Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s

SLAPAHO
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SLAPAHO 8/1/2021 8:23pm
8/1/2021 8:23pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 8:25pm
Phil109 wrote:
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years...
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years. I am picking up a mostly stock 2019 tomorrow with 17 hours. Definitely don’t have the patience or time to read through 5,000+ posts on these bikes. If anyone would be so kind as to give me a quick bulletin list of things to fix look out for on this bike I would be super grateful. Thanks so much in advance.
the judder spring clutch mod is one thing you may want to do....

https://www.keeferinctesting.com/offroad-testing/2018/7/30/2019-kawasak…

also, if you get an aftermarket exhaust, get one that is rubber mounted to avoid snapping the mount off of the subframe.. or get the mount beefed up.... or both

those are 2 of the main ones....

i'm sure someone will also tell you about the soft front end...

congrats on the new scoot
datkin128
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datkin128 8/1/2021 8:28pm
8/1/2021 8:28pm
Phil109 wrote:
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years...
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years. I am picking up a mostly stock 2019 tomorrow with 17 hours. Definitely don’t have the patience or time to read through 5,000+ posts on these bikes. If anyone would be so kind as to give me a quick bulletin list of things to fix look out for on this bike I would be super grateful. Thanks so much in advance.
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier or faster or both the stock forks will be a bit soft. I’m running .53 springs in mine and 350 ml of oil and a revalve. That’s after I rode it for a while stock. At the 3 year mark finally broke the muffler mount on the subframe. Had it rewelded even stronger for around $75. Overall awesome bike that I’ve love that had very few problems.
1
datkin128
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datkin128 8/1/2021 8:29pm
8/1/2021 8:29pm
Phil109 wrote:
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years...
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years. I am picking up a mostly stock 2019 tomorrow with 17 hours. Definitely don’t have the patience or time to read through 5,000+ posts on these bikes. If anyone would be so kind as to give me a quick bulletin list of things to fix look out for on this bike I would be super grateful. Thanks so much in advance.
datkin128 wrote:
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier...
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier or faster or both the stock forks will be a bit soft. I’m running .53 springs in mine and 350 ml of oil and a revalve. That’s after I rode it for a while stock. At the 3 year mark finally broke the muffler mount on the subframe. Had it rewelded even stronger for around $75. Overall awesome bike that I’ve love that had very few problems.
Regarding the judder spring mod I’ve ridden it both ways and don’t think it’s necessary, but others may have different opinions.
2
Phil109
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Phil109 8/2/2021 1:51am
8/2/2021 1:51am
Phil109 wrote:
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years...
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years. I am picking up a mostly stock 2019 tomorrow with 17 hours. Definitely don’t have the patience or time to read through 5,000+ posts on these bikes. If anyone would be so kind as to give me a quick bulletin list of things to fix look out for on this bike I would be super grateful. Thanks so much in advance.
SLAPAHO wrote:
the judder spring clutch mod is one thing you may want to do.... https://www.keeferinctesting.com/offroad-testing/2018/7/30/2019-kawasaki-kx450-clutch-mod also, if you get an aftermarket exhaust, get one that is rubber...
the judder spring clutch mod is one thing you may want to do....

https://www.keeferinctesting.com/offroad-testing/2018/7/30/2019-kawasak…

also, if you get an aftermarket exhaust, get one that is rubber mounted to avoid snapping the mount off of the subframe.. or get the mount beefed up.... or both

those are 2 of the main ones....

i'm sure someone will also tell you about the soft front end...

congrats on the new scoot
Thanks!

