2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

MX529
Posts
76
Joined
3/26/2024
Location
Wilmington , NC US
6/14/2024 6:56am Edited Date/Time 6/14/2024 6:57am

Still mind boggling to me how bad Kawi dropped the ball with the airbox/airfilter on this bike. 

Not a thing wrong with the new air box design

 

way better then the older design of the 19-23 trying to get your hand inside to get the bolt aligned to get to filter and cage to tighten down? 

 

surely it can be modified to pull more air by pulling the grommet, drilling holes or adding a freeier flowing filter like the Uni or DT-1 design 

run the DT-1 it’s been a fantastic setup 

 

problem is until you uncork the OEM muffler  you’ll only push so much air out,

 

air in and air out equals horsepower.. cause it’s plenty capable of doing so once you add freeier flowing muffler, or head pipe system with EFI remap by adding more fuel 

 

4
1
soggy
Posts
8648
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
6/14/2024 8:47am
Has anyone done a vortex ecu with the stock pipe ?  I have done the stock muffler mods, filter cage, cut our airbox, side plate holes...

Has anyone done a vortex ecu with the stock pipe ? 

I have done the stock muffler mods, filter cage, cut our airbox, side plate holes, chavez map, have been going back and forth between 50-52 rear sprockets, but I still am wanting / needing little more out of the gate. 

I can get a pipe cheaper then a vortex, but if going to do one or the other want to do the best one first lol. 

A vortex is way more beneficial than exhaust imo. You get a bunch of options with the ecu. You have no control of how the pipe alters the power. 

2
Nystrom7
Posts
282
Joined
8/17/2018
Location
SE
6/14/2024 12:33pm

1
Nystrom7
Posts
282
Joined
8/17/2018
Location
SE
6/14/2024 12:34pm

Got the acerbis frame guards on today.

1

The Shop

6/14/2024 1:52pm Edited Date/Time 6/14/2024 2:09pm
Nystrom7 wrote:

Got the acerbis frame guards on today.

I've been looking for these, where did you get them? I can't find any for the 24, unless the 23 ones will fit.

Nystrom7
Posts
282
Joined
8/17/2018
Location
SE
6/14/2024 1:55pm
Nystrom7 wrote:

Got the acerbis frame guards on today.

I've been looking for these, where did you get them? I can't find any for the 24, unless the 23 ones will fit.

Bought them directly from acerbis Italy with a complete plastic kit. But i think i saw them on eBay aswell the other day.

6/14/2024 2:37pm Edited Date/Time 6/14/2024 3:37pm
Nystrom7 wrote:

Got the acerbis frame guards on today.

I've been looking for these, where did you get them? I can't find any for the 24, unless the 23 ones will fit.

Nystrom7 wrote:

Bought them directly from acerbis Italy with a complete plastic kit. But i think i saw them on eBay aswell the other day.

I don't always trust ebay to deliver the items I am seeing in the pictures. I've had a couple of "wtf is this" moments with ebay. Anyone know where I can get them?

rpm.15
Posts
58
Joined
12/26/2018
Location
Wenatchee, WA US
6/14/2024 3:36pm

Does it have a whistle to it? Mine had a bad whistle as well. I’m wondering if it didn’t make a good seal with the header. 

rpm.15 wrote:

No whistle, sounds like it should. 

It was user error on my part it appears. Working fine today. Fmf mentioned something and it was exactly what they thought. 

Glad you got it figured out. Enjoy your bike! I sure do  like mine. 

8
707motoman
Posts
134
Joined
11/16/2018
Location
Petaluma, CA US
6/14/2024 7:49pm
Has anyone done a vortex ecu with the stock pipe ?  I have done the stock muffler mods, filter cage, cut our airbox, side plate holes...

Has anyone done a vortex ecu with the stock pipe ? 

I have done the stock muffler mods, filter cage, cut our airbox, side plate holes, chavez map, have been going back and forth between 50-52 rear sprockets, but I still am wanting / needing little more out of the gate. 

I can get a pipe cheaper then a vortex, but if going to do one or the other want to do the best one first lol. 

I’ve got your same set up. I’m getting my Vortex tomorrow and will ride on Sunday. I’ll give you a report 

2
Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
6/15/2024 1:12pm

This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that. 
 

also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running? Seems like the one off my ktm fits. 

1
6/15/2024 1:39pm

Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen this happen?

1
lumpy790
Posts
11367
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
6/15/2024 2:11pm
Duke28 wrote:
This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that.    also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running...

This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that. 
 

also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running? Seems like the one off my ktm fits. 

Same cap design

nch209
Posts
484
Joined
1/1/2017
Location
NoVa, VA US
6/15/2024 2:40pm
quadmx301 wrote:
Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up...

Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up ECU (buddy adjusted the AFR on a dyno). Stock gearing, 116 link chain. 

Barks more off the bottom liked I’ve wanted it to from the beginning, but still hooks up. The connected feel from the throttle to the rear wheel is awesome. Linear pull all the way to overrev. Can ride a gear high or a gear low and rev it. Still doesn’t want to get away from you though, I have no apparent fears of whiskying the bike when tired. Could probably make it faster yet, but I think it’s near perfect as is. This setup is the perfect vet 450 motor. Going to look at buying some clamps in the next few months, have a few buddies who bought some and are loving them. This things is so great! One happy owner here.

 

Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane due to slight detonation under load.  Besides, I can’t get pro6 or t4 here anyway due to supply issues, only last years pre recall u4.4. Trying to lock in a  long fuel choice. 
 

I’m in the process of switching my yz250 from mrx02 to c12, and was considering using ethanol free pump with a splash of c12….maybe 1/3 or 1/2 c12? Dunno.  But ecu tuners don’t map for that backyard combo…

My other option for the kx is Sunoco gtx260, but tuners again say they don’t map for it?  I’m not sure why I couldn’t run it on a “pump fuel” vortex ecu, or perhaps best to scrap the vortex purchase. 
 

Curious what you and others who are mixing fuels are using. 

alycium102
Posts
145
Joined
11/14/2017
Location
USA, MN US
6/15/2024 3:13pm
Duke28 wrote:
This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that.    also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running...

This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that. 
 

also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running? Seems like the one off my ktm fits. 

Yeah these newer kawis have quite the motor tick to them but it’s completely normal. Just takes some getting use to haha

1
Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
6/15/2024 3:31pm Edited Date/Time 6/15/2024 3:31pm
Duke28 wrote:
This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that.    also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running...

This is my first Kawi. Is the ticking at idle normal? My ktm sure doesn’t do that. 
 

also, what 1.8 radiator cap is everyone running? Seems like the one off my ktm fits. 

alycium102 wrote:

Yeah these newer kawis have quite the motor tick to them but it’s completely normal. Just takes some getting use to haha

Sheesh. Glad to hear it, thought I had a ticking bomb. 
 

im impressed with the minimal engine brake. It has about the same or better compared to my 22 ktm 250f. 

nch209
Posts
484
Joined
1/1/2017
Location
NoVa, VA US
6/15/2024 5:19pm
Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen...

Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen this happen?

Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur as you were riding? Hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in….

1
6/15/2024 5:26pm
Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen...

Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen this happen?

nch209 wrote:
Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur...

Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur as you were riding? Hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in….

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I have never had a set of spring forks do this.

1
nch209
Posts
484
Joined
1/1/2017
Location
NoVa, VA US
6/15/2024 5:46pm
Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen...

Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen this happen?

nch209 wrote:
Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur...

Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur as you were riding? Hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in….

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I...

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I have never had a set of spring forks do this.

I’ll try not to jumble this threat up now with random maybe this’s, or maybe that’s… sure better opinions than mine will come shorty… but, when you loosened all the pinch bolts did they go back in place?  I am curious what would happen if you cracked the bleeders? If they are still compressed I’m sure it would make a mess, but can these hydro lock somehow?  How did the forks feel when they were working? 
 

I’m very curious on this one!

6/15/2024 5:55pm
nch209 wrote:
Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur...

Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur as you were riding? Hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in….

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I...

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I have never had a set of spring forks do this.

nch209 wrote:
I’ll try not to jumble this threat up now with random maybe this’s, or maybe that’s… sure better opinions than mine will come shorty… but, when...

I’ll try not to jumble this threat up now with random maybe this’s, or maybe that’s… sure better opinions than mine will come shorty… but, when you loosened all the pinch bolts did they go back in place?  I am curious what would happen if you cracked the bleeders? If they are still compressed I’m sure it would make a mess, but can these hydro lock somehow?  How did the forks feel when they were working? 
 

I’m very curious on this one!

Nope, loosened all the pinch bolts and nothing happened. Let the air out and also, nothing happened.

soggy
Posts
8648
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
6/15/2024 6:26pm
Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I...

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I have never had a set of spring forks do this.

nch209 wrote:
I’ll try not to jumble this threat up now with random maybe this’s, or maybe that’s… sure better opinions than mine will come shorty… but, when...

I’ll try not to jumble this threat up now with random maybe this’s, or maybe that’s… sure better opinions than mine will come shorty… but, when you loosened all the pinch bolts did they go back in place?  I am curious what would happen if you cracked the bleeders? If they are still compressed I’m sure it would make a mess, but can these hydro lock somehow?  How did the forks feel when they were working? 
 

