Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

DB97
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DB97 8/29/2019 1:33pm
8/29/2019 1:33pm
lawson34 wrote:
All you Floridians be safe this weekend hope the hurricane doesnt do much I'm a lineman I'll be headed down there Saturday..
Thanks stay safe down here as well. People are already swarming gas and groceries super annoying...
Moto520
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Moto520 8/29/2019 8:25pm
8/29/2019 8:25pm Edited Date/Time 8/29/2019 8:27pm
Guys.....i’m relevant again! I just got a 2020 yz450F (business expense type dealio) and i also have a 2019 KX450 with 30 hours on it. I have about 5 hours on the Yamaha. Great news! The Kawasaki is a better race machine for me at least. I’m not a kawasaki guy but can appreciate a great bike. The Yamaha has better build quality no doubt and will probably last longer. The KX is way more maneuverable for racing and has a better overall feel. I like the Yamaha.....but i don’t love it like the Kawi. I figured this was a good enough place to hide this comment so that i don’t get a bunch of argument. 45 year old, vet “A”, 6’3”, 200lbs. I have recently come off of KTM’s

Rest assured that you guys have the right bike with the KX. I’ve been saying underrated bike since i got mine.
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FortyHat
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FortyHat 8/30/2019 6:17am
8/30/2019 6:17am
Moto520 wrote:
Guys.....i’m relevant again! I just got a 2020 yz450F (business expense type dealio) and i also have a 2019 KX450 with 30 hours on it. I...
Guys.....i’m relevant again! I just got a 2020 yz450F (business expense type dealio) and i also have a 2019 KX450 with 30 hours on it. I have about 5 hours on the Yamaha. Great news! The Kawasaki is a better race machine for me at least. I’m not a kawasaki guy but can appreciate a great bike. The Yamaha has better build quality no doubt and will probably last longer. The KX is way more maneuverable for racing and has a better overall feel. I like the Yamaha.....but i don’t love it like the Kawi. I figured this was a good enough place to hide this comment so that i don’t get a bunch of argument. 45 year old, vet “A”, 6’3”, 200lbs. I have recently come off of KTM’s

Rest assured that you guys have the right bike with the KX. I’ve been saying underrated bike since i got mine.
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly slimmed it down in 18. Thing was still so chunky though. Heard great things about the Kawi, and when I sat on one at a dealership and saw how thin and good-feeling the cockpit was, I took a huge leap of faith. Best bike I've ever ridden and keeps getting better with each little mod.
4
mxrose3
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mxrose3 8/30/2019 6:46am
8/30/2019 6:46am
Moto520 wrote:
Guys.....i’m relevant again! I just got a 2020 yz450F (business expense type dealio) and i also have a 2019 KX450 with 30 hours on it. I...
Guys.....i’m relevant again! I just got a 2020 yz450F (business expense type dealio) and i also have a 2019 KX450 with 30 hours on it. I have about 5 hours on the Yamaha. Great news! The Kawasaki is a better race machine for me at least. I’m not a kawasaki guy but can appreciate a great bike. The Yamaha has better build quality no doubt and will probably last longer. The KX is way more maneuverable for racing and has a better overall feel. I like the Yamaha.....but i don’t love it like the Kawi. I figured this was a good enough place to hide this comment so that i don’t get a bunch of argument. 45 year old, vet “A”, 6’3”, 200lbs. I have recently come off of KTM’s

Rest assured that you guys have the right bike with the KX. I’ve been saying underrated bike since i got mine.
I feel ya. I've been a Yamaha guy since the 2 stroke days.... just couldn't quite gel with the Yamaha 450's, so i tried a few others last year. The KX fit my riding style more than any of them, so i picked up a 19' earlier in the year. As you said, I can tell the build quality isn't quite what the Yamaha is, but it doesn't have the extra weight either, and it feels lighter, slimmer, and turns better IMO.
The motor didn't feel quite as powerful on the KX as the YZF, and I couldn't get as good of starts on it stock.
So I put a Dr. D exhaust, and then tried the Black coupler (per Keefer's recommendation), and it feels really good now. I just pulled 4 holeshots in 4 tries last weekend on it, so I'm happy.
Could probably use some fine tuning with the Kawasaki FI tuner, but its pretty damn good right now.

