bike. Ive got the Works Connection skid plate, radiator braces, phantom tall foam and Guts racing seat cover, Titanium Propegs, Pro Circuit throttle tube, TM Designworks lower roller, Renthal Fatbar, and a bunch of other crap that won’t make me any faster. Waiting on the FMF full exhaust and the full Hinson clutch kit is about to get installed. Beautiful bike to look at thats for sure.



D_Mash336 wrote:
T.m. Designs roller, did you have to replace the mount/post it dits on? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/17/310934/s1200_4079A3D6_B70E_42AF_81FB_2477FF31D07B.jpg[/img]
T.m. Designs roller, did you have to replace the mount/post it dits on?
No....you get the roller and bearing. The post from the bike is still used.
D_Mash336
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12/18/2018 9:36am
Moto520 wrote:
No....you get the roller and bearing. The post from the bike is still used.
I got the power lip roller but the post was too short
mnomis484
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12/31/2012
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L, AT
12/18/2018 9:47am
Moto520 wrote:
No....you get the roller and bearing. The post from the bike is still used.
D_Mash336 wrote:
I got the power lip roller but the post was too short
then it probably was for the 2018 model, which is a bit narrower.

My clutch lever pull continuoisly got a bit harder (15 hours now), so i disassembled the lever and the bushings and it looks like there is not even the slightest bit of grease on there from the factory, thus creating a lot of friction after a couple hours. Cleaned and greased everything and its as good/ easy to pull as new, . So i would recommend to everyone to put a bit of grease on the bushings.
D_Mash336
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USA
12/18/2018 9:50am
Moto520 wrote:
No....you get the roller and bearing. The post from the bike is still used.
D_Mash336 wrote:
I got the power lip roller but the post was too short
mnomis484 wrote:
then it probably was for the 2018 model, which is a bit narrower. My clutch lever pull continuoisly got a bit harder (15 hours now), so...
then it probably was for the 2018 model, which is a bit narrower.

My clutch lever pull continuoisly got a bit harder (15 hours now), so i disassembled the lever and the bushings and it looks like there is not even the slightest bit of grease on there from the factory, thus creating a lot of friction after a couple hours. Cleaned and greased everything and its as good/ easy to pull as new, . So i would recommend to everyone to put a bit of grease on the bushings.
No, like the roller was too wide and didn’t allow the nut to tighten cause not enough threads showing
Shawnh
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54
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12/18/2018
Location
Brighton, CO, USA
12/18/2018 10:10am
New member here, just thought I would show mine off! Absolutely love the bike. I had both a '15 and a '17 and there is no comparison in my opinion. The '17 had a Race Tech spring conversion but I still never got quite comfortable with the front end traction. The '19 handles better than I thought it would or could, it actually made me love riding again. Thank god the air fork revolution is over!


7
DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
12/18/2018 3:47pm Edited Date/Time 12/18/2018 3:48pm
Well finally got the compression tester. 0 psi FML. Was doing a sight lap not even riding...
lumpy790
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12/18/2018 7:10pm
Precision Concepts Race Team Sent us the team pictures.



2
40acres
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Houston, TX, USA
12/18/2018 7:15pm
DB97 wrote:
Well finally got the compression tester. 0 psi FML. Was doing a sight lap not even riding...
Something seems off. You'd get at least 1psi without the piston even installed.
DB97
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12/18/2018 9:11pm
DB97 wrote:
Well finally got the compression tester. 0 psi FML. Was doing a sight lap not even riding...
40acres wrote:
Something seems off. You'd get at least 1psi without the piston even installed.
It's not a digital gauge the first line is 30 psi. Probably not sensitive enough to tell. Regardless it's toast.
dancolvin633
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Plumas Lake, CA, USA
12/18/2018 10:12pm
Here’s some pics of mine. Just finished it for the most part. Still have some Cerekote work to do. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/12/309538/s1200_A0598FD5_C738_4E1C_B964_6D186E9F16C9.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/12/309539/s1200_999B1B61_73E4_4DCB_A8AF_6F74E923BB45.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/12/309541/s1200_42FF0DD3_AD73_4E34_BBFD_AE10E4D617D9.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/12/309540/s1200_55BA623C_DE7E_4490_A942_01E4C97A1E67.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/12/309542/s1200_91C32A38_E7B4_4671_AE5C_007C07DE52E0.jpg[/img]
Here’s some pics of mine. Just finished it for the most part. Still have some Cerekote work to do.





