Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

50dippin
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50dippin 10/23/2019 4:22pm
10/23/2019 4:22pm
Wade221 wrote:
I should preface this with I have had it revalved by FC (soft) and I’m taller (6’2) so I tend to ride more forward; but I’m...
I should preface this with I have had it revalved by FC (soft) and I’m taller (6’2) so I tend to ride more forward; but I’m 188 and I’m running .53kg BOTH legs, 335ml oil, FC oil lock collars. Very smooth, not stiff, no fear of bottoming
6'4", 215lbs running .53's in each side as per PC recommendation. I still bottom it out regularly on harder hits but I also lost that nice initial plushness. I'd probably like it better a touch softer until I need it. It's a middle ground I guess.
JB479
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JB479 10/23/2019 10:47pm
10/23/2019 10:47pm
Anyone who has xtrig clamps notice an improvement in the handing of the bike? I had a set of my ktm and i thought the made an improvement. Just seeing if its worth the $$$ to get a set for the kawi. Id be running the same offset as the oem clamps.
the kid 857
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the kid 857 10/24/2019 6:48am
10/24/2019 6:48am
JB479 wrote:
Anyone who has xtrig clamps notice an improvement in the handing of the bike? I had a set of my ktm and i thought the made...
Anyone who has xtrig clamps notice an improvement in the handing of the bike? I had a set of my ktm and i thought the made an improvement. Just seeing if its worth the $$$ to get a set for the kawi. Id be running the same offset as the oem clamps.
I have a set of the pros, I’ve tried both offsets. The stock offset I felt no noticeable improvement to the bike besides looking bad ass. The other offset would be great for suppercross but for Mx...it was very twitchy.
cablemonkey334 10/24/2019 7:12am
10/24/2019 7:12am
So did anyone figure out the back brake yet , mines turning black from dragging, can't hardly get any free play in the brake peddle.

