Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

Titan777
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Titan777 5/22/2019 6:43am
5/22/2019 6:43am
lawson34 wrote:
Red scuff pad worked in spots, I used 180 sandpaper 2000 grit sandpaper then a shit ton of mothers polish... Titanium is some stubborn stuff takes...
Red scuff pad worked in spots, I used 180 sandpaper 2000 grit sandpaper then a shit ton of mothers polish... Titanium is some stubborn stuff takes a lot of time and effort
Why won't it come polished from the factory when new?
fiddy
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fiddy 5/22/2019 9:43am
5/22/2019 9:43am
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and they are good.Factory connection did them and one guy said that was normal and another guy said it is not suppose to do that.
Greenguy
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Greenguy 5/22/2019 11:58am
5/22/2019 11:58am
I have not revalved my ‘19 forks, only stiffer springs. I had FC do a spring conversion and revalve on my ‘18. Going through fast rollers they would make a substantial “top out” noise, or like the triple clamp bearings were really loose. Called FC, they said it wasn’t a “top out” noise but they knew what it was and how to fix it. Got them back and they were fine after that.
FortyHat
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FortyHat 5/22/2019 12:36pm
5/22/2019 12:36pm
fiddy wrote:
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and...
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and they are good.Factory connection did them and one guy said that was normal and another guy said it is not suppose to do that.
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel the sensation you described. Did you call FC up and ask them about it directly? (It wasn't clear who the two guys you spoke with were from FC or not.) I would find that pretty unsettling if it were me.

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GPrider
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GPrider 5/22/2019 3:14pm
5/22/2019 3:14pm
Titan1 wrote:
62 is a lot of pages...so forgive me if this has already been talked about...but I don't have time to look through all the pages... Anyone...
62 is a lot of pages...so forgive me if this has already been talked about...but I don't have time to look through all the pages...

Anyone using a 19 KX450 for off road...desert specifically...but any off road feedback would be helpful.

I'm looking at a 19 YZ450FX or a 19 KX450. Pro's and cons to each (I'm currently racing a KX in the desert right now)...I want the YZ suspension, and the purpose built off road bike...but don't care for the reversed motor, and its harder to get a large fuel tank on there without making it feel weird-the fuel tank replaces the shrouds (so limited fuel capacity).

From these reviews-and others-the KX is an amazing bike! I can get them cheaper than the YZ (which is nice)...but I'd have to spend a some money making it offroad worthy (far more work on the suspension, kick stand, and either change up the gearing, or buy a rekluse to make it work for slower technical stuff).

