Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

Grovesy98
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Grovesy98 9/20/2020 9:48am
9/20/2020 9:48am
First ride on my 20 today. Absolutely loved the smooth power with the black coupler. The forks felt nice, and it handled really well. Nice planted feel, and the brakes were awesome, I even liked the stronger rear brake, made sliding round tight corners a breeze. Only issue I had was when the clutch lever is pulled right in the bike still creeps and hard to find neutral. Is this a clutch plate/basket problem or maybe bleed the clutch? The lever is adjusted quite far out as I have big hands
davidgrip
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davidgrip 9/20/2020 10:36am
9/20/2020 10:36am
I installed Pro Circuit clutch springs, as on every Kawasaki, and the feel is great.I also run my levers out.
wrc777
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wrc777 9/20/2020 10:54am
9/20/2020 10:54am
Grovesy98 wrote:
First ride on my 20 today. Absolutely loved the smooth power with the black coupler. The forks felt nice, and it handled really well. Nice planted...
First ride on my 20 today. Absolutely loved the smooth power with the black coupler. The forks felt nice, and it handled really well. Nice planted feel, and the brakes were awesome, I even liked the stronger rear brake, made sliding round tight corners a breeze. Only issue I had was when the clutch lever is pulled right in the bike still creeps and hard to find neutral. Is this a clutch plate/basket problem or maybe bleed the clutch? The lever is adjusted quite far out as I have big hands
It shouldn’t creep is the lever is pulled all the way to the grip. I don’t think they have the right leverage ratio on the stock clutch lever and it will probably snap off the first time it hits something. I would bite the bullet and get the adjustable rate lever from arc.
dancolvin633
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dancolvin633 9/20/2020 11:35am
9/20/2020 11:35am
Grovesy98 wrote:
First ride on my 20 today. Absolutely loved the smooth power with the black coupler. The forks felt nice, and it handled really well. Nice planted...
First ride on my 20 today. Absolutely loved the smooth power with the black coupler. The forks felt nice, and it handled really well. Nice planted feel, and the brakes were awesome, I even liked the stronger rear brake, made sliding round tight corners a breeze. Only issue I had was when the clutch lever is pulled right in the bike still creeps and hard to find neutral. Is this a clutch plate/basket problem or maybe bleed the clutch? The lever is adjusted quite far out as I have big hands
I have ran the stock levers for 3 years on this bike. Never had any issues. It shouldn’t creep forward.
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Grovesy98
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Grovesy98 9/20/2020 11:42am
9/20/2020 11:42am
Cheers, maybe plates or springs are worn then or just needs a bleed. Bike has only done 20 hrs
walent215
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walent215 9/20/2020 12:42pm
9/20/2020 12:42pm
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450...
Well it feels so light and maneuverable it blows my mind..
Brakes are awesome...
Motor was a bit too jerky off idle for my taste but im sure a quick coupler change would remedy that.....
This bike makes my 17 450 Honda feel like a BRP...
Id have to say in the case of this bike , the mags opinion are pretty spot on!!
Congrats to all you 19-up Kx450 pilots, what a great 450!!!
7
wrc777
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wrc777 9/20/2020 3:33pm
9/20/2020 3:33pm
walent215 wrote:
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450... Well it feels so light and maneuverable...
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450...
Well it feels so light and maneuverable it blows my mind..
Brakes are awesome...
Motor was a bit too jerky off idle for my taste but im sure a quick coupler change would remedy that.....
This bike makes my 17 450 Honda feel like a BRP...
Id have to say in the case of this bike , the mags opinion are pretty spot on!!
Congrats to all you 19-up Kx450 pilots, what a great 450!!!
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find someone with the calibration tool to tune down the green coupler.
kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 9/20/2020 7:24pm
9/20/2020 7:24pm
walent215 wrote:
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450... Well it feels so light and maneuverable...
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450...
Well it feels so light and maneuverable it blows my mind..
Brakes are awesome...
Motor was a bit too jerky off idle for my taste but im sure a quick coupler change would remedy that.....
This bike makes my 17 450 Honda feel like a BRP...
Id have to say in the case of this bike , the mags opinion are pretty spot on!!
Congrats to all you 19-up Kx450 pilots, what a great 450!!!
wrc777 wrote:
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find...
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find someone with the calibration tool to tune down the green coupler.
I have one, where are you at?
wrc777
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wrc777 9/20/2020 8:50pm
9/20/2020 8:50pm
walent215 wrote:
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450... Well it feels so light and maneuverable...
Figured i would add my .02 since i got my first ride on my sons bone stock 20 450...
Well it feels so light and maneuverable it blows my mind..
Brakes are awesome...
Motor was a bit too jerky off idle for my taste but im sure a quick coupler change would remedy that.....
This bike makes my 17 450 Honda feel like a BRP...
Id have to say in the case of this bike , the mags opinion are pretty spot on!!
Congrats to all you 19-up Kx450 pilots, what a great 450!!!
wrc777 wrote:
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find...
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find someone with the calibration tool to tune down the green coupler.
kkawboy14 wrote:
I have one, where are you at?
Indianapolis. A little bit of a drive to Texas.
JB479
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JB479 9/21/2020 1:53am
9/21/2020 1:53am
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and i always short shift.
MZ193
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MZ193 9/21/2020 2:29am
9/21/2020 2:29am
JB479 wrote:
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and...
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and i always short shift.
You can hit 80 hours but i would change it now. 70 hours i'd say it's a lot.
Nystrom7
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Nystrom7 9/21/2020 3:10am
9/21/2020 3:10am
Some new graphics, never liked the black ones. Front end still has the old graphics but are getting replaced andvthe swing arm.



