Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

4/27/2020 7:23pm Edited Date/Time 4/27/2020 7:25pm
OK, 58 hours on mine and smoking a fair amount on warmup. No issues with the bike at all, other than that, runs and starts great. CP top end kit/gaskets/timing chain going in. Will update after the job is done. Will try and post some pics as able. Cheers! - luckily fresh 250 two stroke waiting to get some use!
jridout12
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405
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USA
4/27/2020 7:48pm
nd54 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/22/422129/s1200_2019_kx450.jpg[/img] Picked up this 2019 with 3.4 hrs on it. Getting back into it after a little time off from riding. So far I like this...

Picked up this 2019 with 3.4 hrs on it. Getting back into it after a little time off from riding. So far I like this bike.
Any idea on the graphic company on your number plates? I’m looking for just a number plate exactly like what you got on mine
soggy
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8828
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12/3/2018
Location
USA
4/27/2020 8:34pm
nd54 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/22/422129/s1200_2019_kx450.jpg[/img] Picked up this 2019 with 3.4 hrs on it. Getting back into it after a little time off from riding. So far I like this...

Picked up this 2019 with 3.4 hrs on it. Getting back into it after a little time off from riding. So far I like this bike.
jridout12 wrote:
Any idea on the graphic company on your number plates? I’m looking for just a number plate exactly like what you got on mine
motosport had some like that.
FortyHat
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345
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5/16/2017
Location
USA
4/27/2020 9:46pm
cmotodad wrote:
I have a 2019 with a few hours. What are some of the hours everyone has on theirs. Thanks
52 hours on my 19. Mostly racing or practicing for that, vet B, moto/track only. Haven't had any issues with it yet. I do all the regular maintenance on it but am planning on replacing it with a 2021 before I do a top end or anything where the motor is opened up for more than a valve check. In an strange way this stupid corona virus issue bought me some time waiting for the new model.
1

The Shop

navalseabee
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Virginia Beach, VA, USA
4/28/2020 2:32am
cwolf96 wrote:
Just ordered a PC pipe and confirmed it's coming with the rubber mount. Anyone running a rubber-mounted aftermarket can without beefing up the subframe tab? I...
Just ordered a PC pipe and confirmed it's coming with the rubber mount. Anyone running a rubber-mounted aftermarket can without beefing up the subframe tab? I wanted to slap it on this week and head to Monster Mountain on Thursday. Hoping with the rubber mount it will be good; I won't have time to strengthen the subframe before we leave.
My Bill's system is rubber mounted on the muffler can and the mid pipe. Been on there 50 ish hours no issues with the stock subframe.
2
mnomis484
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312
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12/31/2012
Location
L, AT
4/28/2020 3:33am
Moto520 wrote:
My questions for you guys on the rear brake: 1) is the caliber sliding smoothly on the carrier? 2) anyone use aftermarket brake pads? holy shit....it...
My questions for you guys on the rear brake:
1) is the caliber sliding smoothly on the carrier?
2) anyone use aftermarket brake pads? holy shit....it sounds like i'm at a Pig farm with all the squeaking
3) are the pads wearing evenly?
1) my caliper slides smoothly
2) you have to reuse the small metal "clips" on the backside of your stock pads and put them on the aftermarket ones. Should fix the problem.
3) yes
Looby321
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543
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12/23/2018
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USA
4/28/2020 3:37am
jridout12 wrote:
Any idea on the graphic company on your number plates? I’m looking for just a number plate exactly like what you got on mine
Looks to be Factory Backing, they make good shit.
1
nd54
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105
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11/25/2013
Location
Fishkill, NY, USA
4/28/2020 4:03am
nd54 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/22/422129/s1200_2019_kx450.jpg[/img] Picked up this 2019 with 3.4 hrs on it. Getting back into it after a little time off from riding. So far I like this...

