Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

GW83
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GW83 9/2/2019 1:01pm
9/2/2019 1:01pm
I think both are great bikes and you really couldn’t go wrong either way.
mxb2
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mxb2 9/2/2019 1:22pm
9/2/2019 1:22pm
GW83 wrote:
I think both are great bikes and you really couldn’t go wrong either way.
Thanks. Agreed.
Moto520
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Moto520 9/2/2019 8:45pm
9/2/2019 8:45pm
GW83 wrote:
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...
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?
I rode the piss out of the YZF today! I do really like the bike but it is pretty soft stock so the suspension is not that great for me. The motor is good! Very strong and runs smoother than the kawi. The kawi has more snap in the low to midrange.
1
cbaird254
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cbaird254 9/3/2019 2:54pm
9/3/2019 2:54pm
Hey guys. Sorry if this has been posted about. any tips on getting the motor looking good again? One mud ride and every warm metal part looks pitted/grimey/has this off color. Any advice is appreciated! Used soap and water, simple green, metal polish... barely any difference. Thanks for the help! Still love this damn bike also. It’s amazing.

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navalseabee
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navalseabee 9/3/2019 2:56pm
9/3/2019 2:56pm
cbaird254 wrote:
Hey guys. Sorry if this has been posted about. any tips on getting the motor looking good again? One mud ride and every warm metal part...
Hey guys. Sorry if this has been posted about. any tips on getting the motor looking good again? One mud ride and every warm metal part looks pitted/grimey/has this off color. Any advice is appreciated! Used soap and water, simple green, metal polish... barely any difference. Thanks for the help! Still love this damn bike also. It’s amazing.
I like aluma-brite from any auto parts store.
JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 9/3/2019 3:40pm
9/3/2019 3:40pm
I think simple green causes that look. Only use shout. It’s the best cleaner that doesn’t hurt anything
2
dancolvin633
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dancolvin633 9/3/2019 5:41pm
9/3/2019 5:41pm
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I think simple green causes that look. Only use shout. It’s the best cleaner that doesn’t hurt anything
Eagle Grit Powersports wash will not do that either. Safe in all materials and finishes and doesn’t stain.
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dancolvin633
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dancolvin633 9/3/2019 6:04pm
9/3/2019 6:04pm
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I think simple green causes that look. Only use shout. It’s the best cleaner that doesn’t hurt anything
Eagle Grit Powersports wash will not do that either. Safe in all materials and finishes and doesn’t stain.
slipdog
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slipdog 9/3/2019 6:09pm
9/3/2019 6:09pm
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I think simple green causes that look. Only use shout. It’s the best cleaner that doesn’t hurt anything
dancolvin633 wrote:
Eagle Grit Powersports wash will not do that either. Safe in all materials and finishes and doesn’t stain.
You can say that again!
Moto520
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Moto520 9/3/2019 6:57pm
9/3/2019 6:57pm
Soak it in WD40 for a day and clean it with a scrub brush.
OLDMOTO
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OLDMOTO 9/4/2019 8:40am
9/4/2019 8:40am
OLDMOTO wrote:
Tomac's bike. Look how far they pulled the wheel back. I'm going to buy a new chain and try it out on mine. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/08/29/369497/s1200_max_082719pb028_87731.jpg[/img]
Tomac's bike. Look how far they pulled the wheel back. I'm going to buy a new chain and try it out on mine.
datkin128 wrote:
Ditto. I’ve got a 51 rear plus new chain plus some PC axle blocks to install and try
OLDMOTO wrote:
I run the 51t rear sprocket. Pulls better of the bottom. Works better for going so slow through corners.
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference. Gives the front end more of a planted feel. Turns in better and tracks through turns better. You gain more mechanical advantage (leverage) with a longer swing arm. Makes the rear suspension a little softer. The bike is very stable and tracks straight.

Since the wheel is about an inch farther back it changes the sag settings and you have to re-adjust the spring. I moved the reference point on the fender that I measure from rearward by an inch to keep measurements consistent.
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50dippin
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50dippin 9/4/2019 9:08am
9/4/2019 9:08am
datkin128 wrote:
Ditto. I’ve got a 51 rear plus new chain plus some PC axle blocks to install and try
OLDMOTO wrote:
I run the 51t rear sprocket. Pulls better of the bottom. Works better for going so slow through corners.
OLDMOTO wrote:
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference...
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference. Gives the front end more of a planted feel. Turns in better and tracks through turns better. You gain more mechanical advantage (leverage) with a longer swing arm. Makes the rear suspension a little softer. The bike is very stable and tracks straight.