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Mr. Afterbar
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Mr. Afterbar 9/21/2020 5:03am
9/21/2020 5:03am
wrc777 wrote:
Indianapolis.
Mr. Afterbar wrote:
Did you try Babbitt’s in Michigan? The only two places I checked for ‘21s were same price and significantly lower than MSRP.
wrc777 wrote:
Is that where they quoted $8500 for a ‘21?
I didn't check with them on a '21, but they had the same prices on '20s as the people who quoted me $8500 for a '21 further north in WI. Betting the price will be the same there since they deal in volume.
Cygrace74
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Cygrace74 9/21/2020 5:03pm
9/21/2020 5:03pm
Anyone else feel like the 21 clutch engages way closer to the bar than 19 and 20? Sure I’ll get used to it but coming off my 19 and 20 it feels odd, have to pull the lever in way farther. Might try the ARC adjustable lever
kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 9/21/2020 5:27pm
9/21/2020 5:27pm
wrc777 wrote:
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find...
The black coupler will take a way some of that sharpness right off idle. Unfortunately I like the green better everywhere else. I need to find someone with the calibration tool to tune down the green coupler.
kkawboy14 wrote:
I have one, where are you at?
wrc777 wrote:
Indianapolis. A little bit of a drive to Texas.
😂
Moto520
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Moto520 9/21/2020 5:55pm
9/21/2020 5:55pm
JB479 wrote:
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and...
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and i always short shift.
I’m at 80 hours and starting to get ready to be thinking about a new top end. I do hammer the bike pretty hard. I rev this bike more than others for some reason (gearing) and it’s due for a top end. It has been great with no issues. TZR Racing is about to get some of my money!
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stax199
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stax199 9/22/2020 1:12pm
9/22/2020 1:12pm
Cygrace74 wrote:
Anyone else feel like the 21 clutch engages way closer to the bar than 19 and 20? Sure I’ll get used to it but coming off...
Anyone else feel like the 21 clutch engages way closer to the bar than 19 and 20? Sure I’ll get used to it but coming off my 19 and 20 it feels odd, have to pull the lever in way farther. Might try the ARC adjustable lever
I have the arc power lever with 6 chips for adjustment, its beyond great. With the money lets the bike fully engage and dis engage and can set the lever to feel where you want . im sad to hear the 21 has clutch has feel issues, was hopeful they fixed that!!
centralcalmx 9/24/2020 8:31pm
9/24/2020 8:31pm
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight.
Looking forward to riding this weekend.
Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps



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datkin128
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datkin128 9/24/2020 9:57pm
9/24/2020 9:57pm
centralcalmx wrote:
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight. Looking forward to riding this weekend. Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/24/451183/s1200_FFA508BF_7166_45CA_939D_2D0CCAF3F532.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/24/451184/s1200_03821BEA_FA0D_45E8_9A2D_DA05D18614A0.jpg[/img]
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight.
Looking forward to riding this weekend.
Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps



Tell me about those fork caps Smile
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OLDMOTO
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OLDMOTO 9/24/2020 10:42pm
9/24/2020 10:42pm Edited Date/Time 9/24/2020 10:44pm
centralcalmx wrote:
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight. Looking forward to riding this weekend. Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/24/451183/s1200_FFA508BF_7166_45CA_939D_2D0CCAF3F532.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/24/451184/s1200_03821BEA_FA0D_45E8_9A2D_DA05D18614A0.jpg[/img]
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight.
Looking forward to riding this weekend.
Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps



datkin128 wrote:
Tell me about those fork caps Smile
They're from Zeta. I put a set on my KX. I run the bars in the forward mounting holes and the bars cover the compression adjuster screws. They aren't very big in diameter, have sharp corners and are a little hard to turn. They have bleeders built into them.
4
centralcalmx 9/25/2020 9:31am
9/25/2020 9:31am
centralcalmx wrote:
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight. Looking forward to riding this weekend. Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/24/451183/s1200_FFA508BF_7166_45CA_939D_2D0CCAF3F532.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/09/24/451184/s1200_03821BEA_FA0D_45E8_9A2D_DA05D18614A0.jpg[/img]
Put on a set of Xtrig Roc’s tonight.
Looking forward to riding this weekend.
Forward hole but turned around the bar clamps



