Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

11/4/2020 10:24am
Plans for Vet Worlds got derailed so I am going to hit DT1 today and try out the Vortex ignition for the first time.


4
z00
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62
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1/17/2016
Location
GR
11/4/2020 11:29pm
Hi guys, first time on green machine and i can say iam in love. I bought my 2021 two days ago and i want your help. After an hour braking in the engine i changed the oil, i followed the manual instructions and in order the oil to be in the middle of the "high level line" and on the "low level line" of the level inspection window i put more than 0.9L (1.0us qt) (when filter is removed) almost a 1.0L (1.1us qt) and a bit more. How much do you put inside with and without oil filter?
Nystrom7
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282
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8/17/2018
Location
SE
11/4/2020 11:33pm
z00 wrote:
Hi guys, first time on green machine and i can say iam in love. I bought my 2021 two days ago and i want your help...
Hi guys, first time on green machine and i can say iam in love. I bought my 2021 two days ago and i want your help. After an hour braking in the engine i changed the oil, i followed the manual instructions and in order the oil to be in the middle of the "high level line" and on the "low level line" of the level inspection window i put more than 0.9L (1.0us qt) (when filter is removed) almost a 1.0L (1.1us qt) and a bit more. How much do you put inside with and without oil filter?
I always put 1l in it
Whip
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England, GB
Fantasy
11/5/2020 12:26am
I've got a '17 for sale with 8 hours (UK)

£3,500


7

The Shop

Moto520
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3634
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Schaumburg, IL, USA
11/5/2020 8:02am
z00 wrote:
Hi guys, first time on green machine and i can say iam in love. I bought my 2021 two days ago and i want your help...
Hi guys, first time on green machine and i can say iam in love. I bought my 2021 two days ago and i want your help. After an hour braking in the engine i changed the oil, i followed the manual instructions and in order the oil to be in the middle of the "high level line" and on the "low level line" of the level inspection window i put more than 0.9L (1.0us qt) (when filter is removed) almost a 1.0L (1.1us qt) and a bit more. How much do you put inside with and without oil filter?
900CC with an oil filter change. Check the window after riding the bike and it will be where it needs to be.
11/5/2020 3:00pm
Decided to go back to my KTM bend Twinwalls with the Xtrig now on the bike.
I did the crossbar cut.
I like the small amount of sweep to these bars being 6’4”
2
stax199
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Brooklyn, NY, USA
Fantasy
11/12/2020 8:36am
anyone try to get a 21 clutch basket and components into a 19,20 model?
OLDMOTO
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San Diego, CA, USA
11/12/2020 9:19am
stax199 wrote:
anyone try to get a 21 clutch basket and components into a 19,20 model?
Not worth the money or effort. If you do have a clutch problem just install the Recluse Torque Drive clutch pack for for $349.00.
2
Jbulz
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871
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Ithaca, NY, USA
11/12/2020 9:21am
Pulled the shock apart on my 0 hour 2021 to install the valving I developed on my 2019. I've been riding with my 2019 suspension on my 21 up untill this point, so the suspension has never even been on dirt.

Well I opened it up and found a nice surprise from Showa. I piece of cardboard lodged in the shock piston!

The masks must be fogging up the assembly line workers goggles over there or something lol.


1
OLDMOTO
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San Diego, CA, USA
11/12/2020 9:27am
Jbulz wrote:
Pulled the shock apart on my 0 hour 2021 to install the valving I developed on my 2019. I've been riding with my 2019 suspension on...
Pulled the shock apart on my 0 hour 2021 to install the valving I developed on my 2019. I've been riding with my 2019 suspension on my 21 up untill this point, so the suspension has never even been on dirt.

Well I opened it up and found a nice surprise from Showa. I piece of cardboard lodged in the shock piston!

The masks must be fogging up the assembly line workers goggles over there or something lol.


