2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

yz133rider
Posts
5027
Joined
8/1/2013
Location
Avondale, PA, USA
6/26/2024 12:25pm

First ride in the books. 
 

it’s as advertised. 
engine is mellow and a bit slow for my size and style. 
chassis tons of comfort and confidence.

i put stiffer springs in before riding it, but suspension was really friggin good as is.

sag 105ish and forks flush to start.

went in on rebound on shock and in on the high speed on shock to get it to be a little less active and felt better to me.

 

great start. Probably needs a muffler honesty.

2
motomike894
Posts
1572
Joined
9/6/2009
Location
Waterloo, IN, USA
6/26/2024 2:38pm

I been running a 52 rear and I like that for the most part, second gear still lasts a while and can shift third way sooner, but I am also 600 pound Vet A rider, so my weight and speed is little different then the average guy. 

NicNak can confirm 

But a vortex is my next move for sure, just waiting for the right day and time to pull the thousand dollar trigger haha 

3
6/26/2024 8:48pm

Joined the club, first ride today. Thanks for all the info on this thread 🤘🏼

10
motox766
Posts
104
Joined
6/27/2010
Location
Merced, CA, USA
6/26/2024 9:36pm
Does anyone know if recall will show up after completed on the Kawi website?    The dealer did the frame recall on my bike but it...

Does anyone know if recall will show up after completed on the Kawi website? 
 

The dealer did the frame recall on my bike but it never showed up on the Kawasaki website as actually needing it. Curious if it doesn’t show up after the recall is completed or something.

Yea once the recall is completed. The dealer knows which one needs the recall. Some need the whole frame replaced but still a great bike and fun to ride 

The Shop

motox766
Posts
104
Joined
6/27/2010
Location
Merced, CA, USA
6/26/2024 9:37pm
Joined the club, first ride today. Thanks for all the info on this thread 🤘🏼

Joined the club, first ride today. Thanks for all the info on this thread 🤘🏼

Sweet set up!!🤙 have fun

1
6/27/2024 8:14am

Was messing with the new bike last night - checked the frame and it already has the patch on it from the dealer, so that’s nice to see.

Also did the muffler baffle/screens delete while in the garage. Surprisingly easy job - that drill bit trick for the screens was sliiiiiiiiick. Anyone have actual data on benefits of doing this? Plenty of comments on improved performance, and even “80% of PC slip on” results. Just curious if anyone has actual data on it? TIA.

Sandusky26
Posts
3518
Joined
7/28/2021
Location
Eastern, NC, USA
6/27/2024 9:12am
Leemur891 wrote:
Was messing with the new bike last night - checked the frame and it already has the patch on it from the dealer, so that’s nice...

Was messing with the new bike last night - checked the frame and it already has the patch on it from the dealer, so that’s nice to see.

Also did the muffler baffle/screens delete while in the garage. Surprisingly easy job - that drill bit trick for the screens was sliiiiiiiiick. Anyone have actual data on benefits of doing this? Plenty of comments on improved performance, and even “80% of PC slip on” results. Just curious if anyone has actual data on it? TIA.

It's night and day difference between screens in vs. screens out. I don't see an exhaust doing a huge difference vs screens removed. It runs really free and uncorked, most bikes have that slightly choked up feeling with the stock exhaust, my 22 did. 

Cdubya
Posts
57
Joined
2/4/2024
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
6/27/2024 10:54am
Duke28 wrote:
After about 5hrs on my 450x…I feel that the balance is way off. Yes, great front end steering bike but dives and tucks so much. At...

After about 5hrs on my 450x…I feel that the balance is way off. Yes, great front end steering bike but dives and tucks so much. At 180lbs, I feel that I need stiffer fork springs. 
I bled my front brake and it works great. Took a minute for the pads to bite though. 

Turn in your comp clicker to about 8 out and will fix your dive issue. Comp clicker circuit has a lot of bleed so it's very adjustable.

1
6/27/2024 11:28am
Duke28 wrote:
After about 5hrs on my 450x…I feel that the balance is way off. Yes, great front end steering bike but dives and tucks so much. At...