datkin128 wrote:
Tell me about those fork caps Smile
OLDMOTO wrote:
They're from Zeta. I put a set on my KX. I run the bars in the forward mounting holes and the bars cover the compression adjuster...
They're from Zeta. I put a set on my KX. I run the bars in the forward mounting holes and the bars cover the compression adjuster screws. They aren't very big in diameter, have sharp corners and are a little hard to turn. They have bleeders built into them.
Agreed
They are a bit hard to just smoothly click but are way better than taking off the bars.
musrat88
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musrat88 9/27/2020 7:38am
9/27/2020 7:38am
Does anyone know the recommended sag setting. I am 5'6 @181 no gear?
wrc777
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wrc777 9/27/2020 4:19pm
9/27/2020 4:19pm
Alright what are my options for tuning down the rear brake. I don’t have much modulation. I am going to try the coil return spring. I know about the 240mm rotor and bracket. Does anyone have recommendations for good rotors that are not stupid expensive? For the guys that ground down the pads how much did you take off, and will it work as well as the smaller rotor?
musrat88
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musrat88 9/27/2020 5:19pm
9/27/2020 5:19pm
wrc777 wrote:
Alright what are my options for tuning down the rear brake. I don’t have much modulation. I am going to try the coil return spring. I...
Alright what are my options for tuning down the rear brake. I don’t have much modulation. I am going to try the coil return spring. I know about the 240mm rotor and bracket. Does anyone have recommendations for good rotors that are not stupid expensive? For the guys that ground down the pads how much did you take off, and will it work as well as the smaller rotor?
First I purchased a stainless steel brake line, then I cut about three threads off of brake pedal adjuster to move brake pedal up more and then I took a file to edges of brake pads. Filed edges down to about a 45 degree angle. Doing these 3 things should help you.
bh
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bh 9/27/2020 6:27pm
9/27/2020 6:27pm
musrat88 wrote:
Does anyone know the recommended sag setting. I am 5'6 @181 no gear?
With the stock link i was running 107 per keefer's recomendation.
musrat88
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musrat88 9/28/2020 8:03am
9/28/2020 8:03am
musrat88 wrote:
Does anyone know the recommended sag setting. I am 5'6 @181 no gear?
bh wrote:
With the stock link i was running 107 per keefer's recomendation.
Thanks
StartedTooLate 9/28/2020 8:56pm
9/28/2020 8:56pm
JB479 wrote:
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and...
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and i always short shift.
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have very short skirts, and if you wait too long you are going to use up cylinder plating life faster, requiring a replace sooner.
WDSRCR
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WDSRCR 9/29/2020 4:57am
9/29/2020 4:57am
JB479 wrote:
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and...
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and i always short shift.
StartedTooLate wrote:
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have...
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have very short skirts, and if you wait too long you are going to use up cylinder plating life faster, requiring a replace sooner.
I am hoping to get to 75 or 100 hours. I have had my 21 XC for right at a month now and am at 20 hours. I'd like to NOT have to drop 1k + into it, AGAIN, this soon.
mxryan25
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mxryan25 9/29/2020 9:11am
9/29/2020 9:11am
JB479 wrote:
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and...
When is everyone doing top ends? Im at 70 hours and im Considering getting a timing chain and piston put in. Never hit the limiter and i always short shift.
StartedTooLate wrote:
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have...
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have very short skirts, and if you wait too long you are going to use up cylinder plating life faster, requiring a replace sooner.
WDSRCR wrote:
I am hoping to get to 75 or 100 hours. I have had my 21 XC for right at a month now and am at 20...
I am hoping to get to 75 or 100 hours. I have had my 21 XC for right at a month now and am at 20 hours. I'd like to NOT have to drop 1k + into it, AGAIN, this soon.
1k for a top end ? Huh
WDSRCR
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WDSRCR 9/30/2020 6:29am
9/30/2020 6:29am
StartedTooLate wrote:
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have...
I did my top end at 55 hours. I probably could have gone a bit longer. At 70, I would get it changed. These pistons have very short skirts, and if you wait too long you are going to use up cylinder plating life faster, requiring a replace sooner.
WDSRCR wrote:
I am hoping to get to 75 or 100 hours. I have had my 21 XC for right at a month now and am at 20...
I am hoping to get to 75 or 100 hours. I have had my 21 XC for right at a month now and am at 20 hours. I'd like to NOT have to drop 1k + into it, AGAIN, this soon.
mxryan25 wrote:
1k for a top end ? Huh
I honestly don't know what it's going to cost. I have raced 2 strokes for 20+ years and am only basing this on what others have said to me about cost. I haven't explored it yet. I typically use an OEM piston so I am sure that's a pretty pricey item. Cam chain will likely get replaced and do valves get replaced when doing a top-end? I honestly don't know. I DO know that racing enduros and hare scrambles, I don't leave a lot to chance when rebuilding an engine. It's more expensive to go cheap....

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