The Shop

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Moto520
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Moto520 8/30/2019 7:25am
8/30/2019 7:25am Edited Date/Time 8/30/2019 7:42am
FortyHat wrote:
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly...
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly slimmed it down in 18. Thing was still so chunky though. Heard great things about the Kawi, and when I sat on one at a dealership and saw how thin and good-feeling the cockpit was, I took a huge leap of faith. Best bike I've ever ridden and keeps getting better with each little mod.
It's not the chunky feel. That goes away pretty quickly. The back end is always trying to push past the front end. When you accelerate....the bike tries to make itself go upright no matter the situation. The seat foam is way to thin and you feel the frame rails (not something that i would normally complain about but like every bike.....you need to tweak a few things...just like the kawi).

New website coming: moto520testing.com
2
lawson34
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lawson34 8/30/2019 7:59am
8/30/2019 7:59am
lawson34 wrote:
All you Floridians be safe this weekend hope the hurricane doesnt do much I'm a lineman I'll be headed down there Saturday..
DB97 wrote:
Thanks stay safe down here as well. People are already swarming gas and groceries super annoying...
Yeah I've rode out a few storms, its madness
lawson34
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lawson34 8/30/2019 8:01am
8/30/2019 8:01am
FortyHat wrote:
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly...
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly slimmed it down in 18. Thing was still so chunky though. Heard great things about the Kawi, and when I sat on one at a dealership and saw how thin and good-feeling the cockpit was, I took a huge leap of faith. Best bike I've ever ridden and keeps getting better with each little mod.
Moto520 wrote:
It's not the chunky feel. That goes away pretty quickly. The back end is always trying to push past the front end. When you accelerate....the bike...
It's not the chunky feel. That goes away pretty quickly. The back end is always trying to push past the front end. When you accelerate....the bike tries to make itself go upright no matter the situation. The seat foam is way to thin and you feel the frame rails (not something that i would normally complain about but like every bike.....you need to tweak a few things...just like the kawi).

New website coming: moto520testing.com
Let us know when it's up and running.... congrats
Moto520
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Moto520 8/30/2019 8:18am
8/30/2019 8:18am Edited Date/Time 8/30/2019 8:24am
lawson34 wrote:
Let us know when it's up and running.... congrats
I was just kidding. Keefer testing is the go to place for bike info. He is pretty spot on about everything and dedicates his time to riding. He's the man. I think that if you start your riding on a Yamaha....you take Yamaha lines. I had always been a Honda guy as a kid so when i see a track....i use Honda lines (less sweeping lines...go for the inside ruts...run and gun). I noticed that my lines became different on the Yamaha vs the Kawi because of the bikes strengths and weaknesses. Sweeping the track on the Yamaha yielded better results than shooting for a turn, changing direction quickly, and completing the turn. The Kawi was able to be ridden like a Honda as well as a Yamaha.