After about 5hrs on my 450x…I feel that the balance is way off. Yes, great front end steering bike but dives and tucks so much. At 180lbs, I feel that I need stiffer fork springs. 
I bled my front brake and it works great. Took a minute for the pads to bite though. 

Cdubya wrote:
Turn in your comp clicker to about 8 out and will fix your dive issue. Comp clicker circuit has a lot of bleed so it's very...

Turn in your comp clicker to about 8 out and will fix your dive issue. Comp clicker circuit has a lot of bleed so it's very adjustable.

I put one stiffer fork spring in mine, raised the oil level, and turned the clickers in to 8 out, and I’ve very happy with my forks now.  My prior gen KX needed a revalve, but not this one.  I’ve been pocketing a good bit of contingency on my 24 so far!

3
Village Idiot
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MXoN - a term used by newbs, goobs and rubes, PW, USA
6/27/2024 12:38pm
tylerp319 wrote:
It was the correct exhaust and i tried everything possible it wouldn’t line up and was hitting the frame to prevent it from seating properly. Either...

It was the correct exhaust and i tried everything possible it wouldn’t line up and was hitting the frame to prevent it from seating properly. Either it was bent from shipping or a mishap from factory. I have another one en route. 👍🏼

MX529 wrote:

That’s why dry fitting anything mechanical is so important before bolting it completely down 

can I ask who you purchased this from..? 

tylerp319 wrote:
Motosport. Yeah I matched the end of the header up w the stock and it was noticeably different shape and even thickness. Pretty crazy situation. I...

Motosport. Yeah I matched the end of the header up w the stock and it was noticeably different shape and even thickness. Pretty crazy situation. I have a new one coming so hopefully it was a freak accident. 

I know this was a couple weeks ago but I had a similar experience with an FMF pipe for my '03 CR250 years ago. It was completely whacked - mounts wouldn't line up and it was like the header section wasn't attached to the belly/center with the proper orientation,  as if they were twisted/rotated relative to each other. One mount wasn't even complete; it looked like the tab had been clipped/sheared. It was definitely one made after a 6 Tecate lunch break.

Anyhoo, FMF made good on it but some rejects do slip through the QC process.

Village Idiot
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MXoN - a term used by newbs, goobs and rubes, PW, USA
6/27/2024 12:40pm
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. 

With spring forks? Took them off today, it’s the brake side fork that is locked.

What did you find with this? Any pics?

Always curious to see unusual issues.

1
Village Idiot
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6/27/2024 12:56pm
yz133rider wrote:
I noticed my rotors were coated in crap. Used contact cleaner and a clean rag and you wouldn’t believe how much stuff was on the rag...

I noticed my rotors were coated in crap. Used contact cleaner and a clean rag and you wouldn’t believe how much stuff was on the rag. Might be part of everyone’s lack of power.

707motoman wrote:
Yep, mine too. My white rag was black after wiping the rotors down with contact cleaner. I ride a new bike dragging the brakes one at...

Yep, mine too. My white rag was black after wiping the rotors down with contact cleaner. I ride a new bike dragging the brakes one at a time until the glaze in the pads cuts through and they start getting grabby. Mine works good, not KTM good but maybe the difference is in the brake line? 

I know this won't help the two of you but maybe it will save someone else some heartburn.

When I worked at some local dealerships back in the '80s, the bikes would arrive with Cosmoline on the rotors to prevent surface rust from the salt air on the trip from Japan. Part of our prep was to thoroughly remove it with brake cleaner and a rag before the bike was sold. It came off on the rags looking like what you described. We had a sport bike go out that the tech missed this step on and when the rider went to use the front brake it was like it was greased... which it essentially was.

So, it sounds like this might still be part of the shipping prep and anyone else bringing home new one might want to check this before riding. 

Hope it helps someone.

5
lumpy790
Posts
11704
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC, USA
6/27/2024 1:08pm
yz133rider wrote:
I noticed my rotors were coated in crap. Used contact cleaner and a clean rag and you wouldn’t believe how much stuff was on the rag...

I noticed my rotors were coated in crap. Used contact cleaner and a clean rag and you wouldn’t believe how much stuff was on the rag. Might be part of everyone’s lack of power.

707motoman wrote:
Yep, mine too. My white rag was black after wiping the rotors down with contact cleaner. I ride a new bike dragging the brakes one at...

Yep, mine too. My white rag was black after wiping the rotors down with contact cleaner. I ride a new bike dragging the brakes one at a time until the glaze in the pads cuts through and they start getting grabby. Mine works good, not KTM good but maybe the difference is in the brake line? 

I know this won't help the two of you but maybe it will save someone else some heartburn. When I worked at some local dealerships back...

I know this won't help the two of you but maybe it will save someone else some heartburn.

When I worked at some local dealerships back in the '80s, the bikes would arrive with Cosmoline on the rotors to prevent surface rust from the salt air on the trip from Japan. Part of our prep was to thoroughly remove it with brake cleaner and a rag before the bike was sold. It came off on the rags looking like what you described. We had a sport bike go out that the tech missed this step on and when the rider went to use the front brake it was like it was greased... which it essentially was.

So, it sounds like this might still be part of the shipping prep and anyone else bringing home new one might want to check this before riding. 

Hope it helps someone.

It was kind of like a wax

Village Idiot
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MXoN - a term used by newbs, goobs and rubes, PW, USA
6/27/2024 1:11pm
707motoman wrote:
Yep, mine too. My white rag was black after wiping the rotors down with contact cleaner. I ride a new bike dragging the brakes one at...

Yep, mine too. My white rag was black after wiping the rotors down with contact cleaner. I ride a new bike dragging the brakes one at a time until the glaze in the pads cuts through and they start getting grabby. Mine works good, not KTM good but maybe the difference is in the brake line? 

I know this won't help the two of you but maybe it will save someone else some heartburn. When I worked at some local dealerships back...

I know this won't help the two of you but maybe it will save someone else some heartburn.

When I worked at some local dealerships back in the '80s, the bikes would arrive with Cosmoline on the rotors to prevent surface rust from the salt air on the trip from Japan. Part of our prep was to thoroughly remove it with brake cleaner and a rag before the bike was sold. It came off on the rags looking like what you described. We had a sport bike go out that the tech missed this step on and when the rider went to use the front brake it was like it was greased... which it essentially was.

So, it sounds like this might still be part of the shipping prep and anyone else bringing home new one might want to check this before riding. 

Hope it helps someone.

lumpy790 wrote:

It was kind of like a wax

Yes, very much like chain wax and was dry to the touch; like a "dehydrated" grease.

It's a heavy petroleum product to protect bare metal from corrosion. I believe it's common in the firearm world.

6/28/2024 6:10am Edited Date/Time 6/28/2024 11:20am

Has anyone made of these for the 2024? Or is everything the same. Just saves sometime.

This was in the 2019 thread. Thanks 
 

Cheers

4
6/28/2024 10:21am

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. 

With spring forks? Took them off today, it’s the brake side fork that is locked.

What did you find with this? Any pics?

Always curious to see unusual issues.

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork tubes. When they changed it they didn’t tighten something properly. The current dealer who took them apart said a bushing came out and essentially locked the forks compressed. Broke the spring retainer, caused damage to the dampening cartridge and the upper fork tube. 

1
soggy
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8951
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
6/28/2024 10:26am

With spring forks? Took them off today, it’s the brake side fork that is locked.

What did you find with this? Any pics?

Always curious to see unusual issues.

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork...

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork tubes. When they changed it they didn’t tighten something properly. The current dealer who took them apart said a bushing came out and essentially locked the forks compressed. Broke the spring retainer, caused damage to the dampening cartridge and the upper fork tube. 

Damn that’s crazy. Feels like that info should be disclosed to you before taking the bike home. 

3
6/28/2024 12:51pm

What did you find with this? Any pics?

Always curious to see unusual issues.

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork...

