Kawasaki Press Materials Below:

The Kawasaki KX™ motocross line up is the most successful motocross and supercross brand of motorcycles on the market today. As the flagship model in the KX family, the Kawasaki KX™450F motorcycle leads the way with a powerful, nimble, and technologically advanced heritage. Inspired by Kawasaki’s factory race team, the KX450F motorcycle is simply race-ready. It remains one of the most sought-after bikes in its class and Kawasaki mounted racers also receive the benefit of the industry-leading Team Green™ support network that can be found trackside. The Kawasaki KX450F has a rich history of producing champions.

• Factory race team inspired, redesigned triple clamps with increased rigidity that enable quick turn in
• Slim, perimeter frame and swingarm give better rider feel.
• Revised ECU settings.
• Industry-leading Showa SFF-Air TAC (Separate Function front Fork, Triple Air Chamber) separates damping and spring duties into each fork tube. It also replaces heavy coil spring with air chambers to improve response and reduce weight.
• Aggressive factory styling including seat designed for easier rider movement and new for 2017 in-mold graphics.

Kawasaki is determined to produce the best performing 450cc motocross bike, featuring a factory-race inspired engine, state of the art aluminum perimeter frame, and lightweight, razor-thin chassis. New for 2017 are redesigned upper and lower triple clamps inspired by the Monster Energy® Kawasaki racing team. Riders will reap the benefits of rider adjustability and innovative electronic upgrades, which target maximizing performance for a variety of riding levels and racing conditions.

ENGINE

• Factory race-derived Bridged-Box-Bottom piston has optimum rigidity for maximum high-rpm power and durability
• Intake ports, intake valves, cam timing and cylinder offset designed for increased power across a broad rev range
• High-flow airbox with rear intake channels improve flow and reduce intake noise

Kawasaki’s already powerful race-winning motocross bike is back stronger than ever for 2017, with the KX450F motorcycle boasting a potent, lightweight engine package inspired by its factory race efforts.

The cylinder head is offset (8.5mm forward) to reduce mechanical loss through friction from the piston movement, thus enabling more efficient power generation. Intake port angles contribute to improving mid-high RPM performance and over-rev. A special coating has been used on intake port cores during the casting process to make the ports smoother. The butter-smooth surfaces and port shape increase efficiency and performance at all RPM.

The 36mm titanium intake valves complement slim throat angle and reduced recess to increase high-RPM performance, similar to valves on the engines found in Kawasaki Ninja® sportbikes. Intake cam timing settings maximize low-RPM performance, while a lightweight camshaft improves throttle response and extends over-rev. A bridged-box piston design, which features a 12:8:1 compression ratio, is based on the AMA factory race bikes and matches the intake valve shape.

The exhaust system header design features a resonator chamber to improve low-RPM power and help reduce the decibel sound level. A unique air box design has gone away from using any steel parts, resulting in weight savings. Underseat intakes and air box shape help ensure clean airflow, ultimately improving engine response and reducing intake noise.

In the transmission, lightweight gears and shafts reduce weight and retain their overall strength while contributing to the motorcycle’s overall winning performance. The engine cases, which feature a scavenger pump on the right case, have been constructed of the lightest materials and are designed to meet the highest standards of durability.

ELECTRONICS

• ECU programming is easily selectable via interchangeable DFI® couplers included with the bike that provide three pre-programmed maps for standard, hard or soft (terrain), without the need for a separate programmer or laptop
• The KX450F was the first factory-motocross bike in the industry to feature launch control, which increases the ability to get good starts by maximizing available traction
• Kawasaki Accessory FI Calibration Kit (Handheld) allows precise adjustment of fuel and ignition settings while eliminating the need for a laptop (sold separately)

In addition to the high-performance engine components, the fuel injection system (ECU) returns with DFI® couplers that have set the industry standard. Each KX450F motorcycle comes standard with three different couplers, allowing riders to quickly change fuel injection and ignition mapping to suit the riding conditions. The four-pin DFI couplers are designed for standard, hard or soft terrain settings. Changing the coupler is as simple as connecting the coupler cap of choice.

