2016 KX450 Anybody got one?

Carlos Z
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Phoenix, AZ US
9/5/2015 11:12pm
I rode my 16 today for the first time. I'm just your everyday vet rider. Not fast, not slow. I'm a diehard 250F guy. This Kawi 450 called me for some reason. My initial impression was as if I was riding a KX 250F with 450 grunt. And I've owned a couple KX 250Fs. Very stable bike in the Kawi way. The new 450s are smooth. Not run away freight trains like in the past. It took two laps to feel comfortable. No surprises on this bike. It truly felt like a 250F on steroids in a good way. Doesn't corner like the 14 yamaha 250F I came off of but corners better than any 450 I've ridden. Forks seemed fine to me I think they can potentially be outstanding with some tinkering. . All in all It's a winner.
thorns
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NZ
9/6/2015 4:09pm
Anyone coming off a 2012 who could compare the two bikes?
Even better, anyone coming off a 12 with offset clamps to improve cornering able to compare the two?

Loved everything about my 12 apart from the turning on flat corners.
bvm111
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Las Vegas, NV US
9/6/2015 4:22pm
Im jealous guys... I just moved with new home purchase and the savings account is pretty depleted... hopefully be recovered enough to PU a new KX450 in the spring!!!!
jeffro503
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9/6/2015 9:22pm
Damn it , Damn it , Damn it....why did I read this thread!!??

The Shop

OR Racer46
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9/6/2015 10:15pm
Jeffro Ryan Huffman was on a 16 kx 250 this weekend and flat got after it . It sure won't be the bike that holds you back
mx_563
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CA US
9/6/2015 10:57pm
Rode mine for the first time today. I'm coming off an 08' CRF, I'm 40, about 220lb and 6'2". I'm a vet Nov/Int or there abouts.

I felt like the thing cornered really well. Dropped into the ruts well and stayed in them too. Flat corners were good as well. Ergos were awesome! My leg just "fits" against that shroud. I have the bars all the way forward & the pegs in the lower position and I was quite comfortable. Gearing felt tall. I hate to say it but I won't be surprised if Jody recommends a tooth. I never really got on it super hard so it's hard to say what the motor is going to do up top but down low it felt nice and linear. I rode your typical beat down hardpacked Nor Cal track so I actually ended up using the black coupler.

I set the sag before the ride and I set the fork pressures per the "standard" setting in the user's manual. Suspension felt better the harder I pushed. The suspension will take time. I don't think one ride is enough to proclaim it as being either good or bad.

The clutch pull is super light and that 270mm rotor up front makes for some really good stopping power.

My biggest complaint for now is fit and finish. It's no Honda, that's for sure. The right side shroud flexes and touches the shock reservoir which is hot and therefore melts the plastic (leaving residue on the reservoir). The shroud graphics look like they will only last a few rides.



9/7/2015 8:13am
Sorry if this has been answered as I skipped a few pages Unsure but is Kawi pulling a 250SX with their KX250F and most likely getting it on par with the 450 on the 2017 models?

Have been keen on a KX250F but I don't like buying a bike and having that model get a major overhaul a while after and I miss the boat Angry
jeffro503
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9/7/2015 10:25am
Quick question here. I'm looking at some of the weights here that you guys posted on the 16' Kawi 450. I know on my 12' model , they lost a few pounds on the 13' with the air fork , and then the 16' lost another 7.5lbs. But what MXD shows , is that it only weighs a couple more pounds than his 2 stroke RM 250? I thought my 12' was around 245lbs or something?

How much lighter is the 16' compared to my old 12'? About 12 - 15lbs?
jeffro503
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9/7/2015 10:28am
Sorry if this has been answered as I skipped a few pages :unsure: but is Kawi pulling a 250SX with their KX250F and most likely getting...
Sorry if this has been answered as I skipped a few pages Unsure but is Kawi pulling a 250SX with their KX250F and most likely getting it on par with the 450 on the 2017 models?