The Shop

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DB97
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DB97 10/24/2019 7:57am
10/24/2019 7:57am
cablemonkey334 wrote:
So did anyone figure out the back brake yet , mines turning black from dragging, can't hardly get any free play in the brake peddle.
I thought I had it figured out but when I put new pads on it started again. Going to mess with it soon, I also got an old hanger to switch to the 240mm disk.
OLDMOTO
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OLDMOTO 10/24/2019 8:24am
10/24/2019 8:24am
cablemonkey334 wrote:
So did anyone figure out the back brake yet , mines turning black from dragging, can't hardly get any free play in the brake peddle.
I couldn't get enough adjustment on the rear brake pedal. Finally took it off and bent it a little in the vise. I have always run my brake pedal low. It works fine now.
GW83
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GW83 10/24/2019 9:06am
10/24/2019 9:06am
I think it was MXA that said they cut the bottom of the rear brake adjustment bolt/rod to enable the rear brake pedal more room to be adjusted downward. I did mine before ever riding the bike and have never had an issue. Maybe give it a try???
GW83
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GW83 10/24/2019 9:16am
10/24/2019 9:16am
This is actually a picture of my Yamaha (so don’t let that confuse you) but this is the threaded bolt/rod that you need to cut the bottom off to give you more room to adjust your brake pedal lower... this may or may not help some of you guys that might be dragging your brake a little and not even know it...
I took it apart and cut just the lower unthreaded part off.
1
Ronnie_Gardner 10/24/2019 10:26am
10/24/2019 10:26am
cablemonkey334 wrote:
So did anyone figure out the back brake yet , mines turning black from dragging, can't hardly get any free play in the brake peddle.
DB97 wrote:
I thought I had it figured out but when I put new pads on it started again. Going to mess with it soon, I also got...
I thought I had it figured out but when I put new pads on it started again. Going to mess with it soon, I also got an old hanger to switch to the 240mm disk.
Just install 18 rotor ,no need to switch hangers
Ronnie_Gardner 10/24/2019 10:28am
10/24/2019 10:28am
GW83 wrote:
This is actually a picture of my Yamaha (so don’t let that confuse you) but this is the threaded bolt/rod that you need to cut the...
This is actually a picture of my Yamaha (so don’t let that confuse you) but this is the threaded bolt/rod that you need to cut the bottom off to give you more room to adjust your brake pedal lower... this may or may not help some of you guys that might be dragging your brake a little and not even know it...
I took it apart and cut just the lower unthreaded part off.
I took a couple threads off mine
1
DB97
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DB97 10/24/2019 12:22pm
10/24/2019 12:22pm
Ronnie_Gardner wrote:
Just install 18 rotor ,no need to switch hangers
Probably works but you won't be using all of the rotor surface.
mxrose3
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mxrose3 10/24/2019 12:37pm
10/24/2019 12:37pm
cablemonkey334 wrote:
So did anyone figure out the back brake yet , mines turning black from dragging, can't hardly get any free play in the brake peddle.
DB97 wrote:
I thought I had it figured out but when I put new pads on it started again. Going to mess with it soon, I also got...
I thought I had it figured out but when I put new pads on it started again. Going to mess with it soon, I also got an old hanger to switch to the 240mm disk.
Ronnie_Gardner wrote:
Just install 18 rotor ,no need to switch hangers
You need the hanger replaced also, if you want proper brake pad contact on the rotor.
DB97
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DB97 10/24/2019 12:40pm
10/24/2019 12:40pm
GW83 wrote:
This is actually a picture of my Yamaha (so don’t let that confuse you) but this is the threaded bolt/rod that you need to cut the...
This is actually a picture of my Yamaha (so don’t let that confuse you) but this is the threaded bolt/rod that you need to cut the bottom off to give you more room to adjust your brake pedal lower... this may or may not help some of you guys that might be dragging your brake a little and not even know it...
I took it apart and cut just the lower unthreaded part off.
I dont think it's people hitting the brake on accident it does it on the stand. I need to rebleed the brakes might have to much fluid since I put new pads causing the pistons to be in more.
DB97
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DB97 10/24/2019 3:49pm
10/24/2019 3:49pm
JB479 wrote:
Anyone who has xtrig clamps notice an improvement in the handing of the bike? I had a set of my ktm and i thought the made...
Anyone who has xtrig clamps notice an improvement in the handing of the bike? I had a set of my ktm and i thought the made an improvement. Just seeing if its worth the $$$ to get a set for the kawi. Id be running the same offset as the oem clamps.
I have the pro and run the stock 23mm offset. The clamps let the bike turn farther. Found out after installing my clamps the forks hit my hour meter on the side of the frame when they didn't with stock. Also idk if it was just me but the better even clamping seemed to make my forks even smoother and softer then they already are... So I'm with stiffer springs now. I just ordered the new mounts that are slightly lower then the current PHDS.
Dean_Golberry
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Dean_Golberry 10/24/2019 6:42pm
10/24/2019 6:42pm
RF219 wrote:
what springs is most you guys using. I am 200 pounds no gear. I see lot of post a while ago of 5.2 in one side...
what springs is most you guys using. I am 200 pounds no gear. I see lot of post a while ago of 5.2 in one side. I belive a 5.2nm is the same as .053kg spring rate. So one 5.2 +5.0(stock) would be a .052kg rate I am pretty sure. Should I get two 5.2's for my weight? Has anyone tried one rate higher in rear, I have a 5.7 here I could use.. I wont be able to ride bike for about a week so was trying to go ahead and get setup.

