Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

bh
Profile picture for user bh
Posts
949
Joined
12/25/2016
Location
Piedmont, SC, USA
bh 1/30/2020 5:11am
1/30/2020 5:11am
DB505 wrote:
Anyone Offroad GNCC type racing there 19 or 20,kx450, what mods? Suspension? Etc...
bh wrote:
Done 2 hare scrambles on mine. Went back down to a .50 front spring couldn’t get the rear end soft enough with the 5.4 so I...
Done 2 hare scrambles on mine. Went back down to a .50 front spring couldn’t get the rear end soft enough with the 5.4 so I have a 5.2 coming in. Using stock valving. as far as keeping it cool I put on a Boysesen water pump, 2.0 radiator cap, and some maxima coolant. One of the biggest difference makers for me was putting on a motion pro throttle kit with the slowest turn reel. Also a 51t rear sprocket and some other odds and ends like a skid plate and hand guards.
DB505 wrote:
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks! Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I...
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks!
Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I was gone try goin 1 step softer on the springs & hopefully won’t need a revalve, I was thinkIng running the mellow coupler, for the trees or tight stuff,
oh yea mellow coupler for sure.
DB505
Profile picture for user DB505
Posts
739
Joined
12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
DB505 1/30/2020 6:00am
1/30/2020 6:00am
bh wrote:
Done 2 hare scrambles on mine. Went back down to a .50 front spring couldn’t get the rear end soft enough with the 5.4 so I...
Done 2 hare scrambles on mine. Went back down to a .50 front spring couldn’t get the rear end soft enough with the 5.4 so I have a 5.2 coming in. Using stock valving. as far as keeping it cool I put on a Boysesen water pump, 2.0 radiator cap, and some maxima coolant. One of the biggest difference makers for me was putting on a motion pro throttle kit with the slowest turn reel. Also a 51t rear sprocket and some other odds and ends like a skid plate and hand guards.
DB505 wrote:
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks! Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I...
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks!
Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I was gone try goin 1 step softer on the springs & hopefully won’t need a revalve, I was thinkIng running the mellow coupler, for the trees or tight stuff,
bh wrote:
oh yea mellow coupler for sure.
How’s your mileage? Any issues?
The organization I race with the races are only an hour long ( maybe 75min at most )
Was kinda concerned about making it with the stock tank!
bh
Profile picture for user bh
Posts
949
Joined
12/25/2016
Location
Piedmont, SC, USA
bh 1/30/2020 6:25am
1/30/2020 6:25am
DB505 wrote:
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks! Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I...
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks!
Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I was gone try goin 1 step softer on the springs & hopefully won’t need a revalve, I was thinkIng running the mellow coupler, for the trees or tight stuff,
bh wrote:
oh yea mellow coupler for sure.
DB505 wrote:
How’s your mileage? Any issues? The organization I race with the races are only an hour long ( maybe 75min at most ) Was kinda concerned...
How’s your mileage? Any issues?
The organization I race with the races are only an hour long ( maybe 75min at most )
Was kinda concerned about making it with the stock tank!
You will make it. I’ve been doing fuel stops on my 3rd lap so and hour and a half and been fine.
Andy7
Profile picture for user Andy7
Posts
511
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, AR
Fantasy
964th
Andy7 1/30/2020 8:59am
1/30/2020 8:59am
Titan777 wrote:
Do I need to change bushings, seals, etc. when I'm changing my oil? Or just inspect and see if it's good, no need to replace just...
Do I need to change bushings, seals, etc. when I'm changing my oil?
Or just inspect and see if it's good, no need to replace just because the fork is disassembled.
Well it depens on how many hours it has. But bushings wear out pretty quickly, I wouldn´t use them any longer than 30-35 hours. I personally change seals when they get leaky or at around 60 hours

The Shop

See All »
kaareo
Profile picture for user kaareo
Posts
5
Joined
2/24/2011
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
kaareo 1/30/2020 9:44am
1/30/2020 9:44am
centralcalmx wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/01/23/400001/s1200_C0A54806_0A6C_4A75_A348_A5C08B3BBD8F.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/01/23/400003/s1200_4BDC7D0B_B571_4051_BC93_E3386E53F5A0.jpg[/img]