I'd say that is really one in a million. You should buy some lottery tickets.
1
stax199
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Brooklyn, NY, USA
Fantasy
11/13/2020 1:30pm
stax199 wrote:
anyone try to get a 21 clutch basket and components into a 19,20 model?
OLDMOTO wrote:
Not worth the money or effort. If you do have a clutch problem just install the Recluse Torque Drive clutch pack for for $349.00.
agree.. im not having any issues. I am due for clutch plates .. is the rekluse the way to go replacing OEM ?
OLDMOTO
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467
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Location
San Diego, CA, USA
11/13/2020 4:48pm
stax199 wrote:
anyone try to get a 21 clutch basket and components into a 19,20 model?
OLDMOTO wrote:
Not worth the money or effort. If you do have a clutch problem just install the Recluse Torque Drive clutch pack for for $349.00.
stax199 wrote:
agree.. im not having any issues. I am due for clutch plates .. is the rekluse the way to go replacing OEM ?
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the clutch basket eliminate notching on the basket fingers.
2
11/14/2020 6:58am
Decided to go back to my KTM bend Twinwalls with the Xtrig now on the bike. I did the crossbar cut. I like the small amount...
Decided to go back to my KTM bend Twinwalls with the Xtrig now on the bike.
I did the crossbar cut.
I like the small amount of sweep to these bars being 6’4”
I’m the same size as you. I always go with the RM Low (Pastrana MX) bend for the same reason. Low rise and little sweep. I have stock triple clamps with the bar mounts in the forward holes, rotated back. Very comfy, but it is a pain to get to the compression adjusters.
Jbulz
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871
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Ithaca, NY, USA
11/14/2020 8:39am
Jbulz wrote:
Pulled the shock apart on my 0 hour 2021 to install the valving I developed on my 2019. I've been riding with my 2019 suspension on...
Pulled the shock apart on my 0 hour 2021 to install the valving I developed on my 2019. I've been riding with my 2019 suspension on my 21 up untill this point, so the suspension has never even been on dirt.

Well I opened it up and found a nice surprise from Showa. I piece of cardboard lodged in the shock piston!

The masks must be fogging up the assembly line workers goggles over there or something lol.


OLDMOTO wrote:
I'd say that is really one in a million. You should buy some lottery tickets.
Yeah, I'm glad I pulled it apart before putting shredded cardboard through everything!

Fork cartridges weren't bled (could hear air in them, and damper rods only extended about 5 inches), and only got 250 mL out of the outers, minus whatever clung to the walls. I'm assuming Showa sends these fully assembled to Kawi.

Rear brake disk also guard fell off in 15 minutes (same as what happened on my 19... I should have thought to check the bolts on this one too I suppose..)
Cygrace74
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Westport, MA, USA
11/14/2020 8:45am
Jbulz wrote:
Yeah, I'm glad I pulled it apart before putting shredded cardboard through everything! Fork cartridges weren't bled (could hear air in them, and damper rods only...
Yeah, I'm glad I pulled it apart before putting shredded cardboard through everything!

Fork cartridges weren't bled (could hear air in them, and damper rods only extended about 5 inches), and only got 250 mL out of the outers, minus whatever clung to the walls. I'm assuming Showa sends these fully assembled to Kawi.

Rear brake disk also guard fell off in 15 minutes (same as what happened on my 19... I should have thought to check the bolts on this one too I suppose..)
21 Doesn't have a rear disc guard?
2
Jbulz
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871
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Ithaca, NY, USA
11/14/2020 9:00am Edited Date/Time 11/14/2020 9:04am
Jbulz wrote:
Yeah, I'm glad I pulled it apart before putting shredded cardboard through everything! Fork cartridges weren't bled (could hear air in them, and damper rods only...
Yeah, I'm glad I pulled it apart before putting shredded cardboard through everything!

Fork cartridges weren't bled (could hear air in them, and damper rods only extended about 5 inches), and only got 250 mL out of the outers, minus whatever clung to the walls. I'm assuming Showa sends these fully assembled to Kawi.