The Yamaha is really good....no doubt about that.
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lawson34
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lawson34 8/30/2019 8:45am
8/30/2019 8:45am
I don't have much seat time at all on a Yamaha, I always rode red bikes until I got my kawi
J-Wishbone 8/30/2019 9:13am
8/30/2019 9:13am
Without looking through 93 pages of posts,can someone recommend fork spring replacements,the stock are just too soft,im 6' 3'' and around 235lbs
datkin128
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datkin128 8/30/2019 9:17am
8/30/2019 9:17am
J-Wishbone wrote:
Without looking through 93 pages of posts,can someone recommend fork spring replacements,the stock are just too soft,im 6' 3'' and around 235lbs
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the other. I think it feels good. I haven’t tried a .52 in both sides as my current setup feels good.
J-Wishbone 8/30/2019 9:20am
8/30/2019 9:20am
J-Wishbone wrote:
Without looking through 93 pages of posts,can someone recommend fork spring replacements,the stock are just too soft,im 6' 3'' and around 235lbs
datkin128 wrote:
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the...
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the other. I think it feels good. I haven’t tried a .52 in both sides as my current setup feels good.
thanks for the info
Look forward to getting the front sorted out
FortyHat
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FortyHat 8/30/2019 9:29am
8/30/2019 9:29am
J-Wishbone wrote:
Without looking through 93 pages of posts,can someone recommend fork spring replacements,the stock are just too soft,im 6' 3'' and around 235lbs
datkin128 wrote:
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the...
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the other. I think it feels good. I haven’t tried a .52 in both sides as my current setup feels good.
J-Wishbone wrote:
thanks for the info
Look forward to getting the front sorted out
Stock oil level is a huge issue too. Almost everyone I've heard that has replaced the oil found that there was anywhere from 40-65cc less than the spec'd stock level in each fork. You for sure need stiffer springs too, but the oil will also help, and I'd go even higher than the stock level at your weight too. I'm 170 and am running 325cc, heavier or faster guys seem to be around 350cc..
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J-Wishbone 8/30/2019 9:33am
8/30/2019 9:33am
will also put 350cc in,thanks for that info
Moto520
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Moto520 8/30/2019 11:46am
8/30/2019 11:46am
Markopolo400 wrote:
And the FMF bracket will keep the tab from breaking....But if you go back a couple pages. Pinch
No Keefer.....the bracket will just keep it from falling off when it breaks.
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NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 8/30/2019 12:07pm
8/30/2019 12:07pm
datkin128 wrote:
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the...
I’m guessing .52 or .53 for you (both sides). I’m 190 without gear and I run a .50 (stock) in one leg and .52 in the other. I think it feels good. I haven’t tried a .52 in both sides as my current setup feels good.
J-Wishbone wrote:
thanks for the info
Look forward to getting the front sorted out
FortyHat wrote:
Stock oil level is a huge issue too. Almost everyone I've heard that has replaced the oil found that there was anywhere from 40-65cc less than...
Stock oil level is a huge issue too. Almost everyone I've heard that has replaced the oil found that there was anywhere from 40-65cc less than the spec'd stock level in each fork. You for sure need stiffer springs too, but the oil will also help, and I'd go even higher than the stock level at your weight too. I'm 170 and am running 325cc, heavier or faster guys seem to be around 350cc..
185 without gear, using .51 front springs, 350cc of oil. Slight valving, Outstanding!

Lightened up the rear valving a tad. Bike is very well balanced, works great!
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Pit Row

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lawson34
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lawson34 8/30/2019 1:52pm
8/30/2019 1:52pm
Markopolo400 wrote:
And the FMF bracket will keep the tab from breaking....But if you go back a couple pages. Pinch
Moto520 wrote:
No Keefer.....the bracket will just keep it from falling off when it breaks.
Lmao fo sho
lawson34
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lawson34 8/31/2019 7:32am
8/31/2019 7:32am
Does anyone have a link or part # for .52 spring
datkin128
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datkin128 8/31/2019 8:09am
8/31/2019 8:09am
lawson34 wrote:
Does anyone have a link or part # for .52 spring
Can order OEM .52 from Rocky Mountain atv. Look up on their OEM parts guide
1
Wade221
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Wade221 8/31/2019 8:25am
8/31/2019 8:25am
lawson34 wrote:
Does anyone have a link or part # for .52 spring
I have a .52 spring. Bought it but ended up getting a revalve from FC, and going another direction with spring rate

Can sell it, if ya want it
DB97
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DB97 8/31/2019 11:59am
8/31/2019 11:59am
lawson34 wrote:
Does anyone have a link or part # for .52 spring

2
DB97
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DB97 8/31/2019 12:28pm
8/31/2019 12:28pm
I added spiral wrap to the cables and clutch line like factory kawi. Cheap to add for a nice look.
4
lawson34
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lawson34 8/31/2019 5:16pm
8/31/2019 5:16pm
lawson34 wrote:
Does anyone have a link or part # for .52 spring
Wade221 wrote:
I have a .52 spring. Bought it but ended up getting a revalve from FC, and going another direction with spring rate Can sell it, if...
I have a .52 spring. Bought it but ended up getting a revalve from FC, and going another direction with spring rate

