Motorcycles 2021 Kawasaki KX450

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The 2021 Kawasaki KX ™450 motorcross bike is the leader of the KX™ legacy featuring championship-proven technology and a 449cc engine to help riders dominate on the track.

The KX 450 motorcycle represents the flagship of the KX lineup, built with the sole purpose of dominating the track. Over the past four decades, we’ve learned what it takes to win and stay on top. Our dedication to building the ultimate machine is undeniable, and the KX 450 represents this to the

Ups

© Provided by Motorcyclist 2021 Kawasaki KX450

• Powerful, easy-to-ride engine
• Great suspension provides a plush yet progressive feel
• Best-in-class chassis due to its nimble maneuverability and overall comfort
• Agreeable ergonomics thanks to the new handlebar
• Effortless clutch pull
• Although subtle, Kawasaki kept improvements coming

Downs

• Sensitive rear brake could lock up the rear wheel
• EFI couplers are long in the tooth
• No handlebar-mounted engine map select button

Verdict

The 2021 Kawasaki KX450 is an excellent and well-rounded package with subtle updates that make it even better.

Best Motocross Bike Winner—2021 Kawasaki KX450

Three-peat for Team Green in the 450 Motocross ShootoutRelated: 2021 Kawasaki KX450 Review First Ride

2021 KX 450 . Overview. Specs gallery offers similar models. Featured on a mass-production motocrosser for the first time on the Kawasaki KX 450 F, the system activates a separate engine map designed to get a more efficient start off the line.

The KX 450 has always been built with one goal in mind: to put riders on the top step of the podium. With over 40 years of KX heritage, Kawasaki now delivers an unrivaled MX1 category machine with a stronger engine mounted in the leanest chassis to date.

© Provided by Motorcyclist 2021 Kawasaki KX450

Overview

With competition as fierce as it is in the full-size motocross category, the three consecutive victories that Kawasaki has garnered with the KX450 in the Dirt Rider’s comparison is nothing short of impressive. The 2021 model took another win this year because, simply put, it does everything very well.

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Updates for 2021

Despite two previous victories, Kawasaki R&D kept plugging away at improvements, as the model also sees performance and ergonomic updates for 2021. This includes a new coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch, larger-diameter clutch plates with a revised friction material, piston skirt that utilizes a new dry film lubricant coating, and new Renthal Fatbar handlebar.

2021 Kawasaki KX250X Review First Ride

Riding Kawasaki’s new 250cc four-stroke cross-country motorcycle.Related: 2021 Kawasaki KX250 Review First Ride

KX 450 X. Get the off-road edge. New. When it comes to KX motorcycles, winning runs in the family. The all-new cross-country KX 450 X motorcycle is powered by technology that hails from a legacy of champions and tuned to take on the toughest terrain.

KX™450. Be Unrivaled. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your Owner’s Manual. © 2021 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

© Provided by Motorcyclist 2021 Kawasaki KX450

Pricing and Variants

Priced at $9,399, this model is tied with the Yamaha YZ450F and GasGas MC 450F as the second cheapest model in the 450 four-stroke category. The Suzuki RM-Z450 is $400 cheaper at $8,999.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

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The KX450′s liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder 449cc engine is characterized by its quick-revving, reactive engine character and controllable power delivery. In the Dirt Rider comparison Andrew Oldar said, “It makes decent power throughout the rpm range, is very lively, and has a super-crisp throttle response. The KX450 doesn’t have the most torque, hit, or over-rev, but is a user-friendly engine that is controllable and predictable.”

On our in-house dyno, the Kawasaki KX450 recorded 52.4 hp at 9,600 rpm and 32.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm.

2021 Kawasaki KLX300 First Look Preview

Kawasaki expands its dual sport line in 2021 with the KLX300.The new KLX300 will be powered by a 292cc single, featuring a lightweight piston, pin and connecting rod, electrofusion cylinder, and cam profiles derived from the 300R. Ignition timing and a gear-driven engine balancer are calibrated to reduce vibrations as much as possible, a boon to riders planning any longer trips on the new 300. The mill is mounted low in the high-tensile-steel, box-section perimeter frame, and gear ratios were chosen to hit the sweet spot between off-road capability and on-road performance.

