Sneak Peek: 2019 Kawasaki KX450F in the flesh...

bvm111
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bvm111 4/6/2018 7:59am
4/6/2018 7:59am
twotwosix wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/04/06/253886/s1200_BCEE21C5_B009_4685_B95D_119C788AB330.jpg[/img]


This looks a little more “production” than the first photos with the janky PC exhaust!
kevin204
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kevin204 4/6/2018 8:06am
4/6/2018 8:06am
Damn, that actually looks awesome. Can't wait to see more.

The Shop

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mx317
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mx317 4/6/2018 11:09am
4/6/2018 11:09am
aroark247 wrote:
You obviously don't know too much, eh? Curb weight on the current kx450f is only 3 lbs heavier than the current KTM and Husqvarna's curb weight.
Maybe Eli's
mattyhamz2
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mattyhamz2 4/6/2018 12:52pm
4/6/2018 12:52pm
BobPA wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/04/06/253900/s1200_maxresdefault.jpg[/img]


Haha seriously!
BobPA
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BobPA 4/6/2018 12:57pm
4/6/2018 12:57pm
crf250pilot wrote:
what do you think they got that weight up to now...275, 280lbs?
aroark247 wrote:
You obviously don't know too much, eh? Curb weight on the current kx450f is only 3 lbs heavier than the current KTM and Husqvarna's curb weight.
Know your facts before talking smack...Source: Vital MX 2018 Shootout

Manufacturer
Suzuki RM-Z450 239 lbs. 114 lbs. 125 lbs. 249 lbs. 120 lbs. 129 lbs.
Yamaha YZ450F 238 lbs. 115 lbs. 123 lbs. 248 lbs. 120 lbs. 128 lbs.
Honda CRF450R 237 lbs. 116 lbs. 121 lbs. 248 lbs. 121 lbs. 127 lbs.
Kawasaki KX450F 228 lbs. 109 lbs. 119 lbs. 240 lbs. 115 lbs. 125 lbs.
Husqvarna FC 450 224 lbs. 108 lbs. 116 lbs. 234 lbs. 115 lbs. 119 lbs.
KTM 450 SX-F 223 lbs. 107 lbs. 116 lbs. 233 lbs. 114 lbs. 119 lbs.
theycallmeebryan 4/6/2018 1:24pm
4/6/2018 1:24pm
Did any of the 2016-2018 pre-production bikes have a hydraulic clutch on it? Is it confirmed that the 2019 will come from the factory with one, or is it an aftermarket piece the race teams over there are running?
mx317
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mx317 4/6/2018 1:27pm
4/6/2018 1:27pm
BobPA wrote:
Know your facts before talking smack...Source: Vital MX 2018 Shootout Manufacturer Suzuki RM-Z450 239 lbs. 114 lbs. 125 lbs. 249 lbs. 120 lbs. 129 lbs. Yamaha...
Know your facts before talking smack...Source: Vital MX 2018 Shootout

Manufacturer
Suzuki RM-Z450 239 lbs. 114 lbs. 125 lbs. 249 lbs. 120 lbs. 129 lbs.
Yamaha YZ450F 238 lbs. 115 lbs. 123 lbs. 248 lbs. 120 lbs. 128 lbs.
Honda CRF450R 237 lbs. 116 lbs. 121 lbs. 248 lbs. 121 lbs. 127 lbs.
Kawasaki KX450F 228 lbs. 109 lbs. 119 lbs. 240 lbs. 115 lbs. 125 lbs.
Husqvarna FC 450 224 lbs. 108 lbs. 116 lbs. 234 lbs. 115 lbs. 119 lbs.
KTM 450 SX-F 223 lbs. 107 lbs. 116 lbs. 233 lbs. 114 lbs. 119 lbs.
Exactly! I won't be surprised if they don't gain 4-5 lbs on the KX450F now that they have added the electric start.
MX915
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MX915 4/6/2018 2:19pm
4/6/2018 2:19pm
theycallmeebryan wrote:
Did any of the 2016-2018 pre-production bikes have a hydraulic clutch on it? Is it confirmed that the 2019 will come from the factory with one...
Did any of the 2016-2018 pre-production bikes have a hydraulic clutch on it? Is it confirmed that the 2019 will come from the factory with one, or is it an aftermarket piece the race teams over there are running?
Last year's bike had a cable clutch.