The Shop

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Phil109
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Phil109 8/2/2021 1:52am
8/2/2021 1:52am
Phil109 wrote:
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years...
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years. I am picking up a mostly stock 2019 tomorrow with 17 hours. Definitely don’t have the patience or time to read through 5,000+ posts on these bikes. If anyone would be so kind as to give me a quick bulletin list of things to fix look out for on this bike I would be super grateful. Thanks so much in advance.
datkin128 wrote:
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier...
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier or faster or both the stock forks will be a bit soft. I’m running .53 springs in mine and 350 ml of oil and a revalve. That’s after I rode it for a while stock. At the 3 year mark finally broke the muffler mount on the subframe. Had it rewelded even stronger for around $75. Overall awesome bike that I’ve love that had very few problems.
datkin128 wrote:
Regarding the judder spring mod I’ve ridden it both ways and don’t think it’s necessary, but others may have different opinions.
Thanks for the info!
dancolvin633
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dancolvin633 8/2/2021 8:03am
8/2/2021 8:03am
Phil109 wrote:
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years...
Even though I did not own one of these bikes when they came out I could not ignore this thread completely over the past few years. I am picking up a mostly stock 2019 tomorrow with 17 hours. Definitely don’t have the patience or time to read through 5,000+ posts on these bikes. If anyone would be so kind as to give me a quick bulletin list of things to fix look out for on this bike I would be super grateful. Thanks so much in advance.
datkin128 wrote:
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier...
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier or faster or both the stock forks will be a bit soft. I’m running .53 springs in mine and 350 ml of oil and a revalve. That’s after I rode it for a while stock. At the 3 year mark finally broke the muffler mount on the subframe. Had it rewelded even stronger for around $75. Overall awesome bike that I’ve love that had very few problems.
datkin128 wrote:
Regarding the judder spring mod I’ve ridden it both ways and don’t think it’s necessary, but others may have different opinions.
I agree with you. I took the judder spring out and preferred the clutch feel with it in
1
clydesdalecameron 8/3/2021 8:10am
8/3/2021 8:10am
If anyone is looking for a full PC Ti Exhaust system, I have one NIB. PM ME
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coastie44
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coastie44 8/4/2021 3:38pm
8/4/2021 3:38pm Edited Date/Time 8/4/2021 3:40pm
datkin128 wrote:
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier...
It’s great bone stock. But make sure the steering head bearings are greased. Had to replace mine at the 2.5 year mark. If you are heavier or faster or both the stock forks will be a bit soft. I’m running .53 springs in mine and 350 ml of oil and a revalve. That’s after I rode it for a while stock. At the 3 year mark finally broke the muffler mount on the subframe. Had it rewelded even stronger for around $75. Overall awesome bike that I’ve love that had very few problems.
datkin128 wrote:
Regarding the judder spring mod I’ve ridden it both ways and don’t think it’s necessary, but others may have different opinions.
dancolvin633 wrote:
I agree with you. I took the judder spring out and preferred the clutch feel with it in
Lol, I took the judder stuff out and definitely prefer it out. I'm a clutch abuser and always picky about the clutch feel. KXF clutches last about 30-35 hrs for me and I always use OEM fibers and steels with Hinson basket.
cwolf96
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cwolf96 8/5/2021 11:33am
8/5/2021 11:33am
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again and was thinking about giving it a try. Not sure who can offer feedback that's around the same height as me. TIA
Monk
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Monk 8/5/2021 11:37am
8/5/2021 11:37am
cwolf96 wrote:
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again...
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again and was thinking about giving it a try. Not sure who can offer feedback that's around the same height as me. TIA
I did it kinda by accident... I installed a PMB kickstand and by default put my left peg in the low position. Completely forgot about the right peg... Loaded the bike, and went to go for a ride. As soon as both feet were on the pegs within 50ft of the truck I could notice the difference. Lowered the other and honestly couldn't tell you if it's better or not...
cwolf96
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cwolf96 8/5/2021 11:42am
8/5/2021 11:42am
Monk wrote:
I did it kinda by accident... I installed a PMB kickstand and by default put my left peg in the low position. Completely forgot about the...
I did it kinda by accident... I installed a PMB kickstand and by default put my left peg in the low position. Completely forgot about the right peg... Loaded the bike, and went to go for a ride. As soon as both feet were on the pegs within 50ft of the truck I could notice the difference. Lowered the other and honestly couldn't tell you if it's better or not...
Appreciate the feedback! Seems like every few things I try, I end up going back to what it was prior. Figured the pegs would be the same but might as well try it LOL
Almus72
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Almus72 8/5/2021 11:55am
8/5/2021 11:55am
cwolf96 wrote:
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again...
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again and was thinking about giving it a try. Not sure who can offer feedback that's around the same height as me. TIA
I did it and I am not going back. Easier to stand up now. Kawa is not as easy as honda on tall riders bu lowering the pegs is an easy fix. Go for it.
cwolf96
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cwolf96 8/5/2021 1:09pm
8/5/2021 1:09pm
Almus72 wrote:
I did it and I am not going back. Easier to stand up now. Kawa is not as easy as honda on tall riders bu lowering...
I did it and I am not going back. Easier to stand up now. Kawa is not as easy as honda on tall riders bu lowering the pegs is an easy fix. Go for it.
@almus72, how tall are you?
datkin128
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datkin128 8/5/2021 1:17pm
8/5/2021 1:17pm
cwolf96 wrote:
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again...
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again and was thinking about giving it a try. Not sure who can offer feedback that's around the same height as me. TIA
I’m 6’3” and have lowered the pegs. Can’t say I notice much difference, but at my height figure it can’t hurt! It’s only 5mm.
cwolf96
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cwolf96 8/5/2021 1:23pm
8/5/2021 1:23pm
datkin128 wrote:
I’m 6’3” and have lowered the pegs. Can’t say I notice much difference, but at my height figure it can’t hurt! It’s only 5mm.
Can't hurt at all! For a taller rider it makes sense. I'm curious if there's noticeable comfortable, one way or another, if you're my height. Thanks!
mxryan25
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mxryan25 8/5/2021 1:34pm
8/5/2021 1:34pm
I’m 6’ prefer them on the standard position myself. I ran them in the lower position for a while but the pegs were collecting a lot of dirt on deep rutted days, so I moved them back up it didn’t make a huge difference they still pack with dirt but it’s slightly better, and feel more confident having my feet higher less likely to snag the ground and be dragged off the pegs. I didn’t notice any big difference in normal riding comfort
2
Almus72
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Almus72 8/5/2021 1:40pm
8/5/2021 1:40pm
Almus72 wrote:
I did it and I am not going back. Easier to stand up now. Kawa is not as easy as honda on tall riders bu lowering...
I did it and I am not going back. Easier to stand up now. Kawa is not as easy as honda on tall riders bu lowering the pegs is an easy fix. Go for it.
cwolf96 wrote:
@almus72, how tall are you?
5.11. You will not regret it.
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Nystrom7
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Nystrom7 8/6/2021 12:40pm
8/6/2021 12:40pm
Does anyone have the torque for the front sprocket bolt?