Rear brake disk also guard fell off in 15 minutes (same as what happened on my 19... I should have thought to check the bolts on this one too I suppose..)
Cygrace74 wrote:
21 Doesn't have a rear disc guard?
HA. Well I just checked some pictures and you're right... The mount is still there on the swingarm so I thought the bolts fell out on my first moto! That's what happened on my 19's maiden voyage - lost the front bolt and the guard got shredded when it went into the disk lol.

Pretty funny. That explains why I couldn't find it on the track Silly

Well, for anyone wondering the old disk guard bolts right up. I wouldn't trust an exposed disk with the deep ruts and rocks we have here. I've broken 3 of those guards on my 19 already!
Markopolo400
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1426
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7/24/2012
Location
St. Paul-ish, MN, USA
11/14/2020 9:23am
Wow, first they cost reduced the bike by getting rid of the skid plate, now the rear disc guard?

2022 will come without fork guards Woohoo
1
jeffs
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72
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8/26/2011
Location
Nipomo, CA, USA
11/15/2020 7:58am
OLDMOTO wrote:
Not worth the money or effort. If you do have a clutch problem just install the Recluse Torque Drive clutch pack for for $349.00.
stax199 wrote:
agree.. im not having any issues. I am due for clutch plates .. is the rekluse the way to go replacing OEM ?
OLDMOTO wrote:
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the...
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the clutch basket eliminate notching on the basket fingers.
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start up the bike would stall when putting it in 1st gear. The clutch was having trouble engaging on initial start up only and would be fine the rest of the day. I inspected the clutch component's and found notching on the inner hub caused from the metal plates. I replaced the inner hub and installed a new stock clutch with no more issues. I believe the thinner metal plates cause more wear on the inner hub than the OEM plates would. Just a heads up if you go with the Rekluse.
OLDMOTO
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467
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Location
San Diego, CA, USA
11/15/2020 9:08am
stax199 wrote:
agree.. im not having any issues. I am due for clutch plates .. is the rekluse the way to go replacing OEM ?
OLDMOTO wrote:
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the...
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the clutch basket eliminate notching on the basket fingers.
jeffs wrote:
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start...
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start up the bike would stall when putting it in 1st gear. The clutch was having trouble engaging on initial start up only and would be fine the rest of the day. I inspected the clutch component's and found notching on the inner hub caused from the metal plates. I replaced the inner hub and installed a new stock clutch with no more issues. I believe the thinner metal plates cause more wear on the inner hub than the OEM plates would. Just a heads up if you go with the Rekluse.
Didnt you use the little stamped steel protectors that come with the kit? They snap into the clutch basket cut outs before you install the plates. It would be virtually impossible for the plates to wear notches into the basket.
jeffs
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72
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8/26/2011
Location
Nipomo, CA, USA
11/15/2020 9:35am
OLDMOTO wrote:
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the...
I think it's all anyone would need. Much better hook up and much more durable than stock clutch plates. Plus the stamped steel liners for the clutch basket eliminate notching on the basket fingers.
jeffs wrote:
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start...
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start up the bike would stall when putting it in 1st gear. The clutch was having trouble engaging on initial start up only and would be fine the rest of the day. I inspected the clutch component's and found notching on the inner hub caused from the metal plates. I replaced the inner hub and installed a new stock clutch with no more issues. I believe the thinner metal plates cause more wear on the inner hub than the OEM plates would. Just a heads up if you go with the Rekluse.
OLDMOTO wrote:
Didnt you use the little stamped steel protectors that come with the kit? They snap into the clutch basket cut outs before you install the plates...
Didnt you use the little stamped steel protectors that come with the kit? They snap into the clutch basket cut outs before you install the plates. It would be virtually impossible for the plates to wear notches into the basket.
Correct. The metal protectors install into the clutch basket, which they do a great job of protecting. I have no issues with the clutch basket. I was referring to the inner basket where I experienced the notching.
11/17/2020 11:35pm
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours ?
Jbulz
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871
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Location
Ithaca, NY, USA
11/19/2020 8:13pm
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours...
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours ?
I had 140 on mine. Pretty bulletproof aside from steering stem bearings and subframes if you have a ridgid mounted muffler.
stax199
Posts
157
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3/7/2012
Location
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Fantasy
11/20/2020 9:18am
jeffs wrote:
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start...
I replaced my OEM clutch with the Rekluse Torque drive and initially loved the extra hook up it offered. After a few months on initial start up the bike would stall when putting it in 1st gear. The clutch was having trouble engaging on initial start up only and would be fine the rest of the day. I inspected the clutch component's and found notching on the inner hub caused from the metal plates. I replaced the inner hub and installed a new stock clutch with no more issues. I believe the thinner metal plates cause more wear on the inner hub than the OEM plates would. Just a heads up if you go with the Rekluse.
OLDMOTO wrote:
Didnt you use the little stamped steel protectors that come with the kit? They snap into the clutch basket cut outs before you install the plates...
Didnt you use the little stamped steel protectors that come with the kit? They snap into the clutch basket cut outs before you install the plates. It would be virtually impossible for the plates to wear notches into the basket.
jeffs wrote:
Correct. The metal protectors install into the clutch basket, which they do a great job of protecting. I have no issues with the clutch basket. I...
Correct. The metal protectors install into the clutch basket, which they do a great job of protecting. I have no issues with the clutch basket. I was referring to the inner basket where I experienced the notching.
im hearing alot of this about the rekluse pack.. may just switch out the oem for oem, it has 22 hours and the oem has been FINE but needs to be freshened up!
bh
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Location
Piedmont, SC, USA
11/20/2020 9:43am
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours...
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours ?
120 here. Steering stem bearings are atrocious. Currently running some pivot works one and they are a little better, but still don’t seal that good. I rebuilt mine top to bottom at 104 hours just for peace of mind on my way to 200 hours.