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork tubes. When they changed it they didn’t tighten something properly. The current dealer who took them apart said a bushing came out and essentially locked the forks compressed. Broke the spring retainer, caused damage to the dampening cartridge and the upper fork tube. 

soggy wrote:

Damn that’s crazy. Feels like that info should be disclosed to you before taking the bike home. 

I agree, very lame move, somebody could have gotten hurt. I think they should do something for you to help make it right. Maybe a couple of free tires or ?

Markee
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3669
Joined
4/15/2013
Location
Suffolk, VA, USA
6/28/2024 1:06pm
Has anyone made of these for the 2024? Or is everything the same. Just saves sometime. This was in the 2019 thread. Thanks    Cheers

Has anyone made of these for the 2024? Or is everything the same. Just saves sometime.

This was in the 2019 thread. Thanks 
 

Cheers

Page 171 in your manual. Or: 

https://static.ktivs.net/manuals/99803-0401-01-o5kx450mrf-us-en_ebook-9…

Doesn't look like it has everything but the major ones are there.

2
Village Idiot
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MXoN - a term used by newbs, goobs and rubes, PW, USA
6/28/2024 2:23pm

With spring forks? Took them off today, it’s the brake side fork that is locked.

What did you find with this? Any pics?

Always curious to see unusual issues.

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork...

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork tubes. When they changed it they didn’t tighten something properly. The current dealer who took them apart said a bushing came out and essentially locked the forks compressed. Broke the spring retainer, caused damage to the dampening cartridge and the upper fork tube. 

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt.

It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that someone at a delaership was in there before it was sold and then that component failed with extremely low hours.

But, sometimes 2+2 = screw you.

I'd like to think they'd offer to take care of it without prodding, if for no other reason than fear of legal action making it much more expensive than making it go away.

Good luck and let us know what develops. I still haven't heard if they ever took care of Brent's grenaded engine, so not holding out hope, but you never know.

1
6/28/2024 3:40pm

What did you find with this? Any pics?

Always curious to see unusual issues.

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork...

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork tubes. When they changed it they didn’t tighten something properly. The current dealer who took them apart said a bushing came out and essentially locked the forks compressed. Broke the spring retainer, caused damage to the dampening cartridge and the upper fork tube. 

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt. It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that...

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt.

It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that someone at a delaership was in there before it was sold and then that component failed with extremely low hours.

But, sometimes 2+2 = screw you.

I'd like to think they'd offer to take care of it without prodding, if for no other reason than fear of legal action making it much more expensive than making it go away.

Good luck and let us know what develops. I still haven't heard if they ever took care of Brent's grenaded engine, so not holding out hope, but you never know.

Seems like I was user error In dealership part not Kawi unless Im reading it wrong. 

Village Idiot
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MXoN - a term used by newbs, goobs and rubes, PW, USA
6/28/2024 3:53pm
Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork...

Apparently, the dealer I bought it from took out a pre warranty claim on the bike before I had purchased it, replacing one of the fork tubes. When they changed it they didn’t tighten something properly. The current dealer who took them apart said a bushing came out and essentially locked the forks compressed. Broke the spring retainer, caused damage to the dampening cartridge and the upper fork tube. 

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt. It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that...

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt.

It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that someone at a delaership was in there before it was sold and then that component failed with extremely low hours.

But, sometimes 2+2 = screw you.

I'd like to think they'd offer to take care of it without prodding, if for no other reason than fear of legal action making it much more expensive than making it go away.

Good luck and let us know what develops. I still haven't heard if they ever took care of Brent's grenaded engine, so not holding out hope, but you never know.

Seems like I was user error In dealership part not Kawi unless Im reading it wrong. 

It likely was, but Kawasaki authorized the (faulty?) warranty work at one of their franchised dealerships, that's why I said it seems like they should be stepping up - either to prod the original dealer to take care of it or have it handled at another one and deal with the original one in whatever manner they deem fit. The second dealer obviously isn't responsible, so I wouldn't expect them to offer help (other than contacting Kawi and informing them of their findings). Not saying Kawi won't, but either way, the customer shouldn't have to jump through hoops or foot the bill to get this repaired.

That's all.

soggy
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8951
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
6/28/2024 4:30pm
Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt. It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that...