Paul333 wrote:
All I can say is WOW awesome bike. May I ask what skid plate that is?
It is a CRM plate
Markopolo400
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St. Paul-ish, MN, USA
12/19/2018 7:48am
DB97 wrote:
It's not a digital gauge the first line is 30 psi. Probably not sensitive enough to tell. Regardless it's toast.
Damn that sucks
DB97
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12/19/2018 9:35am
DB97 wrote:
It's not a digital gauge the first line is 30 psi. Probably not sensitive enough to tell. Regardless it's toast.
Damn that sucks
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to. I don't like people working on my bike so I'm debating if I should just check it out myself. It's not locked up so maybe it won't be a huge deal but who knows.
Kyle_Liebaert
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Virginia Beach, VA, USA
12/19/2018 10:03am
DB97 wrote:
It's not a digital gauge the first line is 30 psi. Probably not sensitive enough to tell. Regardless it's toast.
Damn that sucks
DB97 wrote:
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to...
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to. I don't like people working on my bike so I'm debating if I should just check it out myself. It's not locked up so maybe it won't be a huge deal but who knows.
My bet is a cracked piston! Cylinder will be ok. Get in there and keep us posted. Good luck!

I put a .52 spring in one fork leg and did the clutch mod. Removed judder setup. This bike is so damn good it blows me away every time I ride it.
Shawnh
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Brighton, CO, USA
12/19/2018 11:09am
Damn that sucks
DB97 wrote:
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to...
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to. I don't like people working on my bike so I'm debating if I should just check it out myself. It's not locked up so maybe it won't be a huge deal but who knows.
My bet is a cracked piston! Cylinder will be ok. Get in there and keep us posted. Good luck! I put a .52 spring in one...
My bet is a cracked piston! Cylinder will be ok. Get in there and keep us posted. Good luck!

I put a .52 spring in one fork leg and did the clutch mod. Removed judder setup. This bike is so damn good it blows me away every time I ride it.
I was just wondering what you notice most about the clutch mod and in what types of dirt is it most noticeable? Also, was the spring very noticeable? I am a 175 lbs ex local pro and can still get around pretty fast, and I am in love with the forks but if it makes a big difference I may change it out. Thanks!
Kyle_Liebaert
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Virginia Beach, VA, USA
12/19/2018 11:14am Edited Date/Time 12/19/2018 11:15am
Shawnh wrote:
I was just wondering what you notice most about the clutch mod and in what types of dirt is it most noticeable? Also, was the spring...
I was just wondering what you notice most about the clutch mod and in what types of dirt is it most noticeable? Also, was the spring very noticeable? I am a 175 lbs ex local pro and can still get around pretty fast, and I am in love with the forks but if it makes a big difference I may change it out. Thanks!
I felt it almost changed the engagement point. Its right at the beginning of clutch pull now. Before it seemed i had to pull the clutch in a touch more.