For riders looking to fine tune their ECU the KX FI Calibration Kit (Handheld) is offered as part of a selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, which allows access to the fully programmable ECU. Eliminating the need for a trackside laptop, the handheld device gives riders the ability to create custom maps for precise adjustment of fuel and ignition settings. It can store up to seven preset maps and is PC-compatible.

The launch control system of the KX450F motorcycle is extremely popular for both amateur and pro riders who are focused on getting the holeshot. The push-button activation retards ignition timing in first and second gears, helping maximize traction and put the bike’spower to the ground. As the rider shifts into third gear, normal ignition mapping immediately resumes and full power returns.

CHASSIS

• Factory race team inspired, redesigned triple clamps that enable quick turn in
• Tapered “D” shape swingarm is lighter than a comparable box-section unit and provides superior rigidity for its weight
• Swingarm features tapered hydro-formed spars and forged chain adjusters

Kawasaki’s engineers have worked with the factory racing team to develop new upper and lower triple clamps with increased rigidity that provide more stability to improve front-end feel and enable a quicker turn-in when cornering. The new triple clamps combine with the perimeter frame to boast superior handling. With rider movement in mind, the perimeter spars have been designed to ultra-thin specifications for a narrow profile. A lightweight, rigid swingarm is used to help rear-wheel traction and overall rider feel and handling performance.

The alloy swingarm is constructed of a cast front section and twin tapered hydro-formed spars in a raw aluminum finish. Forged chain adjusters are also equipped with a self-locking rear axle nut. The axle nut holds the 80lb-ft torque setting without the need of a cotter pin for ease of maintenance at the track.

BODYWORK & SEAT

• Lightweight minimalist bodywork including in-mold graphics that result in an ultra-smooth shroud surface and ensure the race-inspired graphics are not easily damaged
• Aggressive design of front fender adds to race-like appearance
• Reinforced seat base with increased rigidity

The minimalist shrouds were designed to be small and slim where they come into contact with the rider’s legs. The two-piece construction and elongated design creates a smooth surface between the rider’s legs, facilitating easier movement

Flat seat design uses urethane foam designed to retain its original shape and provide optimum durability. Flat design unifies with bodywork to help ensure the rider can move around freely

Top of fuel tank is low, allowing easier progression from the seat to the tank. Flat design gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding position, allowing the rider to sit further forward

The 2017 KX450F motorcycle’s appearance features aggressive styling along with in-mold graphics on the radiator shrouds in order to keep up with its race proven performance, retaining the racy look expected at the top of its class. The bodywork has been shaped to form around the narrow chassis design, which allows for rider maneuverability in the fiercest conditions.

The fuel tank has been designed to lower the overall center of gravity. The flat design gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding position, while also allowing the rider to sit further forward.

Completing the bike’s eye-catching appearance are the green engine plugs, oil cap, and generator cover plugs, as well as green alumite suspension adjusters and black alumite wheels. The clutch cover features embossing that is designed to appear as contact from the rider’s boots wears away the paint.

To help protect the bottom of the 2017 KX450F motorcycle’s engine from general wear and tear encountered during a typical day at the track, a large synthetic skidplate offers a level of protection with minimal weight. It features oval holes in order to facilitate easy mud removal and further reduce weight.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

• Showa SFF-Air TAC (Separate Function front Fork, Triple Air Chamber) with triple air chamber uses air as a spring. The reduced weight and inertia of the air spring improves smoothness and enhances the fork’s ability to follow terrain contours
• Revised rear shock linkage ratios and tie-rod length along with revised rear shock valve setting and spring
• 22-position rebound damping adjuster allows precise fine-tuning of the rebound circuit
• Easy adjuster access allows trackside suspension tuning with a minimum of hassle or lost time
• Lightweight 270mm “oversized” front rotor is squeezed by a powerful twin-piston caliper and features an aggressive petal design to help clear mud and debris

The 2017 KX450F once again features the Showa SFF-Air TAC (Separate Function front Fork, Triple Air Chamber) fork technology, which separates the damping and shock absorption duties into the individual fork legs. The left fork contains the damping assembly and the right fork contains the air spring. Instead of the steel coil springs found in conventional forks, the SFF-Air TAC’s right fork tube has three chambers filled with pressurized air that acts as a “spring.” With the elimination of steel coil springs, friction is reduced by approximately 20% and creates an extremely smooth action throughout the fork’s stroke. This has added the benefit of greatly reducing weight and allowing a larger damper piston to be used, providing smoother action.