Is the FMF system 2 pieces or 3 pieces?
FortyHat
Profile picture for user FortyHat
Posts
345
Joined
5/16/2017
Location
USA
FortyHat 1/30/2020 10:04am
1/30/2020 10:04am
centralcalmx wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/01/23/400001/s1200_C0A54806_0A6C_4A75_A348_A5C08B3BBD8F.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/01/23/400003/s1200_4BDC7D0B_B571_4051_BC93_E3386E53F5A0.jpg[/img]


kaareo wrote:
Is the FMF system 2 pieces or 3 pieces?
3 total - header, mid pipe, slip on.
1
DB505
Profile picture for user DB505
Posts
739
Joined
12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
DB505 1/30/2020 12:53pm
1/30/2020 12:53pm
bh wrote:
oh yea mellow coupler for sure.
DB505 wrote:
How’s your mileage? Any issues? The organization I race with the races are only an hour long ( maybe 75min at most ) Was kinda concerned...
How’s your mileage? Any issues?
The organization I race with the races are only an hour long ( maybe 75min at most )
Was kinda concerned about making it with the stock tank!
bh wrote:
You will make it. I’ve been doing fuel stops on my 3rd lap so and hour and a half and been fine.
Cool,
Thanks for the info
DB505
Profile picture for user DB505
Posts
739
Joined
12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
DB505 1/31/2020 5:36pm
1/31/2020 5:36pm
Picked up a 2020 today!
$7999 OTD, only got to putt up & down the street just swerving back and fourth, first thoughts Wow it’s TALL! Seems to feel just as nimble and responsive as my yz250x I just sold! Weather looks good this weekend so should be able to get a lil more aquatinted, can’t wait!

6
DB505
Profile picture for user DB505
Posts
739
Joined
12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
DB505 2/3/2020 4:15am
2/3/2020 4:15am
So I put in about an hour on it yesterday
But before I did I went over a few things!
The front axel pinch bolts Way over tq’d, no oil on air filter! Chain way loose!
Other than that not bad!
Now the ride! It feels just as flickable as my yz250x, fires up quick, turns I feel better that my yz, doesn’t feel any heavier, now the suspension of corse will have to be set up!
But overall very happy with it,
3
Zeke27G
Profile picture for user Zeke27G
Posts
1412
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
Ascot Park, CA, USA
Zeke27G 2/3/2020 6:16am
2/3/2020 6:16am


Made a little progress yesterday!
8
rollin64caddy
Profile picture for user rollin64caddy
Posts
713
Joined
3/30/2015
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
rollin64caddy 2/3/2020 6:19am
2/3/2020 6:19am
DB505 wrote:
So I put in about an hour on it yesterday But before I did I went over a few things! The front axel pinch bolts Way...
So I put in about an hour on it yesterday
But before I did I went over a few things!
The front axel pinch bolts Way over tq’d, no oil on air filter! Chain way loose!
Other than that not bad!
Now the ride! It feels just as flickable as my yz250x, fires up quick, turns I feel better that my yz, doesn’t feel any heavier, now the suspension of corse will have to be set up!
But overall very happy with it,
These bikes are unreal awesome! I rode mine for months before even checking the sag. It felt so good off the showroom floor. But as mentioned before in this thread, check the steering, linkage, and swing arm pivot bearings for grease if you havent done so already. Happy moto-ing!
1
walent215
Profile picture for user walent215
Posts
2537
Joined
12/6/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA, USA
walent215 2/3/2020 6:28am
2/3/2020 6:28am
DB505 wrote:
Picked up a 2020 today! $7999 OTD, only got to putt up & down the street just swerving back and fourth, first thoughts Wow it’s TALL...
Picked up a 2020 today!
$7999 OTD, only got to putt up & down the street just swerving back and fourth, first thoughts Wow it’s TALL! Seems to feel just as nimble and responsive as my yz250x I just sold! Weather looks good this weekend so should be able to get a lil more aquatinted, can’t wait!