Picked up this 2019 with 3.4 hrs on it. Getting back into it after a little time off from riding. So far I like this bike.
jridout12 wrote:
Any idea on the graphic company on your number plates? I’m looking for just a number plate exactly like what you got on mine
Its factory backing in CA. They do good work.
1
nd54
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Location
Fishkill, NY, USA
4/28/2020 4:04am
jridout12 wrote:
Any idea on the graphic company on your number plates? I’m looking for just a number plate exactly like what you got on mine
Looby321 wrote:
Looks to be Factory Backing, they make good shit.
Good eye.
DB97
Posts
1179
Joined
7/28/2016
Location
Orlando, FL, USA
4/28/2020 4:35am
Moto520 wrote:
My questions for you guys on the rear brake: 1) is the caliber sliding smoothly on the carrier? 2) anyone use aftermarket brake pads? holy shit....it...
My questions for you guys on the rear brake:
1) is the caliber sliding smoothly on the carrier?
2) anyone use aftermarket brake pads? holy shit....it sounds like i'm at a Pig farm with all the squeaking
3) are the pads wearing evenly?
mnomis484 wrote:
1) my caliper slides smoothly 2) you have to reuse the small metal "clips" on the backside of your stock pads and put them on the...
1) my caliper slides smoothly
2) you have to reuse the small metal "clips" on the backside of your stock pads and put them on the aftermarket ones. Should fix the problem.
3) yes
I took the heat shields off my pads. They were warped and made my pads uneven against the rotor.
thorns
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723
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Location
NZ
4/30/2020 12:30am
Was about to buy a trickle charger for the battery seeing as I havent ridden it in a long time, and still 2-3 weeks best case away from riding it again. Realised I have a RC battery charger, if the desrcitpion says this, I am assuming this will work on it?

Primarily designed for Lithium Polymer (LiPo, Li-Poly) batteries, it can also charge Li-Ion, Li-Fe (A123M1), Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Pb (lead acid) batteries

Li-Ion / Li-Po / Li-Fe: 1 - 6 Series

Should this be okay?
mxer613
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488
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11/22/2011
Location
Forest Grove, OR, USA
4/30/2020 5:27am
cmotodad wrote:
I have a 2019 with a few hours. What are some of the hours everyone has on theirs. Thanks
FortyHat wrote:
52 hours on my 19. Mostly racing or practicing for that, vet B, moto/track only. Haven't had any issues with it yet. I do all the...
52 hours on my 19. Mostly racing or practicing for that, vet B, moto/track only. Haven't had any issues with it yet. I do all the regular maintenance on it but am planning on replacing it with a 2021 before I do a top end or anything where the motor is opened up for more than a valve check. In an strange way this stupid corona virus issue bought me some time waiting for the new model.
I’m with you on the corona deal, I just sold my 19 last week, was planning on racing through the summer and then getting a 21. But here in Oregon our tracks keep pushing their closures out. The left over 2020’s are only $6999 otd right now. I think the 21’s will just be bng?? Who knows
1
dancolvin633
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685
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6/28/2016
Location
Plumas Lake, CA, USA
4/30/2020 6:51am
cmotodad wrote:
I have a 2019 with a few hours. What are some of the hours everyone has on theirs. Thanks
FortyHat wrote:
52 hours on my 19. Mostly racing or practicing for that, vet B, moto/track only. Haven't had any issues with it yet. I do all the...
52 hours on my 19. Mostly racing or practicing for that, vet B, moto/track only. Haven't had any issues with it yet. I do all the regular maintenance on it but am planning on replacing it with a 2021 before I do a top end or anything where the motor is opened up for more than a valve check. In an strange way this stupid corona virus issue bought me some time waiting for the new model.
mxer613 wrote:
I’m with you on the corona deal, I just sold my 19 last week, was planning on racing through the summer and then getting a 21...
I’m with you on the corona deal, I just sold my 19 last week, was planning on racing through the summer and then getting a 21. But here in Oregon our tracks keep pushing their closures out. The left over 2020’s are only $6999 otd right now. I think the 21’s will just be bng?? Who knows
I would get a $6999 2020. Dealerships are raising prices on bikes because the inventory is low, and the 2021 will likely be late. I bought a 2020 kawi last week from Power and this is what they told us. Get it while you can...
2
mnomis484
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312
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12/31/2012
Location
L, AT
4/30/2020 7:40am
thorns wrote:
Was about to buy a trickle charger for the battery seeing as I havent ridden it in a long time, and still 2-3 weeks best case...
Was about to buy a trickle charger for the battery seeing as I havent ridden it in a long time, and still 2-3 weeks best case away from riding it again. Realised I have a RC battery charger, if the desrcitpion says this, I am assuming this will work on it?