2021 KX 450 X. Overview. Specs gallery offers similar models. Featured on a mass-production motocrosser for the first time on the Kawasaki KX 450 F, the system activates a separate engine map designed to get a more efficient start off the line.

2021 KX 450 X. HOW MUCH? Enter your postcode to get a ride away price. Engine Design. KX 450 X features a valve train designed by Kawasaki ’s World Superbike engineers. Finger-follower valve actuation enables the use of large-diameter valves and aggressive cam profiles.

The Nissin hydraulic clutch makes the pull extremely easy and remarkably light when working through the five-speed transmission.

© Provided by Motorcyclist 2021 Kawasaki KX450

Handling

The aluminum perimeter frame and Showa suspension work well together to absorb impacts and are firm enough to respond well to rider inputs. Overall, Dirt Rider’s Andrew Oldar wrote the KX450 “is very maneuverable, corners easily, and is able to change lines at a moment’s notice while still being stable and predictable at speed,” all of which make it the best-handling chassis in the class.

© Jeff Allen Motorcyclist

Brakes

The Kawasaki is fitted with a Nissin two-piston caliper and 270mm disc out front and a Nissin one-piston caliper and 250mm disc out back. The latter pairing drew some complaints because it was a bit touchy and easy to lock up.

© Provided by Motorcyclist 2021 Kawasaki KX450

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

Real-world miles per gallon is not currently recorded. The KX450, like the Yamaha YZ450F, has a 1.6-gallon tank, which is smaller than the 1.7 or 1.8 gallons of fuel its competition can hold.

2021 Kawasaki KX250 Dyno Test

How much power does Kawasaki’s 250 four-stroke motocross bike make in 2021?Although the Kawasaki KX250 enjoyed a plethora of engine updates last year despite the fact that the powerplant itself didn’t look all that much different on the outside, Team Green’s 250 four-stroke motocrosser received even more changes for the 2021 model year including electric start, a revised crank web, 3mm-longer connecting rod, different combustion chamber design, flatter piston crown, a higher spring rate for the outer valve springs, 2mm-wider cam chain, revised cylinder water jacket, thicker cylinder wall, updated ECU settings, and a coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The Kawasaki KX450′s Ergo-Fit allows for handlebar, footpeg, and seat adjustments, but that’s not the only reason the bike’s ergonomics are comfortable. The bike’s thin structure and flat seat allow for ample rider movement, and the new Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar improves the rider triangle compared to the previous setup.

© Jeff Allen Motorcyclist

Electronics

© Kawasaki Motorcyclist

The KX450 is fitted with Kawasaki’s launch control as well as three optional EFI couplers, the latter of which seem outdated since the bike’s competitors have a handlebar-mounted engine map select button.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Warranty is not available for this model.

Quality

The Kawasaki KX450 offers an enjoyable ride, improved ergonomics, great suspension, and an easy clutch pull, all for an agreeably priced, well-rounded package.

© Provided by Motorcyclist 2021 Kawasaki KX450

2021 Kawasaki KX450 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$9,399
Engine:	449cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke:	96.0 x 62.1mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	DFI w/ 44mm Keihin throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, hydraulically actuated
Engine Management/Ignition:	Digital CDI w/ 3 coupler options
Frame:	Aluminum perimeter
Front Suspension:	49mm Showa coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, fully adjustable; 12.1 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 250mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked wheels
Tires, Front/Rear:	80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Trail:	27.6°/4.8 in.
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.4 in.
Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Wet Weight:	243 lb.
Contact:	kawasaki.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	38.0 in.
Wet Weight:	244 lb.
Rear-wheel Horsepower:	52.4 hp @ 9,600 rpm
Rear-wheel Torque:	32.6 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm