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IN A WORD: 2016 MODEL IMPRESSIONS
Below is a brief synopsis of what we would tell our buddies about the line-up of 2016 450 four-strokes. Of course you’ll need to read the reviews in their entirety, which you can find in the latest issues of MXA.
2016 Kawasaki KX450F:
If you’re a Kawasaki rider then it’s a much better bike than the previous generation. The ergonomics are slimmer and the KX450F feels more agile than in the past. We’ve had some problems with the engine backfiring on deceleration, which hasn’t been fixed yet with mapping. The forks are considerably better than the 2016 Suzuki RM-Z450 Showa SFF TAC forks. The engine isn’t as explosive off the bottom, but it transitions smoothly into the midrange. We noted that the 2016 KX450F has more focus on the front end, meaning that it no longer feels like it needs to be steered with the throttle.
The Shop
1. stock exhaust looks horrible.
2. offer silver wheels. some of us just can't get into the black wheels look.
I'm still on the fence about getting something new though. I'm old enough to remember premier class bikes (250 at the time) going for under $3k. Nine grand is hard to wrap my head around. I think I paid about $5700 OTD for my 08' CRF back in late 08' and I swore that was as much as I was going to spend on a new bike. I don't know man. Might have to break my promise. The kawi is quite the temptress.
IIRC, you were tossed up like me between the KX and KTM. Did you go to the KTM ride day? I saw somewhere that you mentioned that you got the KX so I assume you didn't gel with the KTM.
For anyone who questions the value of buying bikes and parts at your local dealership and building a relationship, this is why you should. I get a great deal with my local dealer and I funnel as much business as I can their way. Because of that relationship, they went above and beyond to help make this happen. None of this would have happened if I spent all my money online trying to save on tax or save a few bucks here and there.
Let us know what you think after your maiden voyage mate.
http://m.vitalmx.com/product/guide/Bikes,6/Kawasaki/2016-Kawasaki-KX450F,14326#product-reviews/737
Pit Row
I think that just shows you how good a job kawasaki has done on the powerband. People mistake smooth for being slow when it's just a good build of power that's deceptively fast.
Forks:
Inner chamber: 170psi
Outer chamber: 0
Balance chamber: 160psi
Compression: 13 rebound: 12
(Added 20cc of oil to dampening side to help with bottoming resistance)
Shock:
4.9 rear spring
105 race sag
Compression: 12 rebound: 13
We tested several rear springs and sag numbers. This bike really likes a softer rear spring. I would normally run a 5.1 or 5.2. 105 was all around the best sag number we tested.
Bottom line, establish a great relationship with your local dealer and be loyal. It always pays off.
Post a reply to: 2016 KX450 Anybody got one?