Since the wheel is about an inch farther back it changes the sag settings and you have to re-adjust the spring. I moved the reference point on the fender that I measure from rearward by an inch to keep measurements consistent.
I tried to add a link and push the rear wheel back but my sprocket bolts bind on the swing arm welds. Are you guys not having this issue?
OLDMOTO
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OLDMOTO 9/4/2019 10:31am
9/4/2019 10:31am Edited Date/Time 9/4/2019 10:34am
OLDMOTO wrote:
I run the 51t rear sprocket. Pulls better of the bottom. Works better for going so slow through corners.
OLDMOTO wrote:
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference...
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference. Gives the front end more of a planted feel. Turns in better and tracks through turns better. You gain more mechanical advantage (leverage) with a longer swing arm. Makes the rear suspension a little softer. The bike is very stable and tracks straight.

Since the wheel is about an inch farther back it changes the sag settings and you have to re-adjust the spring. I moved the reference point on the fender that I measure from rearward by an inch to keep measurements consistent.
50dippin wrote:
I tried to add a link and push the rear wheel back but my sprocket bolts bind on the swing arm welds. Are you guys not...
I tried to add a link and push the rear wheel back but my sprocket bolts bind on the swing arm welds. Are you guys not having this issue?
A couple of guys have posted something simular. The bolt heads in the sprockets shouldn't be making contact with the swing arm. The weld beads on that area of your swing arm might be excessively high. Make sure the wheel is aligned properly and square in the swing arm. You can take a grinding bit and clearance the weld a little. I think it's just a manufacturing defect.
GW83
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GW83 9/4/2019 6:36pm
9/4/2019 6:36pm
OLDMOTO wrote:
I run the 51t rear sprocket. Pulls better of the bottom. Works better for going so slow through corners.
OLDMOTO wrote:
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference...
I put on a longer chain and stretched the wheelbase out like this. Tested on the main track at Pala. It made quite a positive difference. Gives the front end more of a planted feel. Turns in better and tracks through turns better. You gain more mechanical advantage (leverage) with a longer swing arm. Makes the rear suspension a little softer. The bike is very stable and tracks straight.

Since the wheel is about an inch farther back it changes the sag settings and you have to re-adjust the spring. I moved the reference point on the fender that I measure from rearward by an inch to keep measurements consistent.
50dippin wrote:
I tried to add a link and push the rear wheel back but my sprocket bolts bind on the swing arm welds. Are you guys not...
I tried to add a link and push the rear wheel back but my sprocket bolts bind on the swing arm welds. Are you guys not having this issue?
I added a link but went with a rental sprocket, if I remember correctly there are two different bolt hole options, one of which has a little deeper bevel. And I bought some Talon sprocket bolts that are a little lower profile than the stock OEM bolt heads. That gave me just enough room to clear the welds...
Slaughter612s 9/5/2019 2:15pm
9/5/2019 2:15pm
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off a 17' CRF450 where the power seemed to be 'right now' or aggressive, in third gear where I found myself most often. Second ride today at a local NorCal track I felt like I was almost bogging and looking for that power in third, Stock except suspension, green coupler.
Any tips to help get a little more excitement out of the bottom end? Plan to switch couplers this weekend. Thanks for all the great info, happy to be back on a Kawi. Cheers.
colvin227
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colvin227 9/5/2019 2:28pm
9/5/2019 2:28pm Edited Date/Time 9/5/2019 2:30pm
Slaughter612s wrote:
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off...
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off a 17' CRF450 where the power seemed to be 'right now' or aggressive, in third gear where I found myself most often. Second ride today at a local NorCal track I felt like I was almost bogging and looking for that power in third, Stock except suspension, green coupler.
Any tips to help get a little more excitement out of the bottom end? Plan to switch couplers this weekend. Thanks for all the great info, happy to be back on a Kawi. Cheers.
The white coupler should help you out with the low end excitement like your looking for. It will build RPM quicker, but will not stretch out as far up top. Since your looking for bottom that is worth a shot. Or you can always go MXA route and add a tooth to the rear.
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MX558
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MX558 9/5/2019 5:11pm
9/5/2019 5:11pm
I added a tooth and it really made a huge difference . I'm in 3rd gear even in tight corners
BAPT48
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BAPT48 9/6/2019 10:14am
9/6/2019 10:14am
Slaughter612s wrote:
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off...
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off a 17' CRF450 where the power seemed to be 'right now' or aggressive, in third gear where I found myself most often. Second ride today at a local NorCal track I felt like I was almost bogging and looking for that power in third, Stock except suspension, green coupler.
Any tips to help get a little more excitement out of the bottom end? Plan to switch couplers this weekend. Thanks for all the great info, happy to be back on a Kawi. Cheers.
I tried a 52 in the rear and even a 53 in the rear and it still didn't have as much bark as the Honda in 3rd gear. I ended up changing my gearing to 14/52 and I run 2nd gear a lot more and it is very comparable to the 3rd gear on a Honda.