The spring i noticed mainly it didnt oversteer as much. Im 175 lbs too. It rode a bit higher in the stroke. And i had to move my sag from 107-104. Forks 2mm up in clamps. Just settles into ruts much nicer. No over steer or under steer. Less knifing in soft dirt. Stock clicker setting except i went one softer on compression. Works awesome
Shawnh
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Brighton, CO, USA
12/19/2018 11:48am
Shawnh wrote:
I was just wondering what you notice most about the clutch mod and in what types of dirt is it most noticeable? Also, was the spring...
I was just wondering what you notice most about the clutch mod and in what types of dirt is it most noticeable? Also, was the spring very noticeable? I am a 175 lbs ex local pro and can still get around pretty fast, and I am in love with the forks but if it makes a big difference I may change it out. Thanks!
I felt it almost changed the engagement point. Its right at the beginning of clutch pull now. Before it seemed i had to pull the clutch...
I felt it almost changed the engagement point. Its right at the beginning of clutch pull now. Before it seemed i had to pull the clutch in a touch more.

The spring i noticed mainly it didnt oversteer as much. Im 175 lbs too. It rode a bit higher in the stroke. And i had to move my sag from 107-104. Forks 2mm up in clamps. Just settles into ruts much nicer. No over steer or under steer. Less knifing in soft dirt. Stock clicker setting except i went one softer on compression. Works awesome
Awesome, thanks for the reply! I may have to swap that spring when I service my forks. The bike already handles far better than any other bike I have ever owned so it is cool to hear it could be even better.
Markopolo400
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St. Paul-ish, MN, USA
12/19/2018 12:57pm
DB97 wrote:
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to...
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to. I don't like people working on my bike so I'm debating if I should just check it out myself. It's not locked up so maybe it won't be a huge deal but who knows.
Might be worth it to pull the valve cover off and have a look at least. Maybe it's something weird like the auto decomp system stuck? Did it make any bad noises when it shut off?

Keep us posted on what you find.
DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
12/19/2018 1:05pm
DB97 wrote:
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to...
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to. I don't like people working on my bike so I'm debating if I should just check it out myself. It's not locked up so maybe it won't be a huge deal but who knows.
Might be worth it to pull the valve cover off and have a look at least. Maybe it's something weird like the auto decomp system stuck...
Might be worth it to pull the valve cover off and have a look at least. Maybe it's something weird like the auto decomp system stuck? Did it make any bad noises when it shut off?

Keep us posted on what you find.
Yeah I just washed it with the tank off so it's clean before I open the top. I'm going to take it apart tomorrow. Didn't hear metal crunching or anything just cut out abrubtly when I gave it gas after putting to the track.
DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
12/19/2018 7:10pm
DB97 wrote:
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to...
Yeah at least I was going 5mph and it didn't get catastrophic. I told my dealer maybe kawi will help but I don't expect them to. I don't like people working on my bike so I'm debating if I should just check it out myself. It's not locked up so maybe it won't be a huge deal but who knows.
Might be worth it to pull the valve cover off and have a look at least. Maybe it's something weird like the auto decomp system stuck...
Might be worth it to pull the valve cover off and have a look at least. Maybe it's something weird like the auto decomp system stuck? Did it make any bad noises when it shut off?

Keep us posted on what you find.
DB97 wrote:
Yeah I just washed it with the tank off so it's clean before I open the top. I'm going to take it apart tomorrow. Didn't hear...
Yeah I just washed it with the tank off so it's clean before I open the top. I'm going to take it apart tomorrow. Didn't hear metal crunching or anything just cut out abrubtly when I gave it gas after putting to the track.
Not looking good boys, flakes in the oil. Now I'm gonna open it tonight gotta know.
40acres
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Houston, TX, USA
12/19/2018 7:12pm
Yikes... are they aluminum flakes?
DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
12/19/2018 7:16pm Edited Date/Time 12/19/2018 7:17pm
40acres wrote:
Yikes... are they aluminum flakes?
Yes they don't stick to a magnet.
DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
12/19/2018 7:43pm
Timing is off... Time to see the damage.
DB97
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12/19/2018 7:46pm

Kyle_Liebaert
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Virginia Beach, VA, USA
12/19/2018 7:48pm
DB97 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/12/19/311482/s1200_WP_20181219_22_36_56_Pro.jpg[/img]

Cocksucker!!! What causes that failed tensioner and then it gets all frigged up?

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