Just secured a 2020 from Power Motorsports in Sublimity Oregon the other day. I cant stress how much of a painless, hassle free transaction this was. If interested in contact info feel free to message me as I'm not sure he wants his name posted here. $7500 otd plus $300 shipping to Southern California.
4
cody41
Profile picture for user cody41
Posts
518
Joined
4/25/2013
Location
Miami, FL, USA
cody41 2/3/2020 8:48am
2/3/2020 8:48am
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and ride at an A/B pace, how are they holding up? Threads, bolts stripping, plastic breaking, overall bike integrity, valves, etc. Much appreciated.
1
Shaggin589
Profile picture for user Shaggin589
Posts
223
Joined
4/30/2019
Location
Gallatin, TN, USA
Shaggin589 2/3/2020 8:58am
2/3/2020 8:58am
cody41 wrote:
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and...
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and ride at an A/B pace, how are they holding up? Threads, bolts stripping, plastic breaking, overall bike integrity, valves, etc. Much appreciated.
I’ve only got about 45 hours on mine (TN rain) But I love it and I haven’t had a single issue with any bolts, plastic, etc. my subframe did crack but I had it welded and haven’t had a problem since. I did have an issue with my light flashing on the bars but dealer said no codes and I cleaned the battery terminals and charged it out of the bike and haven’t had any issues since
Greenguy
Profile picture for user Greenguy
Posts
128
Joined
9/1/2016
Location
Placerville, CA, USA
Greenguy 2/3/2020 9:22am
2/3/2020 9:22am
cody41 wrote:
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and...
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and ride at an A/B pace, how are they holding up? Threads, bolts stripping, plastic breaking, overall bike integrity, valves, etc. Much appreciated.
120 hrs on mine. I replaced 3rd gear at about 50 hours along with a new topend. Right main bearing went out at 80 hours, fixed and installed new topend again. At 110 hours the wrist pin broke in half. So new topend again. Full Ti Pro Circuit system with rubber mount. I’ve never had a mount issue and never beefed it up. I did make a FMF type hanger for the “just in case”. Overall I like the bike, but reliability not so much. Been on green a long time. If 2021 is the same bike, probably trying red next year.
3
50dippin
Profile picture for user 50dippin
Posts
362
Joined
10/4/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
50dippin 2/3/2020 9:26am
2/3/2020 9:26am
cody41 wrote:
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and...
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and ride at an A/B pace, how are they holding up? Threads, bolts stripping, plastic breaking, overall bike integrity, valves, etc. Much appreciated.
Be very careful with the oil filter cover bolts, the inside is soft and the heads can easily break off. My bike tipped over onto a workbench and it sheared off one of the oil filter cover bolt heads. Luckily it was easy to remove.
I also somehow sheared off one of the lower skid plate bolt heads. I'm assuming I did this at fox raceway on the am track since it is pretty rocky in some parts, but I really have no idea when it happened, never hit anything major. I was able to drill one out, but the other is permanently fixed to the frame, so no more skid plates for me.
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3669
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
Moto520 2/3/2020 9:36am
2/3/2020 9:36am
cody41 wrote:
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and...
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and ride at an A/B pace, how are they holding up? Threads, bolts stripping, plastic breaking, overall bike integrity, valves, etc. Much appreciated.
Reliability is decent but not great. Broken sub-frame muffler hanger. Be careful with the engine mounting bolts....they strip. Little things....nothing major.
1
Nystrom7
Profile picture for user Nystrom7
Posts
282
Joined
8/17/2018
Location
SE
Nystrom7 2/3/2020 1:18pm
2/3/2020 1:18pm
cody41 wrote:
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and...
I’ve been following this thread for awhile, and I’m interested in picking up a 19 leftover. For those who have logged time on the bike and ride at an A/B pace, how are they holding up? Threads, bolts stripping, plastic breaking, overall bike integrity, valves, etc. Much appreciated.
60 hours on mine and no problems. No stripped Bolt or anything.