https://www.vitalmx.com/features/Preview-2018-Pre-Production-and-Works-Bikes-from-Japan,5275
Underground 4/6/2018 3:07pm
4/6/2018 3:07pm
twotwosix wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/04/06/253886/s1200_BCEE21C5_B009_4685_B95D_119C788AB330.jpg[/img]


Looks like they have gone the same route as Honda with a short shock allowing room for the airbox over top and a more angled, straight shot intake tract. Also lowering the weight bias. And is that possibly a green airbox?
280driver
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280driver 4/7/2018 6:47am
4/7/2018 6:47am


Transworld has a big write up. Hydraulic clutch and spring forks confirmed for production bike.
BobPA
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BobPA 4/7/2018 9:28am
4/7/2018 9:28am
I am breaking the zipper in my jeans right now
mx317
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mx317 4/7/2018 9:38am
4/7/2018 9:38am
mattyhamz2 wrote:
Shrouds look better too
I don't see much difference except for graphics.
280driver
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280driver 4/7/2018 9:49am
4/7/2018 9:49am Edited Date/Time 4/7/2018 9:50am
Mentions extensive head and valve train changes for
increased HP. I’m sure ET is looking forward to this.

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es337
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es337 4/7/2018 10:06am
4/7/2018 10:06am
280driver wrote:
Mentions extensive head and valve train changes for
increased HP. I’m sure ET is looking forward to this.
I dont think elis problem is power. Its staying off the ground.
jsmi33966
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jsmi33966 4/7/2018 1:31pm
4/7/2018 1:31pm
If Kawasaki can pull that off and not gain weight they are going to win a lot of fans. I don't hate air forks. It has take 6 months of becoming a suspension expert but I love the adjustability and by this time my worries are more for the rear shock.
JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 4/7/2018 2:07pm
4/7/2018 2:07pm
280driver wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/04/07/254095/s1200_62BF8262_FB7D_4387_8CE0_8B374DE71576.jpg[/img]


This bike is looking awesome! Might be my next bike. But I’m not selling my 16.
PRM31
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PRM31 4/7/2018 3:39pm
4/7/2018 3:39pm
Why do development on a future production bike with aftermarket triple clamps?
JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 4/7/2018 3:42pm
4/7/2018 3:42pm
PRM31 wrote:
Why do development on a future production bike with aftermarket triple clamps?
I’m assuming it’s because of the Works forks.
ob
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ob 4/7/2018 3:55pm
4/7/2018 3:55pm
PRM31 wrote:
Why do development on a future production bike with aftermarket triple clamps?
Production development was probably done a while ago. Race specs still need work I’ll bet.
PRM31
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PRM31 4/7/2018 3:56pm
4/7/2018 3:56pm
PRM31 wrote:
Why do development on a future production bike with aftermarket triple clamps?
JBecker 72 wrote:
I’m assuming it’s because of the Works forks.
Which is even crazier. Kind of hard to develop the bike as a package if using non-production representative suspension. I’m sure they have a separate effort developing a production package.
JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 4/7/2018 3:59pm
4/7/2018 3:59pm
PRM31 wrote:
Why do development on a future production bike with aftermarket triple clamps?
JBecker 72 wrote:
I’m assuming it’s because of the Works forks.
PRM31 wrote:
Which is even crazier. Kind of hard to develop the bike as a package if using non-production representative suspension. I’m sure they have a separate effort...
Which is even crazier. Kind of hard to develop the bike as a package if using non-production representative suspension. I’m sure they have a separate effort developing a production package.
The Japanese nationals are always full of trick bits and unobtainium. Just the way it is. Like ob said, probably working on developing the race bike.
ML512
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ML512 4/7/2018 5:16pm
4/7/2018 5:16pm
PRM31 wrote:
Why do development on a future production bike with aftermarket triple clamps?
Production development and specs have already been decided on. In this case they're learning a bit about the bike but they're also chasing results, they'll swap parts if the riders want/feel it's necessary.
Frank
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Frank 4/7/2018 5:24pm
4/7/2018 5:24pm
Bike still looks like a 2006 in comparison to competition. That is forgiven if it weighs less than a ktm and has more power of course.
tempura
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tempura 4/7/2018 5:29pm
4/7/2018 5:29pm
Well here we are, first round on the Japan nationals.na

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