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt.

It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that someone at a delaership was in there before it was sold and then that component failed with extremely low hours.

But, sometimes 2+2 = screw you.

I'd like to think they'd offer to take care of it without prodding, if for no other reason than fear of legal action making it much more expensive than making it go away.

Good luck and let us know what develops. I still haven't heard if they ever took care of Brent's grenaded engine, so not holding out hope, but you never know.

Seems like I was user error In dealership part not Kawi unless Im reading it wrong. 

It likely was, but Kawasaki authorized the (faulty?) warranty work at one of their franchised dealerships, that's why I said it seems like they should be...

It likely was, but Kawasaki authorized the (faulty?) warranty work at one of their franchised dealerships, that's why I said it seems like they should be stepping up - either to prod the original dealer to take care of it or have it handled at another one and deal with the original one in whatever manner they deem fit. The second dealer obviously isn't responsible, so I wouldn't expect them to offer help (other than contacting Kawi and informing them of their findings). Not saying Kawi won't, but either way, the customer shouldn't have to jump through hoops or foot the bill to get this repaired.

That's all.

If Kawi warrantees the original work, the work performed by the original dealer would be considered to be done by Kawasaki for all intents and purposes. This second issue should also be warranty and kawi should reimburse whatever shop does the work for parts and labor. The shop that now has them should be able to do this imo. 

lumpy790
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11704
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9/18/2007
Location
York, SC, USA
6/28/2024 4:41pm

Sounds like it may have been crate damage that was warrantied?

6/28/2024 6:39pm

Dealers are independent retailers with a dealer agreement contract with Kmc. It's not considered a franchise. The Kmc dm may work with the dealer to resolve the problem , but it's the dealers responsibility to fix the problem. Kmc could even deny the warranty claim. It's always best for everyone to make the customer happy. I hope it happens.

6/30/2024 10:36am
Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt. It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that...

Ouch. Just glad you didn't get hurt.

It seems like Kawasaki would be stepping up to make this right without being prompted since there's documentation that someone at a delaership was in there before it was sold and then that component failed with extremely low hours.

But, sometimes 2+2 = screw you.

I'd like to think they'd offer to take care of it without prodding, if for no other reason than fear of legal action making it much more expensive than making it go away.

Good luck and let us know what develops. I still haven't heard if they ever took care of Brent's grenaded engine, so not holding out hope, but you never know.

Seems like I was user error In dealership part not Kawi unless Im reading it wrong. 

It likely was, but Kawasaki authorized the (faulty?) warranty work at one of their franchised dealerships, that's why I said it seems like they should be...

It likely was, but Kawasaki authorized the (faulty?) warranty work at one of their franchised dealerships, that's why I said it seems like they should be stepping up - either to prod the original dealer to take care of it or have it handled at another one and deal with the original one in whatever manner they deem fit. The second dealer obviously isn't responsible, so I wouldn't expect them to offer help (other than contacting Kawi and informing them of their findings). Not saying Kawi won't, but either way, the customer shouldn't have to jump through hoops or foot the bill to get this repaired.

That's all.

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm very fortunate it happened where it did at slow speed. The current dealer beleives this will all be taken care of by Kawi. My only question, is......the original dealer obligated to let the customer know they got a unit that was already repaired? I certainly was not notified about this before i purchased the machine.

6/30/2024 10:37am
lumpy790 wrote:

Sounds like it may have been crate damage that was warrantied?

That is what i am thinking.

Village Idiot
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6/30/2024 7:27pm
lumpy790 wrote:

Sounds like it may have been crate damage that was warrantied?

That is what i am thinking.

It's quite possible and wouldn't be the first one I've seen get speared by a set of forks. 

quadmx301
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506
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9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA, USA
7/1/2024 8:23pm


 

Just put the X-trigs on today, riding them tomorrow.

8
nch209
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486
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1/1/2017
Location
NoVa, VA, USA
7/1/2024 11:10pm

PC clamps added. Still trying to dial in the suspension. I have Showa A kit on the 2 stroke, and hunting for the initial plushness it has…

 

4

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