It is lightweight and rigid, contributing to superior riding stability and front-end feel. The low-friction design, including a DLC coating to the outside of the lower fork tubes, contributes to an extremely smooth fork action. Precise settings can be adjusted by simply changing air pressure or using the 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment. Changing air pressure covers a range of settings offered by optional springs in a standard fork, including quick changes of ride height, without needing to disassemble the fork tubes.

Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak® linkage rear suspension system is designed to work in conjunction with the aluminum frame and swingarm. The linkage mounted below the swingarm allows a longer rear suspension stroke, while maintaining a low seat height. Dual compression adjustability from the Showa shock allows high-speed and low-speed damping rates to be set separately. The shock reservoir has a friction-reducing internal Kashima Coat for improved suspension action. The race-oriented rear suspension offers class-leading action and adjustability on par with the Showa SFF-Air TAC fork. The fully adjustable shock allows for precise settings to help keep the rear wheel planted and the rider out front.

An optional Kawasaki rear suspension linkage tie rod is available for riders seeking an edge over the competition. It is 1mm longer than stock and can be used to reduce seat height by 4mm to give the rider adjustment options.

In order to consistently turn fast lap times and keep up with its powerful engine, Kawasaki uses an oversized 270mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking. Its purpose is to provide powerful stopping, good lever feel, and consistency in all conditions. The rear is equipped with a 240mm petal-shaped Braking rotor.

ADJUSTABILITY

• 4-way adjustable handlebar
• Wide 50mm footpegs can be adjusted 5mm lower than stock to lower the center of gravity and suit a range of riders

Kawasaki is committed towards paving the path to success, which includes providing class-leading comfort with an adjustable handlebar mounting system and footpegs to fit riders of all sizes and riding styles. The handlebars feature 4-way adjustable mounts. The multi-position handlebars offer two mounting holes with 35mm of adjustability, and the 180-degree offset clamps boast four individual setting to suit different size riders.

The footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position that reduces height from the standard setting by an additional 5mm. The lower position effectively lowers the center of gravity when standing, and reduces knee angle when taller riders are seated.

The 2017 Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle can be customized to suit a large range of riders thanks to its flat seat design, adjustable handlebar and footpegs and fully adjustable suspension components.

This perfectly complements the wide range of damping settings as well as the DFI couplers and optional handheld KX FI Calibration Kit, allowing the rider to find the ideal engine characteristics to suit a particular track or conditions. While the base settings on the KX450F motorcycle are based on extensive testing, including racing, the motorcycle provides a huge range of technology and adjustment to help ensure every rider can fully exploit the incredible ability of this extremely capable motocross bike.

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki's commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 300 of them located at KMC's Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

Specifications

• Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled
• Displacement: 449cc
• Bore x Stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
• Compression ratio: 12.8:1
• Fuel System: DFI® w/43mm Keihin throttle body
• Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
• Transmission: 5-speed, return shift
• Final Drive: Chain
• Front Suspension/Wheel Travel: Inverted Showa SFF-Air TAC fork with Triple Air Chamber, DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment/12.0 in
• Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel: Uni-Trak® linkage system and Showa shock, 19-position low-speed and 4-turns high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload/12.0 in
• Front Tire: 80/100-21
• Rear Tire: 120/80-19
• Front Brakes: Single semi-floating 270mm Braking petall disc with dual-piston caliper
• Rear Brakes: Single 240mm Braking petal disc with single-piston caliper
• Frame Type: Aluminum perimeter
• Rake/Trail: 28.2°/5.0 in
• Overall Length: 86.4 in
• Overall Width: 32.3 in
• Overall Height: 50.4 in
• Ground Clearance: 13.2 in
• Seat Height: 37.4 in
• Curb Weight: 239.8 lbs**
• Fuel Capacity: 1.66 gal
• Wheelbase: 58.9 in
• Color Choices: Lime Green
• MSRP: $8,849