At the end of the day the price is about the same...pros and cons to each...I'd love some feedback from others that are racing the KX off road.
I built a 2019 KX for desert. Fricken awesome. 18 rear wheel, Scotts stabilizer, IMS tank, FMF, 14/48 gearing, try to run the axle as far back as possible. And of course Precision Concepts suspension.They know kawi off road setups as they have a full off road team and years of baja racing. I can mash through the desert on that thing. Ride so cal desert/Baja
lawson34
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lawson34 5/22/2019 7:44pm
5/22/2019 7:44pm
fiddy wrote:
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and...
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and they are good.Factory connection did them and one guy said that was normal and another guy said it is not suppose to do that.
FortyHat wrote:
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel...
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel the sensation you described. Did you call FC up and ask them about it directly? (It wasn't clear who the two guys you spoke with were from FC or not.) I would find that pretty unsettling if it were me.
Where do u ride at
FortyHat
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FortyHat 5/22/2019 7:59pm
5/22/2019 7:59pm
fiddy wrote:
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and...
Does anybody have a problem with there forks when hitting big whoops .Mine feel like there is something loose in forks.I checked my steering bearings and they are good.Factory connection did them and one guy said that was normal and another guy said it is not suppose to do that.
FortyHat wrote:
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel...
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel the sensation you described. Did you call FC up and ask them about it directly? (It wasn't clear who the two guys you spoke with were from FC or not.) I would find that pretty unsettling if it were me.
lawson34 wrote:
Where do u ride at
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track, within eyesight of the Great Sand Dunes national park.
the kid 857
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the kid 857 5/22/2019 8:06pm
5/22/2019 8:06pm
FortyHat wrote:
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel...
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel the sensation you described. Did you call FC up and ask them about it directly? (It wasn't clear who the two guys you spoke with were from FC or not.) I would find that pretty unsettling if it were me.
lawson34 wrote:
Where do u ride at
FortyHat wrote:
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track...
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track, within eyesight of the Great Sand Dunes national park.
I’m in the springs, we should ride!
FortyHat
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FortyHat 5/22/2019 8:16pm
5/22/2019 8:16pm
lawson34 wrote:
Where do u ride at
FortyHat wrote:
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track...
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track, within eyesight of the Great Sand Dunes national park.
the kid 857 wrote:
I’m in the springs, we should ride!
Heck yeah! You racing Brush this weekend?
lawson34
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lawson34 5/22/2019 8:19pm
5/22/2019 8:19pm
FortyHat wrote:
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel...
I just raced last weekend at a track with a 4th gear whooped out straight with rollers through the entire length of it, and didn't feel the sensation you described. Did you call FC up and ask them about it directly? (It wasn't clear who the two guys you spoke with were from FC or not.) I would find that pretty unsettling if it were me.
lawson34 wrote:
Where do u ride at
FortyHat wrote:
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track...
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track, within eyesight of the Great Sand Dunes national park.
Oh wow would love u see the dunes let alone ride them
FortyHat
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FortyHat 5/22/2019 8:24pm
5/22/2019 8:24pm
lawson34 wrote:
Where do u ride at
FortyHat wrote:
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track...
Northern Colorado, so mainly Thunder Valley, IMI, Milliken. The race last weekend was much further south, Valley MX in Mosca, near Alamosa. Really fun sand track, within eyesight of the Great Sand Dunes national park.
lawson34 wrote:
Oh wow would love u see the dunes let alone ride them
If you tried to ride them, I'm pretty sure they'd lock you up for a really long time. Trust me I had the same idea.
DB97
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DB97 5/23/2019 10:17am
5/23/2019 10:17am
The same guy that made the engine mounts has a linkage system that will be ready next week. He makes them for factory kawi and he has 30 available (29 after I buy one ?). Makes the shock more progressive softer initially then firmer through the stroke. Scotched99 on Instagram.
5
Markopolo400
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Markopolo400 5/23/2019 12:33pm
5/23/2019 12:33pm
DB whats the price?
G.R.I.N.D 5/23/2019 1:25pm
5/23/2019 1:25pm
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like the rear end goes a bit high but nothing crazy. Usually sets mine up at 105. Any of you been laborating?
DB97
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DB97 5/23/2019 2:18pm
5/23/2019 2:18pm
G.R.I.N.D wrote:
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like...
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like the rear end goes a bit high but nothing crazy. Usually sets mine up at 105. Any of you been laborating?
I saw that as well but like you said the rear kinda feels high already at 104 range.
DB97
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DB97 5/23/2019 2:18pm
5/23/2019 2:18pm
Markopolo400 wrote:
DB whats the price?
Not certain yet but he told me $400 range so it's reasonable.
soggy
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soggy 5/23/2019 4:02pm
5/23/2019 4:02pm
G.R.I.N.D wrote:
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like...
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like the rear end goes a bit high but nothing crazy. Usually sets mine up at 105. Any of you been laborating?
DB97 wrote:
I saw that as well but like you said the rear kinda feels high already at 104 range.
could he possibly have longer forks then stock or he is running what he has really low in the clamps allowing less sag with a similar feel.
DB97
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DB97 5/24/2019 3:07am
5/24/2019 3:07am
G.R.I.N.D wrote:
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like...
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like the rear end goes a bit high but nothing crazy. Usually sets mine up at 105. Any of you been laborating?
DB97 wrote:
I saw that as well but like you said the rear kinda feels high already at 104 range.
soggy wrote:
could he possibly have longer forks then stock or he is running what he has really low in the clamps allowing less sag with a similar...
could he possibly have longer forks then stock or he is running what he has really low in the clamps allowing less sag with a similar feel.
Who knows. There's no rule for sag it's whatever you like. But now that I'm thinking about it he probably set it so the mud will weigh it down and go back to 105 range.
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navalseabee
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navalseabee 5/24/2019 3:43am
5/24/2019 3:43am Edited Date/Time 5/24/2019 3:43am
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki dealer he told me roughly 10k OTD!
the kid 857
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the kid 857 5/24/2019 6:11am
5/24/2019 6:11am
G.R.I.N.D wrote:
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like...
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like the rear end goes a bit high but nothing crazy. Usually sets mine up at 105. Any of you been laborating?
Just had my stuff done by pc and they are saying 101 for me.
1
lawson34
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lawson34 5/24/2019 8:21am
5/24/2019 8:21am
navalseabee wrote:
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki...
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki dealer he told me roughly 10k OTD!
I got my 19 August can't remember the total amount but it was over 9k out the door
bvm111
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bvm111 5/24/2019 8:45am
5/24/2019 8:45am
Greenguy wrote:
I have not revalved my ‘19 forks, only stiffer springs. I had FC do a spring conversion and revalve on my ‘18. Going through fast rollers...
I have not revalved my ‘19 forks, only stiffer springs. I had FC do a spring conversion and revalve on my ‘18. Going through fast rollers they would make a substantial “top out” noise, or like the triple clamp bearings were really loose. Called FC, they said it wasn’t a “top out” noise but they knew what it was and how to fix it. Got them back and they were fine after that.
I would be interested to know what the issue was and how they fixed it. I have a PC spring conversion with FC valving in my 16 and I have the same sensation in the Fork over whoops or sharp closer spaced rhythm sections.
Greenguy
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Greenguy 5/24/2019 8:56am
5/24/2019 8:56am
Greenguy wrote:
I have not revalved my ‘19 forks, only stiffer springs. I had FC do a spring conversion and revalve on my ‘18. Going through fast rollers...
I have not revalved my ‘19 forks, only stiffer springs. I had FC do a spring conversion and revalve on my ‘18. Going through fast rollers they would make a substantial “top out” noise, or like the triple clamp bearings were really loose. Called FC, they said it wasn’t a “top out” noise but they knew what it was and how to fix it. Got them back and they were fine after that.
bvm111 wrote:
I would be interested to know what the issue was and how they fixed it. I have a PC spring conversion with FC valving in my...
I would be interested to know what the issue was and how they fixed it. I have a PC spring conversion with FC valving in my 16 and I have the same sensation in the Fork over whoops or sharp closer spaced rhythm sections.
It was Steve Ross who I talked with. He was very knowledgeable and mentioned I wasn't the first person with this issue. They were more than happy to do whatever to fix the problem. Super good guy.
50dippin
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50dippin 5/24/2019 9:59am
5/24/2019 9:59am Edited Date/Time 5/24/2019 10:27am
navalseabee wrote:
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki...
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki dealer he told me roughly 10k OTD!
I probably bought one of the first ones in SoCal in July last year and I paid $10500, they were so kind they even threw in a set of gear, a matrix stand, and some new renthal bars, what a deal! for them haha. So $10k seems reasonable if you don't want to wait. I was in a bind, without a bike for a few months and was tired of waiting. I also, threw it on a new credit card that gave me $2k back after spending 15k the first month, so it all worked out I guess.
DB97
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DB97 5/24/2019 12:16pm
5/24/2019 12:16pm
G.R.I.N.D wrote:
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like...
What sag you guys running, saw Bowers ran 100-101mm at Hangtown? Been running mine at 100 right now for like 2hrs and it does feel like the rear end goes a bit high but nothing crazy. Usually sets mine up at 105. Any of you been laborating?
the kid 857 wrote:
Just had my stuff done by pc and they are saying 101 for me.
What fork height?
Markopolo400
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Markopolo400 5/24/2019 12:34pm
5/24/2019 12:34pm
navalseabee wrote:
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki...
What were you guys paying when the 19 first dropped, looking to grab a 2020 when they come out. I swung by our new hometowns Kawasaki dealer he told me roughly 10k OTD!
Got mine in July for $8600 + Tax OTD.
Brad_Hewitt 5/25/2019 3:14am
5/25/2019 3:14am
anyone having starter issues? 19hours on mine battery is toast! replace battery with another one and still nothing, barely turns fuel pump on but battery has 12,6 volts as per the instructions!
GW83
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GW83 5/25/2019 9:02am
5/25/2019 9:02am
Duncster316 wrote:
Hoping you guys can help out on this one. Iput on a new rear wheel a while back along with new chain and sliders. Was getting...
Hoping you guys can help out on this one. Iput on a new rear wheel a while back along with new chain and sliders. Was getting resistance in spots turning the wheel after tightening the axle. Troubleshooted as best as I could and it appeared to be the new chain slider. I figured I’d just wear it in, resistance got better, well... it was actually the sprocket bolts wearing into the welds on the swingarm! Is this probably due to the wheel spacers on the new wheel not being long enough? Weigh in if you have an idea, also - how do these welds look? Still good to go, or am I going to have the welds beefed back up? Thanks for your help.