Can sell it, if ya want it
What are u asking for the spring?
Wade221
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Wade221 8/31/2019 7:57pm
8/31/2019 7:57pm
lawson34 wrote:
What are u asking for the spring?
You just want one, right? Probably $60 shipped
MX558
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MX558 9/1/2019 5:49pm
9/1/2019 5:49pm
FortyHat wrote:
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly...
I came off of years of YZ two strokes, bled blu, and really, really wanted the YZ450F to be the bike for me after they reportedly slimmed it down in 18. Thing was still so chunky though. Heard great things about the Kawi, and when I sat on one at a dealership and saw how thin and good-feeling the cockpit was, I took a huge leap of faith. Best bike I've ever ridden and keeps getting better with each little mod.
Moto520 wrote:
It's not the chunky feel. That goes away pretty quickly. The back end is always trying to push past the front end. When you accelerate....the bike...
It's not the chunky feel. That goes away pretty quickly. The back end is always trying to push past the front end. When you accelerate....the bike tries to make itself go upright no matter the situation. The seat foam is way to thin and you feel the frame rails (not something that i would normally complain about but like every bike.....you need to tweak a few things...just like the kawi).

New website coming: moto520testing.com
Thanks for the review saves me 8k , love my kaw
GW83
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GW83 9/2/2019 12:15pm
9/2/2019 12:15pm
Man I don’t know... I really like my 19 KX450 but I just picked up a 2020 YZF450 and it really seems like a great “all around” package. I’m a 50 year old, 215lbs, slow vet “B” rider who’s best days are behind him...lol.
My Kawi always felt like it fought me a little on initial turn in and then just wanted to fall into the turn and I had to muscle it back up. I only put about an hour on the 2020 YZ but the suspension felt great and it seemed to carve a nice corner. Not as sharp as the Honda or Suzuki but similar to the Kawi but with less effort. Maybe the Kawi’s better for faster “A” riders who push harder but at a little slower moto pace the Yamaha felt very good. This might even be the first bike in 20 years that I won’t have to do any suspension work to.
Like I said, I only have about an hour on the bike and will really need more time at more tracks for a full evaluation but for my weight, speed, ability and riding style I think I prefer the Yamaha. I don’t mean to knock the Kawi, it’s a great bike too!!!
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mxb2
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mxb2 9/2/2019 12:39pm
9/2/2019 12:39pm
GW83 wrote:
Man I don’t know... I really like my 19 KX450 but I just picked up a 2020 YZF450 and it really seems like a great “all...
Man I don’t know... I really like my 19 KX450 but I just picked up a 2020 YZF450 and it really seems like a great “all around” package. I’m a 50 year old, 215lbs, slow vet “B” rider who’s best days are behind him...lol.
My Kawi always felt like it fought me a little on initial turn in and then just wanted to fall into the turn and I had to muscle it back up. I only put about an hour on the 2020 YZ but the suspension felt great and it seemed to carve a nice corner. Not as sharp as the Honda or Suzuki but similar to the Kawi but with less effort. Maybe the Kawi’s better for faster “A” riders who push harder but at a little slower moto pace the Yamaha felt very good. This might even be the first bike in 20 years that I won’t have to do any suspension work to.
Like I said, I only have about an hour on the bike and will really need more time at more tracks for a full evaluation but for my weight, speed, ability and riding style I think I prefer the Yamaha. I don’t mean to knock the Kawi, it’s a great bike too!!!
What power is better ,new yzf or kawy?
GW83
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GW83 9/2/2019 12:59pm
9/2/2019 12:59pm
I didn’t rev the bike to high with the low hour(s) on it but I would say the YZ had a little more low and mid range grunt compared to the Kawi with the white coupler. Sounds like Moto620 has a little more seat time on his YZ... maybe he can add more?

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