I cant find it in my manual , i had 100 nm in back of my head but i belive they lowered that on later models?
SLAPAHO
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SLAPAHO 8/6/2021 12:47pm
8/6/2021 12:47pm
Nystrom7 wrote:
Does anyone have the torque for the front sprocket bolt? I cant find it in my manual , i had 100 nm in back of my...
Does anyone have the torque for the front sprocket bolt?

I cant find it in my manual , i had 100 nm in back of my head but i belive they lowered that on later models?
here you go...


https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Tech-Help-Race-Shop,42/2019-2021-kx-450-…
1
Nystrom7
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Nystrom7 8/6/2021 1:05pm
8/6/2021 1:05pm
Nystrom7 wrote:
Does anyone have the torque for the front sprocket bolt? I cant find it in my manual , i had 100 nm in back of my...
Does anyone have the torque for the front sprocket bolt?

I cant find it in my manual , i had 100 nm in back of my head but i belive they lowered that on later models?
SLAPAHO wrote:
here you go...


https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Tech-Help-Race-Shop,42/2019-2021-kx-450-…
Thank you 😀👍
Joko
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Joko 8/7/2021 5:53pm
8/7/2021 5:53pm
Titan1 wrote:
62 is a lot of pages...so forgive me if this has already been talked about...but I don't have time to look through all the pages... Anyone...
62 is a lot of pages...so forgive me if this has already been talked about...but I don't have time to look through all the pages...

Anyone using a 19 KX450 for off road...desert specifically...but any off road feedback would be helpful.

I'm looking at a 19 YZ450FX or a 19 KX450. Pro's and cons to each (I'm currently racing a KX in the desert right now)...I want the YZ suspension, and the purpose built off road bike...but don't care for the reversed motor, and its harder to get a large fuel tank on there without making it feel weird-the fuel tank replaces the shrouds (so limited fuel capacity).

From these reviews-and others-the KX is an amazing bike! I can get them cheaper than the YZ (which is nice)...but I'd have to spend a some money making it offroad worthy (far more work on the suspension, kick stand, and either change up the gearing, or buy a rekluse to make it work for slower technical stuff).