Have been keen on a KX250F but I don't like buying a bike and having that model get a major overhaul a while after and I miss the boat Angry
The 17' Kawi 250 is supposed to be completely different yes.
yzkrazy219
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Wirtz, VA US
9/7/2015 1:40pm
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
mx317
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9/7/2015 1:47pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
I did on my 2012
RF219
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US
9/7/2015 3:56pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
Yep. I did the mod to it I found online and it did not change nothing.
dmm698
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NY US
9/7/2015 4:00pm
I found running 100cc more than the manual called for on a 13 cured the clutch whine. Was planning to do the same on 16 when I pick one up
keith101
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9/7/2015 6:57pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
can I ask what oil you are running?
yzkrazy219
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Wirtz, VA US
9/7/2015 7:06pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
keith101 wrote:
can I ask what oil you are running?
I'm running the standard 15-40 rotella. I've been running rotella in my bikes for the past 5-6 years and have never had a problem with it.
RF219
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US
9/7/2015 7:13pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
keith101 wrote:
can I ask what oil you are running?
yzkrazy219 wrote:
I'm running the standard 15-40 rotella. I've been running rotella in my bikes for the past 5-6 years and have never had a problem with it.
same here
mx317
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9/7/2015 7:27pm
dmm698 wrote:
I found running 100cc more than the manual called for on a 13 cured the clutch whine. Was planning to do the same on 16 when...
I found running 100cc more than the manual called for on a 13 cured the clutch whine. Was planning to do the same on 16 when I pick one up
Same here
keith101
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AU
9/7/2015 7:29pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Is anyone else having a problem with their clutch whining real bad once the clutch gets hot?
keith101 wrote:
can I ask what oil you are running?
yzkrazy219 wrote:
I'm running the standard 15-40 rotella. I've been running rotella in my bikes for the past 5-6 years and have never had a problem with it.
I assume that's the non synthesis stuff? I am just wondering if a straight synthetic brand may help alleviate this issue. I don't know, but I'd be curious if it helps.
NeedMoto
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Lincoln, CA US
9/7/2015 8:01pm
dmm698 wrote:
I found running 100cc more than the manual called for on a 13 cured the clutch whine. Was planning to do the same on 16 when...
I found running 100cc more than the manual called for on a 13 cured the clutch whine. Was planning to do the same on 16 when I pick one up
This^^^This^^^This^^^!!!
jeffro503
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St Helens, OR US
9/7/2015 8:47pm
I never noticed any clutch whine on my 12'. I ran a few different oils , including the 10-40 Actevo 4 stroke stuff and never had any issues or noise. What could be making it anyways?
mmcmx
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Perafita, Catalunya PE
9/8/2015 12:17am
A 10-40 might be too liquid for hot conditions I think? I use motorex 10-60 and never have problems.
MOTORSPORTFOX
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Fairview Park, OH US
9/8/2015 7:25am
Threw my FMF system on last night:

Better pics to come soon...
mxrider38
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8/31/2015
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Mechanicsville, MD US
9/8/2015 7:28am
Threw my FMF system on last night: [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/08/104348/s1200_IMG_1756.jpg[/img] Better pics to come soon...
Threw my FMF system on last night:

Better pics to come soon...
Looks good! My pro circuit Ti-6 should be here tomorrow.
MXD
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MA US
9/8/2015 8:16am
Threw my FMF system on last night: [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/08/104348/s1200_IMG_1756.jpg[/img] Better pics to come soon...
Threw my FMF system on last night:

Better pics to come soon...
By any chance, did you happen to weigh the 2 systems to see the difference?
9/8/2015 8:46am
Threw my FMF system on last night: [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/09/08/104348/s1200_IMG_1756.jpg[/img] Better pics to come soon...
Threw my FMF system on last night:

Better pics to come soon...
Do a weight comparison between the two exhausts? Interested in the weight savings. Company's claims sometimes vary.

Performance report when tested Smile
jeffro503
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St Helens, OR US
9/8/2015 9:06am
Have not weighed the two. Will do
Brother can you weigh both pieces separately? I'm curious to know the difference on the two silencers.
9/8/2015 10:55am
FMF claims a 3lb saving on the full system and 2lbs with a slip on. Never owned a FMF 4T, but my past Yosh and PC systems did fall short of their claims.
keith101
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256
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9/2/2015
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AU
9/8/2015 6:16pm
mx_phreek wrote:
Looking good, definitely knocked a chuck of weight off it. Have to give us your opinion when you spin few laps on it
MXD wrote:
Will do. I'll probably strip and grease it tonight and try to ride Monday or Tuesday. I'll give you guys a good Vet B opinion.
Laughing
do we have a verdict yet?
MXD
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2650
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4/1/2008
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MA US
9/8/2015 6:39pm
Not yet. I only broke it in on a little turn track with no bumps or jumps and I was being easy on the throttle. I'll get 2 good days on it this weekend at MX207 which gets bumpy, has nice lines and big jumps.

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