My 18 bike I use .052kg front in kyb AOS forks and 5.7 rear. It seems from what I read this bike seems really soft up front
I’m about #205 no gear and have been running 5.2 in both sides with oil at 360cc. I put a 5.8 spring in the back and it’s been awesome so far.
2
MX558
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MX558 10/24/2019 8:16pm
10/24/2019 8:16pm
Ronnie_Gardner wrote:
Just install 18 rotor ,no need to switch hangers
DB97 wrote:
Probably works but you won't be using all of the rotor surface.
When I run my spare wheels neither has the newer larger rotor and I really can't tell enough to matter much . I did cut some threads off also and did the mxa trick of chanfer the pads
Moto520
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Moto520 10/25/2019 8:35am
10/25/2019 8:35am
I actually like the rear brake. Yes....cut the threads off the plunger if you can't get the lever where you want it. Get a Fasst Co brake clevis and adjust to the difference with the bigger rotor. It's awesome for position/ direction changes when riding certain types of tracks. You can cook it easily if you aren't conscious of what you are doing. Dragging the rear brake to settle the suspension has to be limited. Steal from column A to add to column B. I personally like the rear brake...try to adjust the problem away. Also....make sure that you don't fill the brake fluid all the way to the top. Use the best brake fluid that you can find.

Everyone is so quick to immediately switch to the old rear brake and i think you can make this one work. Good luck everyone!
1
RF219
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RF219 10/25/2019 10:21am
10/25/2019 10:21am
RF219 wrote:
what springs is most you guys using. I am 200 pounds no gear. I see lot of post a while ago of 5.2 in one side...
what springs is most you guys using. I am 200 pounds no gear. I see lot of post a while ago of 5.2 in one side. I belive a 5.2nm is the same as .053kg spring rate. So one 5.2 +5.0(stock) would be a .052kg rate I am pretty sure. Should I get two 5.2's for my weight? Has anyone tried one rate higher in rear, I have a 5.7 here I could use.. I wont be able to ride bike for about a week so was trying to go ahead and get setup.

My 18 bike I use .052kg front in kyb AOS forks and 5.7 rear. It seems from what I read this bike seems really soft up front
Dean_Golberry wrote:
I’m about #205 no gear and have been running 5.2 in both sides with oil at 360cc. I put a 5.8 spring in the back and...
I’m about #205 no gear and have been running 5.2 in both sides with oil at 360cc. I put a 5.8 spring in the back and it’s been awesome so far.
I probably gonna end up with something similar to that. I was thinking 5.2nm in both and my 5.7 I already have. I got to ride it last night for a bit , stock springs and added 15cc to each fork to take it up to325cc. The front is way soft, kinda scary coming down some steep downhills with good braking bumps. I put my fmf slip on from my 18 on it and it runs pretty good. This engine is kinda mellow down low compared to my other bike with a good map in it, I gonna play with the tuner and see if I can build some good maps to wake up the bottom end some

Pit Row

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Nystrom7
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Nystrom7 10/25/2019 10:30am
10/25/2019 10:30am
Moto520 wrote:
I actually like the rear brake. Yes....cut the threads off the plunger if you can't get the lever where you want it. Get a Fasst Co...
I actually like the rear brake. Yes....cut the threads off the plunger if you can't get the lever where you want it. Get a Fasst Co brake clevis and adjust to the difference with the bigger rotor. It's awesome for position/ direction changes when riding certain types of tracks. You can cook it easily if you aren't conscious of what you are doing. Dragging the rear brake to settle the suspension has to be limited. Steal from column A to add to column B. I personally like the rear brake...try to adjust the problem away. Also....make sure that you don't fill the brake fluid all the way to the top. Use the best brake fluid that you can find.

Everyone is so quick to immediately switch to the old rear brake and i think you can make this one work. Good luck everyone!
+1

I also like the rear brake. Seems like the magazines complain about it and that starts a chain reaction 😅

On certain Tracks i cooked the rear brake on My 16 and just changed the fluid now and than. I actually havent done that on My 19 yet.
datkin128
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datkin128 10/25/2019 10:55am
10/25/2019 10:55am
Moto520 wrote:
I actually like the rear brake. Yes....cut the threads off the plunger if you can't get the lever where you want it. Get a Fasst Co...
I actually like the rear brake. Yes....cut the threads off the plunger if you can't get the lever where you want it. Get a Fasst Co brake clevis and adjust to the difference with the bigger rotor. It's awesome for position/ direction changes when riding certain types of tracks. You can cook it easily if you aren't conscious of what you are doing. Dragging the rear brake to settle the suspension has to be limited. Steal from column A to add to column B. I personally like the rear brake...try to adjust the problem away. Also....make sure that you don't fill the brake fluid all the way to the top. Use the best brake fluid that you can find.