I’m very curious on this one!

Nope, loosened all the pinch bolts and nothing happened. Let the air out and also, nothing happened.

Only thing I can think is something failed around the spring perches. That’s crazy. I’d talk to kawi. 

1
Brent
Posts
5818
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Temecula, CA US
6/15/2024 6:34pm
quadmx301 wrote:
Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up...

Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up ECU (buddy adjusted the AFR on a dyno). Stock gearing, 116 link chain. 

Barks more off the bottom liked I’ve wanted it to from the beginning, but still hooks up. The connected feel from the throttle to the rear wheel is awesome. Linear pull all the way to overrev. Can ride a gear high or a gear low and rev it. Still doesn’t want to get away from you though, I have no apparent fears of whiskying the bike when tired. Could probably make it faster yet, but I think it’s near perfect as is. This setup is the perfect vet 450 motor. Going to look at buying some clamps in the next few months, have a few buddies who bought some and are loving them. This things is so great! One happy owner here.

 

nch209 wrote:
Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane...

Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane due to slight detonation under load.  Besides, I can’t get pro6 or t4 here anyway due to supply issues, only last years pre recall u4.4. Trying to lock in a  long fuel choice. 
 

I’m in the process of switching my yz250 from mrx02 to c12, and was considering using ethanol free pump with a splash of c12….maybe 1/3 or 1/2 c12? Dunno.  But ecu tuners don’t map for that backyard combo…

My other option for the kx is Sunoco gtx260, but tuners again say they don’t map for it?  I’m not sure why I couldn’t run it on a “pump fuel” vortex ecu, or perhaps best to scrap the vortex purchase. 
 

Curious what you and others who are mixing fuels are using. 

I switched from VP to ETS earlier in the year, lower cost, and better fuel…

nch209
Posts
484
Joined
1/1/2017
Location
NoVa, VA US
6/15/2024 6:42pm
quadmx301 wrote:
Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up...

Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up ECU (buddy adjusted the AFR on a dyno). Stock gearing, 116 link chain. 

Barks more off the bottom liked I’ve wanted it to from the beginning, but still hooks up. The connected feel from the throttle to the rear wheel is awesome. Linear pull all the way to overrev. Can ride a gear high or a gear low and rev it. Still doesn’t want to get away from you though, I have no apparent fears of whiskying the bike when tired. Could probably make it faster yet, but I think it’s near perfect as is. This setup is the perfect vet 450 motor. Going to look at buying some clamps in the next few months, have a few buddies who bought some and are loving them. This things is so great! One happy owner here.

 

nch209 wrote:
Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane...

Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane due to slight detonation under load.  Besides, I can’t get pro6 or t4 here anyway due to supply issues, only last years pre recall u4.4. Trying to lock in a  long fuel choice. 
 

I’m in the process of switching my yz250 from mrx02 to c12, and was considering using ethanol free pump with a splash of c12….maybe 1/3 or 1/2 c12? Dunno.  But ecu tuners don’t map for that backyard combo…

My other option for the kx is Sunoco gtx260, but tuners again say they don’t map for it?  I’m not sure why I couldn’t run it on a “pump fuel” vortex ecu, or perhaps best to scrap the vortex purchase. 
 

Curious what you and others who are mixing fuels are using. 

Brent wrote:

I switched from VP to ETS earlier in the year, lower cost, and better fuel…

Which vp to which ets?  Are you on a vortex?  Thanks!

I do have an ETS dealer within an hour or so…   Wonder how it smells?  An an aside, I’m kinda over the stench from mrx02/pro6 ect.  I

lumpy790
Posts
11367
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
6/15/2024 6:48pm Edited Date/Time 6/15/2024 6:59pm
Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen...

Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen this happen?

nch209 wrote:
Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur...

Nothing really to offer except for being bummed to see this. Is it worth pulling the caps and springs to see/hear anything binding?  Did this occur as you were riding? Hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in….

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I...

Thanks, no…it was super weird, I was actually heading towards the exit of the track at slow speed, hit a bump and they just dropped. I have never had a set of spring forks do this.

BE CAREFULL !!!

I had a customer with a Honda in the 1990’s that had the sheet metal steel tube like a spacer that sat on top of the spring that had suck in place. After taking the cap off I reached in with a long pair of needle nose pliers to pull it out and that tube shot out of the top of the fork cutting 2 inch circles in both hands. Good thing the owner was there and rushed me to the hospital.

I thought the spring had broken and somehow wound down into it self like it was 1/2 the length. I was wrong and if it had hit me in the chest it would have blown a 2 inch hole through me. 

1
6/15/2024 8:48pm
Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen...