The only problems I’ve had is my shift shaft is pretty worn out and it’s leaks at the seal. The first seal I put in it at 104 hours would leak really bad, and I chalked it up to a bad seal and the last one I put in still leaks a little bit. My second problem is that the stock metal chain guide is really soft. I went though 2 or 3 and with deep east coast conditions I kept bending them.

Other than that I’m not really a fan of the hard ware, some of the hardware (3-4 bolts) is starting to get the coating worn off and start to rust, primarily the linkage bolts. And the bolts like to rattle out really easily.

Other than that it’s a solid bike. Really enjoyed it. And I’m gonna keep riding this one until I can get another 1 for a reasonable price.
11/20/2020 11:00am
Zeke27G wrote:
Ran into a problem with finding a good location for my hour meter after installing Renthal Fatbar36's. Which, by the way, have been a great improvement...

Ran into a problem with finding a good location for my hour meter after installing Renthal Fatbar36's. Which, by the way, have been a great improvement, I'll never go back to Twinwalls!

That being said, I previously had my Works Connection hour meter mounted on the top bolt for the front numberplate when I was running Twinwalls.

But I ran into an issue when switching to the Fatbar 36's, with the crossbar pad coming into contact wit hour meter and putting a good amount of pressure on the meter.

No problem, I'll just mount it on the upper tank bolt. Nope...the gas cap comes into contact with it when unscrewing/screwing it on and off.

Figured I'd just order a couple hour meter brackets with more offset, so it would clear the gas cap, the first one arrived on Friday and the hole pattern was well off and it won't work. The second one arrives today, but I noticed another problem I don't care for. When fueling the bike yesterday, I realized it's very easy to splash fuel on the hour meter when mounted on the upper tank bolt. I just don't care for that.

I also tried to mounted it on the right hand side of the head tube, on the bracket where the couplers are, but it doesn't clear the fork tube when you turn the bars to the right.

I know some people use double side tape and stick it on the frame, but I'm more trusting of nuts and bolts.

The only other thought I had was drilling and taping the frame and mounting it around the radiator area on the frame rail, but I just can see drilling into a frame to mount a damn hour meter! Seems like a bad move.

Anyone have a solution for this?!