I thinkvthey seem to be as reliable as the previous models and they have been bulletproof atleaat for me.
2

Pit Row

See All »
StartedTooLate 2/4/2020 8:39pm
2/4/2020 8:39pm
bh wrote:
Done 2 hare scrambles on mine. Went back down to a .50 front spring couldn’t get the rear end soft enough with the 5.4 so I...
Done 2 hare scrambles on mine. Went back down to a .50 front spring couldn’t get the rear end soft enough with the 5.4 so I have a 5.2 coming in. Using stock valving. as far as keeping it cool I put on a Boysesen water pump, 2.0 radiator cap, and some maxima coolant. One of the biggest difference makers for me was putting on a motion pro throttle kit with the slowest turn reel. Also a 51t rear sprocket and some other odds and ends like a skid plate and hand guards.
DB505 wrote:
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks! Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I...
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks!
Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I was gone try goin 1 step softer on the springs & hopefully won’t need a revalve, I was thinkIng running the mellow coupler, for the trees or tight stuff,
bh wrote:
oh yea mellow coupler for sure.
#1 - Have Precision Concepts do your suspension. They have the KX450 off road set up dialed due to all the testing their off road race team does. They will insist that you run the Ride Engineering Link. They have tested it extensively both ways.

#2 - Get Tokyo Mods to do a off road / trail remap for you. Test all the stock maps, see which one is useless to you, and have them overwrite that one. Much more mellow throttle response when you crack the throttle and less likely to flame out. I had them leave the green map as is. On the white coupler I had them put their woods map in. For the black coupler, I had them put their MX map in.

cody41
Profile picture for user cody41
Posts
518
Joined
4/25/2013
Location
Miami, FL, USA
cody41 2/5/2020 4:34am
2/5/2020 4:34am
Thanks everyone for the response, very much appreciated.
Zeke27G
Profile picture for user Zeke27G
Posts
1412
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
Ascot Park, CA, USA
Zeke27G 2/5/2020 6:29am
2/5/2020 6:29am Edited Date/Time 2/5/2020 6:35am


Made some more progress last night. Thought I would like this Acerbis plate that has rubberized lower triple clamp protection, but when I zip tie it around the fork tube it rubs pretty good on the lower clamp. Sort of defeating the purpose as I’m sure dirt and sand will get in there and make a mess of thing. Maybe a Cycra plate is the answer?
1
OLDMOTO
Profile picture for user OLDMOTO
Posts
467
Joined
3/20/2019
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
OLDMOTO 2/5/2020 8:25am
2/5/2020 8:25am
So OK everybody has time on their bikes now. Honest truth. The Xtrig triple clamps and the soft engine mounts. What difference do you feel with the triple clamps?
What offset do you run?
What difference do you feel with the engine mounts?
What about with the two combined together?
mxb2
Profile picture for user mxb2
Posts
22437
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD, USA
mxb2 2/5/2020 8:34am
2/5/2020 8:34am
Zeke27G wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/02/05/402377/s1200_6F2FD403_8F89_4DE6_B0A3_C945619B0182.jpg[/img] Made some more progress last night. Thought I would like this Acerbis plate that has rubberized lower triple clamp protection, but when I zip tie...


Made some more progress last night. Thought I would like this Acerbis plate that has rubberized lower triple clamp protection, but when I zip tie it around the fork tube it rubs pretty good on the lower clamp. Sort of defeating the purpose as I’m sure dirt and sand will get in there and make a mess of thing. Maybe a Cycra plate is the answer?
Cycra ,better option. Imo.
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3669
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
Moto520 2/5/2020 9:10am
2/5/2020 9:10am
Zeke27G wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/02/05/402377/s1200_6F2FD403_8F89_4DE6_B0A3_C945619B0182.jpg[/img] Made some more progress last night. Thought I would like this Acerbis plate that has rubberized lower triple clamp protection, but when I zip tie...


