Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

GW83
Profile picture for user GW83
Posts
45
Joined
12/30/2018
Location
Mokena, IL US
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!!!
1
1
mxb2
Profile picture for user mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
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
Profile picture for user GW83
Posts
45
Joined
12/30/2018
Location
Mokena, IL US
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?
GW83
Profile picture for user GW83
Posts
45
Joined
12/30/2018
Location
Mokena, IL US
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.

The Shop

See All »
mxb2
Profile picture for user mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
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
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3623
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
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
Profile picture for user cbaird254
Posts
112
Joined
8/19/2018
Location
Clayville, NY US
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.
navalseabee
Profile picture for user navalseabee
Posts
1086
Joined
5/5/2011
Location
Virginia Beach, VA US
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
Profile picture for user JohnnyD13
Posts
750
Joined
3/23/2014
Location
Loganville, GA US
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
Profile picture for user dancolvin633
Posts
685
Joined
6/28/2016
Location
Plumas Lake, CA US
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.
1
dancolvin633
Profile picture for user dancolvin633
Posts
685
Joined
6/28/2016
Location
Plumas Lake, CA US
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
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10055
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
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
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3623
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
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
Profile picture for user OLDMOTO
Posts
467
Joined
3/20/2019
Location
San Diego, CA US
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.
1
50dippin
Profile picture for user 50dippin
Posts
360
Joined
10/4/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
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
Profile picture for user OLDMOTO
Posts
467
Joined
3/20/2019
Location
San Diego, CA US
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
Profile picture for user GW83
Posts
45
Joined
12/30/2018
Location
Mokena, IL US
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.

Pit Row

See All »
colvin227
Profile picture for user colvin227
Posts
431
Joined
8/1/2017
Location
Alamogordo, NM US
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.
3
MX558
Profile picture for user MX558
Posts
1960
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
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
Profile picture for user BAPT48
Posts
24
Joined
1/12/2019
Location
costa mesa, CA US
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.
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
Profile picture for user navalseabee
Posts
1086
Joined
5/5/2011
Location
Virginia Beach, VA US
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!
2
1
JB479
Profile picture for user JB479
Posts
805
Joined
1/11/2012
Location
AU
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
Profile picture for user Nystrom7
Posts
282
Joined
8/17/2018
Location
SE
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
Profile picture for user datkin128
Posts
279
Joined
12/23/2015
Location
Lakewood, CO US
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
Profile picture for user jeffs
Posts
72
Joined
8/26/2011
Location
Nipomo, CA US
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.


3
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3623
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
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
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3623
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL US
Moto520 9/9/2019 7:48pm
9/9/2019 7:48pm

2
resik307
Profile picture for user resik307
Posts
37
Joined
3/6/2019
Location
Brea, CA US
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
1
2

Post a reply to: Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s