Primarily designed for Lithium Polymer (LiPo, Li-Poly) batteries, it can also charge Li-Ion, Li-Fe (A123M1), Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Pb (lead acid) batteries

Li-Ion / Li-Po / Li-Fe: 1 - 6 Series

Should this be okay?
Yes i also use a charger for RC Car Batteries for motorcycle batteries. Works just fine (never needed it on the kawi though, even after it sat a couple months)
1
thorns
Posts
723
Joined
4/25/2013
Location
NZ
4/30/2020 12:18pm
thorns wrote:
Was about to buy a trickle charger for the battery seeing as I havent ridden it in a long time, and still 2-3 weeks best case...
Was about to buy a trickle charger for the battery seeing as I havent ridden it in a long time, and still 2-3 weeks best case away from riding it again. Realised I have a RC battery charger, if the desrcitpion says this, I am assuming this will work on it?

Primarily designed for Lithium Polymer (LiPo, Li-Poly) batteries, it can also charge Li-Ion, Li-Fe (A123M1), Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Pb (lead acid) batteries

Li-Ion / Li-Po / Li-Fe: 1 - 6 Series

Should this be okay?
mnomis484 wrote:
Yes i also use a charger for RC Car Batteries for motorcycle batteries. Works just fine (never needed it on the kawi though, even after it...
Yes i also use a charger for RC Car Batteries for motorcycle batteries. Works just fine (never needed it on the kawi though, even after it sat a couple months)
Perfect, thanks for this, saved me some $$.
mrpiano
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43
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12/21/2011
Location
SE
4/30/2020 1:21pm
rawdawgin wrote:
Finally had some time to finish up the KX450. Cool or nah? Suspension - SGB Racing / RaceTech Exhaust, clamps, engine goodies - Pro Circuit Wheels...
Finally had some time to finish up the KX450. Cool or nah?

Suspension - SGB Racing / RaceTech
Exhaust, clamps, engine goodies - Pro Circuit
Wheels - KSR wheels / HAAN wheels
Graphics- Rival Ink
All sponsored by my Visa Card.









Black xtrig rocs clamps on this one and it whould be one of the nicest ive seen!
1
DB505
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731
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12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
4/30/2020 5:27pm
Anyone tried a Sevforge replacement coupler?
Says it’s one coupler with a 3 position switch if it works it’d be cool
lawson34
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719
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1/19/2019
Location
London, KY, USA
5/9/2020 6:10pm
Crickets
Moto520
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3643
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2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
5/9/2020 6:30pm
lawson34 wrote:
Crickets
We’re all out enjoying our bikes!
2
Markopolo400
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7/24/2012
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St. Paul-ish, MN, USA
5/9/2020 6:43pm
Moto520 wrote:
We’re all out enjoying our bikes!
Yep! Had way too much fun riding mine today.
5/9/2020 7:18pm
Burning laps on my brand new 2019 at Lincoln Trail MX today. I installed stiffer fork springs before I ever rode the bike, and I gotta say, that is about all I’ll probably do to it. I’m very pleased with my purchase.
2
DB97
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Orlando, FL, USA
5/10/2020 4:47am
I have mag hubs to switch over to once my tires wear out. Braking actually makes a 250 rear so it will match.
1
soggy
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Location
USA
5/10/2020 6:41am
Burning laps on my brand new 2019 at Lincoln Trail MX today. I installed stiffer fork springs before I ever rode the bike, and I gotta...
Burning laps on my brand new 2019 at Lincoln Trail MX today. I installed stiffer fork springs before I ever rode the bike, and I gotta say, that is about all I’ll probably do to it. I’m very pleased with my purchase.
he said hes gonna keep it stock..Grinning Grinning
richter28
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280
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Location
Mchenry, IL, USA
5/14/2020 8:14pm
Moto520 wrote:
What is the protocol on the rear brake? Mine keeps wearing from the right side. ARe any of you having issues with the floating portion of...
What is the protocol on the rear brake? Mine keeps wearing from the right side. ARe any of you having issues with the floating portion of the rear brake?
I'm having this issue now... not sure why...
5/14/2020 8:19pm
Hey guys. Idk if anyone has come across this but for those of you that run oversized bars in the front mount position, getting to the clickers is a bitch. Found this rad screw driver on amazon. Fits perfect.

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B078MT1XQJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_…

5
soggy
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8828
Joined
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Location
USA
5/14/2020 9:18pm
Moto520 wrote:
What is the protocol on the rear brake? Mine keeps wearing from the right side. ARe any of you having issues with the floating portion of...
What is the protocol on the rear brake? Mine keeps wearing from the right side. ARe any of you having issues with the floating portion of the rear brake?
richter28 wrote:
I'm having this issue now... not sure why...
is your brake pin worn?
5/15/2020 12:19am
50 hours on mine. Just did an upper end.

Valve clearances were in spec. Everything else looked perfect.