Made some more progress last night. Thought I would like this Acerbis plate that has rubberized lower triple clamp protection, but when I zip tie it around the fork tube it rubs pretty good on the lower clamp. Sort of defeating the purpose as I’m sure dirt and sand will get in there and make a mess of thing. Maybe a Cycra plate is the answer?
mxb2 wrote:
Cycra ,better option. Imo.
The Cycra stadium plate still might not fit correctly with the Xtrig clamps. The clamp screws are in a different position than stock so i think it is pushing your plate off the forks.
1
DB505
Profile picture for user DB505
Posts
739
Joined
12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
DB505 2/6/2020 9:00am
2/6/2020 9:00am
DB505 wrote:
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks! Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I...
Cool, I think this is the bike I’ve decided on, this is the kind of info I’m looking for! Thanks!
Yeah I’m only 160lb, so I was gone try goin 1 step softer on the springs & hopefully won’t need a revalve, I was thinkIng running the mellow coupler, for the trees or tight stuff,
bh wrote:
oh yea mellow coupler for sure.
StartedTooLate wrote:
#1 - Have Precision Concepts do your suspension. They have the KX450 off road set up dialed due to all the testing their off road race...
#1 - Have Precision Concepts do your suspension. They have the KX450 off road set up dialed due to all the testing their off road race team does. They will insist that you run the Ride Engineering Link. They have tested it extensively both ways.

#2 - Get Tokyo Mods to do a off road / trail remap for you. Test all the stock maps, see which one is useless to you, and have them overwrite that one. Much more mellow throttle response when you crack the throttle and less likely to flame out. I had them leave the green map as is. On the white coupler I had them put their woods map in. For the black coupler, I had them put their MX map in.

Yea I’m probably gonna get them to do the suspension, I figured they would have it dialed! Gona do a lil tweaking myself first & see where I end up, a lighter rear spring & lighter fork oil ! I’m only 160lb vet int!
plus gota save some cash to have them do it!
lawson34
Profile picture for user lawson34
Posts
719
Joined
1/19/2019
Location
London, KY, USA
lawson34 2/6/2020 1:37pm
2/6/2020 1:37pm Edited Date/Time 2/6/2020 1:38pm

This company has some nice carbon parts for 19/20 kx450.. Braces are Supposed to be here tomorrow
Zeke27G
Profile picture for user Zeke27G
Posts
1412
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
Ascot Park, CA, USA
Zeke27G 2/7/2020 6:55am
2/7/2020 6:55am
lawson34 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/02/06/402581/s1200_Kawasaki_CMT_Carbon_Radiator_Braces_000755_large.jpg[/img] This company has some nice carbon parts for 19/20 kx450.. Braces are Supposed to be here tomorrow

This company has some nice carbon parts for 19/20 kx450.. Braces are Supposed to be here tomorrow
Yes, was looking at the fork lug guards the other day. Please post photos of the fit and a review!
Zeke27G
Profile picture for user Zeke27G
Posts
1412
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
Ascot Park, CA, USA
Zeke27G 2/7/2020 7:15am
2/7/2020 7:15am


Ran into a vent hose routing issue with my Xtrig ROCS Pro clamps where the top cap set screw doesn’t give you the ability to run your vent hose inside the stem. See photo below.



Then I found this image, where it appears the top cap set screw looks to have been drilled for the vent hose to pass through? Have any of you done the same?


1
lawson34
Profile picture for user lawson34
Posts
719
Joined
1/19/2019
Location
London, KY, USA
lawson34 2/7/2020 11:42am
2/7/2020 11:42am
Zeke27G wrote:
Ran into a vent hose routing issue with my Xtrig ROCS Pro clamps where the top cap set screw doesn’t give you the ability to run...


Ran into a vent hose routing issue with my Xtrig ROCS Pro clamps where the top cap set screw doesn’t give you the ability to run your vent hose inside the stem. See photo below.



Then I found this image, where it appears the top cap set screw looks to have been drilled for the vent hose to pass through? Have any of you done the same?


I'm sure if it was a reliability issue they wouldn't do it..
lawson34
Profile picture for user lawson34
Posts
719
Joined
1/19/2019
Location
London, KY, USA
lawson34 2/7/2020 12:26pm
2/7/2020 12:26pm
lawson34 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/02/06/402581/s1200_Kawasaki_CMT_Carbon_Radiator_Braces_000755_large.jpg[/img] This company has some nice carbon parts for 19/20 kx450.. Braces are Supposed to be here tomorrow

This company has some nice carbon parts for 19/20 kx450.. Braces are Supposed to be here tomorrow
Zeke27G wrote:
Yes, was looking at the fork lug guards the other day. Please post photos of the fit and a review!

These look nothing like the ones listed as 19/20 kx450 hope I don't have to send these back anyone speak Italian?

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