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Slaughter612s 9/6/2019 3:07pm
9/6/2019 3:07pm
Slaughter612s wrote:
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off...
95 Pages is a lot but I have done my best to scroll and take some great info that you all have posted. Im coming off a 17' CRF450 where the power seemed to be 'right now' or aggressive, in third gear where I found myself most often. Second ride today at a local NorCal track I felt like I was almost bogging and looking for that power in third, Stock except suspension, green coupler.
Any tips to help get a little more excitement out of the bottom end? Plan to switch couplers this weekend. Thanks for all the great info, happy to be back on a Kawi. Cheers.
BAPT48 wrote:
I tried a 52 in the rear and even a 53 in the rear and it still didn't have as much bark as the Honda in...
I tried a 52 in the rear and even a 53 in the rear and it still didn't have as much bark as the Honda in 3rd gear. I ended up changing my gearing to 14/52 and I run 2nd gear a lot more and it is very comparable to the 3rd gear on a Honda.
Right on, thanks for the reply! Ill give it a shot. Cheers.
navalseabee
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navalseabee 9/7/2019 4:57pm
9/7/2019 4:57pm
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller. Fit and finish is excellent, my only gripe is that its LOUD!
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JB479
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JB479 9/7/2019 10:12pm
9/7/2019 10:12pm
navalseabee wrote:
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller...
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller. Fit and finish is excellent, my only gripe is that its LOUD!
I just replaced my oem chain and sprockets at 18 hours but my chain guides top and bottom still have plenty of life? I only replaced the lower chain roller because it was pretty worn. maybe different track conditions and riding styles?
Nystrom7
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Nystrom7 9/8/2019 12:46am
9/8/2019 12:46am
navalseabee wrote:
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller...
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller. Fit and finish is excellent, my only gripe is that its LOUD!
I changed my sliders att 40 hours along with the chain and sprockets. Still hade some life in it. 17 hours was quick 19 seems to be much nicer to the sliders.

I always use the cheap ufo sliders they seem to hold up best like the tm but you get 5 ufo for 1 tm slider 😀
datkin128
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datkin128 9/8/2019 5:27am
9/8/2019 5:27am
navalseabee wrote:
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller...
Well 17 hours in my OEM chain guide, slide and bottom roller are toast. So I ordered up the TM Desgin works SX kit and roller. Fit and finish is excellent, my only gripe is that its LOUD!
JB479 wrote:
I just replaced my oem chain and sprockets at 18 hours but my chain guides top and bottom still have plenty of life? I only replaced...
I just replaced my oem chain and sprockets at 18 hours but my chain guides top and bottom still have plenty of life? I only replaced the lower chain roller because it was pretty worn. maybe different track conditions and riding styles?
I changed mine at 30 hours and they still had life...
jeffs
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jeffs 9/9/2019 5:41pm
9/9/2019 5:41pm
I just installed this GUTS Racing wing seat cover and tall foam. Has anyone tried these? The tall seat foam added 1.5 inch's from the footpeg to the top of the seat. I cant wait to try it out this weekend.


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Moto520
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Moto520 9/9/2019 7:46pm
9/9/2019 7:46pm
I ise the guts tall seat but never tried the wing. Interested in hearing some feedback
Moto520
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Moto520 9/9/2019 7:48pm
9/9/2019 7:48pm

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resik307
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resik307 9/9/2019 10:32pm
9/9/2019 10:32pm

updated photo of mine still being working on seat cover will be on soon
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neysbo
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neysbo 9/10/2019 7:53am
9/10/2019 7:53am
Our 2019 KX 450 had been running great than Sunday at RedBud during the race it felt like it lost a little power than next lap just died. No noises or anything. Yes it had fuel in it. Would not even crank over with the e start. Tore apart as it is due for a too end , all looked good in the top.

Any thoughts- electrical maybe or fuel pump??
DB97
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DB97 9/10/2019 7:58am
9/10/2019 7:58am
neysbo wrote:
Our 2019 KX 450 had been running great than Sunday at RedBud during the race it felt like it lost a little power than next lap...
Our 2019 KX 450 had been running great than Sunday at RedBud during the race it felt like it lost a little power than next lap just died. No noises or anything. Yes it had fuel in it. Would not even crank over with the e start. Tore apart as it is due for a too end , all looked good in the top.

Any thoughts- electrical maybe or fuel pump??
I would check the battery connections. Some people have had the ground connector break off the frame and the bike will shut off and not start.
5
Jbulz
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Jbulz 9/10/2019 8:01am
9/10/2019 8:01am
neysbo wrote:
Our 2019 KX 450 had been running great than Sunday at RedBud during the race it felt like it lost a little power than next lap...
Our 2019 KX 450 had been running great than Sunday at RedBud during the race it felt like it lost a little power than next lap just died. No noises or anything. Yes it had fuel in it. Would not even crank over with the e start. Tore apart as it is due for a too end , all looked good in the top.

Any thoughts- electrical maybe or fuel pump??
Yup, check battery. Either it went bad or the connection was loose and then finally came off.

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