Joined the club, love the bike, but on my second ride the forks stuck. Loosened all the pinch bolts, but she is stuck. Anyone ever seen this happen?

I’ve seen it happen on a Honda in person. Unfortunately I don’t know what the diagnosis ended up being but I’ve definitely seen it. 

NicNak
Posts
1033
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA US
6/16/2024 2:33pm

Does it have a whistle to it? Mine had a bad whistle as well. I’m wondering if it didn’t make a good seal with the header. 

rpm.15 wrote:

No whistle, sounds like it should. 

It was user error on my part it appears. Working fine today. Fmf mentioned something and it was exactly what they thought. 

Hey man just curious what the issue was? I just bolted up a vortex & put my spark arrestor in & started it up to make sure it runs. Seems it kinda bogs out if I snap throttle full bore but I rode the bike down the road & seemed fine so the road..I didn’t crack throttle wide open down the road. When the bike warmed up it was way better. I am optimistic that if I get it good & warm it’ll be solid but wondering what fmf said just in case. You can text me at (309) 258-4671 ! My name is Nick 

1
quadmx301
Posts
506
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
6/16/2024 2:34pm Edited Date/Time 6/16/2024 2:35pm
quadmx301 wrote:
Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up...

Ride report - PC T-6 Full System, Twin Air Powerflow Kit, cut Airbox, drilled side panel, 50/50 pump/race gas, CHA24 map on a lightly touched up ECU (buddy adjusted the AFR on a dyno). Stock gearing, 116 link chain. 

Barks more off the bottom liked I’ve wanted it to from the beginning, but still hooks up. The connected feel from the throttle to the rear wheel is awesome. Linear pull all the way to overrev. Can ride a gear high or a gear low and rev it. Still doesn’t want to get away from you though, I have no apparent fears of whiskying the bike when tired. Could probably make it faster yet, but I think it’s near perfect as is. This setup is the perfect vet 450 motor. Going to look at buying some clamps in the next few months, have a few buddies who bought some and are loving them. This things is so great! One happy owner here.

 

nch209 wrote:
Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane...

Can you comment specifically on your fuel setup? Going through the VP debacle has me concerned about their oxygenated fuels, and I need some more octane due to slight detonation under load.  Besides, I can’t get pro6 or t4 here anyway due to supply issues, only last years pre recall u4.4. Trying to lock in a  long fuel choice. 
 

I’m in the process of switching my yz250 from mrx02 to c12, and was considering using ethanol free pump with a splash of c12….maybe 1/3 or 1/2 c12? Dunno.  But ecu tuners don’t map for that backyard combo…

My other option for the kx is Sunoco gtx260, but tuners again say they don’t map for it?  I’m not sure why I couldn’t run it on a “pump fuel” vortex ecu, or perhaps best to scrap the vortex purchase. 
 

Curious what you and others who are mixing fuels are using. 

I do a gallon of VP110 to a gallon of crappy California 91 pump. I try not to get too fancy or too off in the weeds on the gas debate. Until I blow one up I’ll just keep at it. 

2
quadmx301
Posts
506
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
6/16/2024 2:45pm

Also, does anyone have any experience with aftermarket engine mounts? Just seeing some tests come out. Want to hear what people thing of them with an aftermarket clamp as well. 

2
49weasel
Posts
972
Joined
4/12/2013
Location
CANAL WINCHESTER, OH US
6/16/2024 5:01pm

Does anyone’s frame hold water after a wash ?

Mine pisses water when loading into my van.  

crc245
Posts
1326
Joined
10/29/2007
Location
Yorba Linda, CA US
6/16/2024 5:05pm
49weasel wrote:

Does anyone’s frame hold water after a wash ?

Mine pisses water when loading into my van.  

When you wash your bike, lean it back on a stand and blow out the secondary footpeg holes: Water usually comes out underneath from those lower skidplate mounts. Same routine for 2019-2023 frames. 

2
6/16/2024 7:00pm
rpm.15 wrote:

No whistle, sounds like it should. 

It was user error on my part it appears. Working fine today. Fmf mentioned something and it was exactly what they thought. 

NicNak wrote:
Hey man just curious what the issue was? I just bolted up a vortex & put my spark arrestor in & started it up to make...

Hey man just curious what the issue was? I just bolted up a vortex & put my spark arrestor in & started it up to make sure it runs. Seems it kinda bogs out if I snap throttle full bore but I rode the bike down the road & seemed fine so the road..I didn’t crack throttle wide open down the road. When the bike warmed up it was way better. I am optimistic that if I get it good & warm it’ll be solid but wondering what fmf said just in case. You can text me at (309) 258-4671 ! My name is Nick 

I was getting bad air quality from where I was starting the bike up at. 

1

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