Thank you!
What was the second offset hour meter bracket you ordered? Did it provide the necessary clearance?
Zeke27G
Posts
1405
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
Ascot Park, CA, USA
11/20/2020 5:39pm
What was the second offset hour meter bracket you ordered? Did it provide the necessary clearance?
None of the mounts I ordered fit the Works Connection hour meter. Ended up using their double sided tape and suck it on the frame. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
cloud41
Posts
285
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8/28/2020
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
Fantasy
11/21/2020 4:39am
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours...
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours ?
bh wrote:
120 here. Steering stem bearings are atrocious. Currently running some pivot works one and they are a little better, but still don’t seal that good. I...
120 here. Steering stem bearings are atrocious. Currently running some pivot works one and they are a little better, but still don’t seal that good. I rebuilt mine top to bottom at 104 hours just for peace of mind on my way to 200 hours.

The only problems I’ve had is my shift shaft is pretty worn out and it’s leaks at the seal. The first seal I put in it at 104 hours would leak really bad, and I chalked it up to a bad seal and the last one I put in still leaks a little bit. My second problem is that the stock metal chain guide is really soft. I went though 2 or 3 and with deep east coast conditions I kept bending them.

Other than that I’m not really a fan of the hard ware, some of the hardware (3-4 bolts) is starting to get the coating worn off and start to rust, primarily the linkage bolts. And the bolts like to rattle out really easily.

Other than that it’s a solid bike. Really enjoyed it. And I’m gonna keep riding this one until I can get another 1 for a reasonable price.
You lost me after 3 paragraphs of issues and, “the bolts like to rattle out” followed up with, “it’s a solid bike.”
11/21/2020 1:04pm
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours...
seems like there are a lot of 19-21 bikes oute there but are there anyone with some high hours on ? i mean 150 plus hours ?
bh wrote:
120 here. Steering stem bearings are atrocious. Currently running some pivot works one and they are a little better, but still don’t seal that good. I...
120 here. Steering stem bearings are atrocious. Currently running some pivot works one and they are a little better, but still don’t seal that good. I rebuilt mine top to bottom at 104 hours just for peace of mind on my way to 200 hours.

The only problems I’ve had is my shift shaft is pretty worn out and it’s leaks at the seal. The first seal I put in it at 104 hours would leak really bad, and I chalked it up to a bad seal and the last one I put in still leaks a little bit. My second problem is that the stock metal chain guide is really soft. I went though 2 or 3 and with deep east coast conditions I kept bending them.

Other than that I’m not really a fan of the hard ware, some of the hardware (3-4 bolts) is starting to get the coating worn off and start to rust, primarily the linkage bolts. And the bolts like to rattle out really easily.

Other than that it’s a solid bike. Really enjoyed it. And I’m gonna keep riding this one until I can get another 1 for a reasonable price.
cloud41 wrote:
You lost me after 3 paragraphs of issues and, “the bolts like to rattle out” followed up with, “it’s a solid bike.”
All his issues were hardware (bolts, bearings, seals....). What is your point? It IS a very solid bike...except for bolts bearings and seals. I had to replace my steering stem bearings at 65 hours. Probably part my own fault for not being careful pressure washing.

My biggest complaint is the Radiators are even more fragile than other MX bikes. Breathe on them wrong and they tweak....

But lightest feeling 450 I have ever ridden. Such an easy bike to ride
Grovesy98
Posts
246
Joined
10/14/2019
Location
GB
11/21/2020 1:16pm
My steering bearings were toast on my 2020 after 25hrs.

After hearing some pretty loud tapping from the engine last few rides I decided to have the valves checked and the piston replaced at around 30 hours. The piston still looked almost new still which is good, and the exhaust valves were slightly out but not much. All back together and sounds the same, but runs perfectly. Spoke to a local dealer and they said the brand new 21 they have in store sounds the same and is due to theger follower valve design. Never heard tapping like it before unless the valve clearances were too big but apparently its all normal on these. I've ridden the bike 4 times now and absolutely love it, best 450 I've ever ridden by a long shot
11/21/2020 3:13pm
Well somehow three of my valve springs broke in my 19. In all my years of dirtbikes I’ve never heard of a valve spring breaking so that’s neat

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