2017 Kawasaki KX450F

(discontinued)

First Impressions: 2017 Kawasaki KX450F - More Motocross Videos

For 2017, Kawasaki has gone the route of refining their new KX450F they released in 2016. These refinements mostly focus around the chassis/suspension, in an attempt to bring about a better handling package for their newest green machine. These improvements include new triple clamps, not with a different offset but different flex characteristics to improve the front-end grip. Beyond that, they've also included a new link arm and bell crank to improve the linkage ratio for the shock, along with updating the swingarm with more clearance for the shock. To add to these chassis updates, the front forks and rear shock have received internal changes to better take advantage of the changes on each end of the new KX450F.

Some smaller bits and pieces have also received upgrades. These things include new radiator shrouds, which include molded-in graphics, and updated ECU settings to try and clean up the initial response of the engine. Then on the reliability side, Kawasaki has updated the seat base to take on a bit more abuse. After releasing an all-new KX450F in 2016 (including an all new chassis, swingarm, and engine), it's no surprise to see Kawasaki take things a bit easy for 2017, and just try to build upon the massive upgrades they've put forward.