Everyone is so quick to immediately switch to the old rear brake and i think you can make this one work. Good luck everyone!
I concur. I also like the rear brake. I find some of the recommendations in the mags to maybe not be so useful for everyone. For example the clutch mod keefer recommended - I tried it and preferred stock so went back to stock. I’ve never once thought, man, I wish I had less rear brake. Maybe because I’m not riding 3 times per week? The bike is damn good stock. Yes the fork is a bit soft.
1
mxdevon
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mxdevon 10/27/2019 12:16am
10/27/2019 12:16am
I’m looking for some parts if anyone is staring to build up some spares. Or selling and returning to stock.
Slip on or full exhaust with spark arrester
Front rotor
18 “ rear wheel
Off-road stuff — large tank ,Skid plate, rad braces/guards , hand guards
Complete seat.
Any consumables like filters etc.
dmm698
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dmm698 10/28/2019 12:06pm
10/28/2019 12:06pm
no rear brake issues here, no disc discoloration ect.


For those of you with spare wheels looking for a CHEAP alternative for an additional oversize rear disc, pro x makes one. I believe List price is like 65$.

FWIW i have a pro x 270 front on both my YZ front wheels, an pro x rear on one of my YZ wheels, pro x over size rear on my 19 kx spare wheel.
Moto520
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Moto520 10/28/2019 12:30pm
10/28/2019 12:30pm
I saw a complete stock wheel set for sale in "The Bazaar" earlier today for $450
MX558
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MX558 10/29/2019 12:35am
10/29/2019 12:35am
Moto520 wrote:
I saw a complete stock wheel set for sale in "The Bazaar" earlier today for $450
No rotors though
ron36
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ron36 10/29/2019 2:29am
10/29/2019 2:29am
Does anyone know if the rear shock absorber of the 2016-2018 also fits into the 2019-2020?
soggy
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soggy 10/29/2019 6:28am
10/29/2019 6:28am
ron36 wrote:
Does anyone know if the rear shock absorber of the 2016-2018 also fits into the 2019-2020?
i do not think so.
Jbulz
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Jbulz 10/29/2019 8:11am
10/29/2019 8:11am


So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis plates with engine protection after this!
DB97
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DB97 10/29/2019 8:20am
10/29/2019 8:20am
Jbulz wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/10/29/381824/s1200_IMG_20191026_143409.jpg[/img] So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis...


So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis plates with engine protection after this!
Ouch, I have the CRM carbon one.
FortyHat
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FortyHat 10/29/2019 8:28am
10/29/2019 8:28am
Jbulz wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/10/29/381824/s1200_IMG_20191026_143409.jpg[/img] So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis...


So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis plates with engine protection after this!
Yikes! Were you riding moto or woods when that happened?

I have the minimal WC skid plate but have eyeballed the full coverage one. I only ride/race tracks so I've not yet perceived the need for more protection.
Jbulz
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Jbulz 10/29/2019 9:00am
10/29/2019 9:00am
Jbulz wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/10/29/381824/s1200_IMG_20191026_143409.jpg[/img] So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis...


So what skid plates are everyone running? I've never broken a engine cover before, but I'm considering going with the big-boy Works Connection or Acerbis plates with engine protection after this!
FortyHat wrote:
Yikes! Were you riding moto or woods when that happened? I have the minimal WC skid plate but have eyeballed the full coverage one. I only...
Yikes! Were you riding moto or woods when that happened?

I have the minimal WC skid plate but have eyeballed the full coverage one. I only ride/race tracks so I've not yet perceived the need for more protection.
Moto only. Track was really well groomed, too. But I guess I got lucky and found a rock!

Ive always run the little OEM plastic one since I've had my 16, but I'm rethinking that haha.
1

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