I have a full machine shop and Sunnen bore gauges and masters, so I was able to inspect the cylinder in detail. It was +.0002" / -.0000" on bore. It was near perfect side to side, and high in the cylinder. The +.0002" wear was fore and aft, and low, as you would expect due to piston rock.

This is about 1/2 the wear I would see with a 250. I would expect the cylinder to make it to 120-150 hours before it needs to be re-plated. With a Yam 250, I would usually re-plate a cylinder by 60-80 hours

The clutch friction discs were cooked. Replaced them. The plates looked pretty cooked too, but I checked them on a granite plate, and they were flat. I took the glaze off them using fine abrasive pads.

I like the Kawi chain tensioner. Also, the finger follower upper end is good. Noisy...but I like it, mechanically. From what I have seen of the motor internals, this is a quality piece.
9
Moto520
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3643
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2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
5/15/2020 9:24am
50 hours on mine. Just did an upper end. Valve clearances were in spec. Everything else looked perfect. I have a full machine shop and Sunnen...
50 hours on mine. Just did an upper end.

Valve clearances were in spec. Everything else looked perfect.

I have a full machine shop and Sunnen bore gauges and masters, so I was able to inspect the cylinder in detail. It was +.0002" / -.0000" on bore. It was near perfect side to side, and high in the cylinder. The +.0002" wear was fore and aft, and low, as you would expect due to piston rock.

This is about 1/2 the wear I would see with a 250. I would expect the cylinder to make it to 120-150 hours before it needs to be re-plated. With a Yam 250, I would usually re-plate a cylinder by 60-80 hours

The clutch friction discs were cooked. Replaced them. The plates looked pretty cooked too, but I checked them on a granite plate, and they were flat. I took the glaze off them using fine abrasive pads.

I like the Kawi chain tensioner. Also, the finger follower upper end is good. Noisy...but I like it, mechanically. From what I have seen of the motor internals, this is a quality piece.
That's great to hear. The motor is noisy as fuck with this design but has been reliable on my end (50 hours)
2
stax199
Posts
157
Joined
3/7/2012
Location
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Fantasy
5/15/2020 11:40am
Well finally got the 2020 450 on dirt. Have not ridden anything since my 17 kxf450 last november.. man this thing is fast!
The noise in the finger follower is very noticeable. Im assuming that was the slight ticking I would hear...Brakes, clutch, suspension were all the best Ive had on a KX in while. I am a kawi rider forever so maybe the rear wasnt noticeable or im used to it but had no rear brake issue. I can feel the forks could be stiffened was riding a slow out of shape pace and they were good for that! I am every bit of 200 lbs and 6 ft but only got 1.2 hrs in before I was toast. So have to break in the springs a bit more, but I was not unhappy at all. I did have to grease the steering stem etc, it was bone dry and add bunch more grease to the linkage. Turned and cornered great, again unlike any kawi ive had and been on kawi since 04!! No more of that loose wash out feeling up front. Went to reach for the kickstarter twice then forgot I ever kicked a bike in the past! Any other info please share. Also goofed and got KYB fork protectors saw Elis bike when i was looking up decals.. so loosing sleep about that ahaha


6
datkin128
Posts
279
Joined
12/23/2015
Location
Lakewood, CO, USA
5/15/2020 11:44am
stax199 wrote:
Well finally got the 2020 450 on dirt. Have not ridden anything since my 17 kxf450 last november.. man this thing is fast! The noise in...
Well finally got the 2020 450 on dirt. Have not ridden anything since my 17 kxf450 last november.. man this thing is fast!
The noise in the finger follower is very noticeable. Im assuming that was the slight ticking I would hear...Brakes, clutch, suspension were all the best Ive had on a KX in while. I am a kawi rider forever so maybe the rear wasnt noticeable or im used to it but had no rear brake issue. I can feel the forks could be stiffened was riding a slow out of shape pace and they were good for that! I am every bit of 200 lbs and 6 ft but only got 1.2 hrs in before I was toast. So have to break in the springs a bit more, but I was not unhappy at all. I did have to grease the steering stem etc, it was bone dry and add bunch more grease to the linkage. Turned and cornered great, again unlike any kawi ive had and been on kawi since 04!! No more of that loose wash out feeling up front. Went to reach for the kickstarter twice then forgot I ever kicked a bike in the past! Any other info please share. Also goofed and got KYB fork protectors saw Elis bike when i was looking up decals.. so loosing sleep about that ahaha


Where did u ride? Excellent bike right? I have no problem with the rear brake btw...

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