Duncaster316, I have Faster USA hubs with a Renthal rear sprocket and an extra link on the chain. My OEM sprocket bolts had approx 1mm of clearance. I installed Talon bolts and they increase my clearance just enough because they fit a little more flush. Hope this helps.
FortyHat
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FortyHat 5/25/2019 10:52am
5/25/2019 10:52am
Brad_Hewitt wrote:
anyone having starter issues? 19hours on mine battery is toast! replace battery with another one and still nothing, barely turns fuel pump on but battery has...
anyone having starter issues? 19hours on mine battery is toast! replace battery with another one and still nothing, barely turns fuel pump on but battery has 12,6 volts as per the instructions!
Do you use a trickle charger between rides? They sold me one for cheap at the dealership when I bought the bike, and I've heard of batteries going dead within 3 rides for some guys that don't charge it. I plug mine in at least every other ride.
SLAPAHO
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SLAPAHO 5/25/2019 11:22am
5/25/2019 11:22am
Brad_Hewitt wrote:
anyone having starter issues? 19hours on mine battery is toast! replace battery with another one and still nothing, barely turns fuel pump on but battery has...
anyone having starter issues? 19hours on mine battery is toast! replace battery with another one and still nothing, barely turns fuel pump on but battery has 12,6 volts as per the instructions!
FortyHat wrote:
Do you use a trickle charger between rides? They sold me one for cheap at the dealership when I bought the bike, and I've heard of...
Do you use a trickle charger between rides? They sold me one for cheap at the dealership when I bought the bike, and I've heard of batteries going dead within 3 rides for some guys that don't charge it. I plug mine in at least every other ride.
get one of these..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OptiMATE-TM-471-Lithium-4s-0-8A-8-step-Battery…


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