At the end of the day the price is about the same...pros and cons to each...I'd love some feedback from others that are racing the KX off road.
GPrider wrote:
I built a 2019 KX for desert. Fricken awesome. 18 rear wheel, Scotts stabilizer, IMS tank, FMF, 14/48 gearing, try to run the axle as far...
I built a 2019 KX for desert. Fricken awesome. 18 rear wheel, Scotts stabilizer, IMS tank, FMF, 14/48 gearing, try to run the axle as far back as possible. And of course Precision Concepts suspension.They know kawi off road setups as they have a full off road team and years of baja racing. I can mash through the desert on that thing. Ride so cal desert/Baja
Scott’s told me they don’t have a KX450 mounting tower for the damper arm. Did you fabricate one?
Monk
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Monk 8/8/2021 9:46am
8/8/2021 9:46am
I am at a loss. Bike quit working. Fuel pump would not come on but bike will turn over...

I have checked everything there is to check (fuses, pump, battery, connections with a volt meter) and all appears good. But still not getting power to the connection to the fuel pump. There is mention of a relay but I cannot locate it in the manual nor on the bike... Anyone have any ideas?
quadzrulebro 8/8/2021 10:24am
8/8/2021 10:24am
cwolf96 wrote:
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again...
Whose moved the pegs to the lower position? I'm 5'9" and haven't tried it before. It'll be a few days before I can go riding again and was thinking about giving it a try. Not sure who can offer feedback that's around the same height as me. TIA
I’m 6’3” and run the pegs in the low position and my bars in the forward holes, but rotated backward. I’ve never had a bike that I’m more comfortable on than this one.
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MX558
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MX558 8/8/2021 2:56pm
8/8/2021 2:56pm
I recently picked up a very (1 .8 hr. ) 19 which I already own one and love this bike. I just put the new yoshimura rs12 full system and rode the bike with the stock pipe with the black coupler then put the yosh on and it works really well . It made the bike even easier to ride and added more power to mId and top and best of all it's still quiet . I had the FMF slip on my old 19 and it was loud as hell
DJAKE
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DJAKE 8/9/2021 12:22pm
8/9/2021 12:22pm





Just finished up my 2021, looks even better in person!
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Polish Power
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Polish Power 8/10/2021 5:27am
8/10/2021 5:27am
I finally got around to installing my no toil super flow kit. I cant believe how much lively and peppy the bike feels down low. It really caught me off guard and it took me a few laps to get use to it. This kit gave me the extra grunt that ive been looking for with this bike. I also feel that it rolled through the corners with less engine braking, but that might be because of the more lively feeling down low. Definitely a good upgrade.
2
Phil109
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Phil109 8/11/2021 3:43pm
8/11/2021 3:43pm
Picked up my bike Tuesday last week and took it out Saturday. Not gonna lie I haven’t ridden a 450 in 6-7 years only 250s. Had a big shit eating grin whole first few laps. This bike is awesome!! By the end of the day when the track got a little rougher I did notice the forks bottoming. I cranked the compression all the way in and pretty much stopped 90% of it. Def will get the forks redone. Other than that this bike is amazing. Has the mellow coupler in it and for what little riding I do will prob never change it. Handles beautifully and easy to ride.
2
Markus422
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Markus422 9/10/2021 1:44pm
9/10/2021 1:44pm
I was thinking about a 19-22 KX450 but I have a few concerns so I figured I should consult this thread. I guess my main concern is soft front forks. I’m 6’3” 220 lbs and ride both moto and off road at an A class level. Are there good set ups for me, or should I be shooting for for something like a YZ450. I’m willing to obviously be a little softer on the moto side in exchange for forks I can go ride in the mountains with, but I don’t want to be blowing through the stroke or feeling unsafe on the moto track.
datkin128
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datkin128 9/10/2021 1:57pm
9/10/2021 1:57pm
Markus422 wrote:
I was thinking about a 19-22 KX450 but I have a few concerns so I figured I should consult this thread. I guess my main concern...
I was thinking about a 19-22 KX450 but I have a few concerns so I figured I should consult this thread. I guess my main concern is soft front forks. I’m 6’3” 220 lbs and ride both moto and off road at an A class level. Are there good set ups for me, or should I be shooting for for something like a YZ450. I’m willing to obviously be a little softer on the moto side in exchange for forks I can go ride in the mountains with, but I don’t want to be blowing through the stroke or feeling unsafe on the moto track.
If you are 6’3 220 the stock forks will be soft if ridinf at an A level. I’m 6’3 195 and would call myself a vet A rider and had my revalved and resprung by Pro Circuit and they are great. I’m running a .53 fork spring I believe. You can change the springs to something stiffer snd add some oil to the forks and that might make you happy. Or you could go the send them off route. Great bike which does feel lighter snd slimmer than the yz, but the yz will have more power and probably have better suspension for you stock.

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