Introduction
Track-ready performance, woods-ready
maneuverability
Riders looking for a race-ready, high performance ATV equipped
with class-leading performance and technology straight out of
the crate need look no further than the Kawasaki KFX®450R.
Every component was chosen to maximize performance on the track
or in the woods and put riders at the head of the pack with minimal
fuss.
The KFX450R ATV uses a powerplant based on Kawasaki's highly
acclaimed KX450F motocross engine. An efficient and highly-responsive
32-bit digital fuel injection (DFI) system automatically compensates
for temperature or altitude. DFI also enhances the engine's ability
to generate torque in the low and medium rpm ranges for outstanding
holeshot acceleration. This ATV's ability to find traction is
superb, and its four-stroke power delivery translates into hooked-up
wheels for improved handling and higher corner speeds.
Other race-ready features include a lightweight titanium exhaust
header pipe and a durable forged piston. The fast and reliable
KFX450R was also the first competition-oriented ATV to include
a reverse gear. Previously unheard of in racing, the KFX450R's
lightweight reverse system lets riders quickly extricate themselves
from first turn chaos, dead-end trails or any other on-track
incident.
Winning races requires a chassis that's built to handle tough
racing conditions. The all-aluminium frame provides light weight
and incredible stiffness without sacrificing strength. The front
suspension design utilizes long lower A-arms mounted to a single
box-section lower frame tube. This results in outstanding suspension
action from the frontend. At the rear, a cast aluminium swingarm
provides the ideal balance of flexibility and rigidity. The high-tech
chassis also features a low center of gravity and excellent roll
resistance. Regardless of changing conditions or rough track
surfaces, this race-oriented chassis makes the KFX450R a potent
weapon in the battle for ATV supremacy.
The KFX450R is easy to work on, so riders can concentrate on
winning instead of wrenching. The two-piece front and rear "lapped"
fenders make it possible to customize the size of the fenders
or replace damaged sections separately. Even the headlight assembly
is quickly detachable for closed-course races, and the compact
design means this ATV looks just as aggressive with or without
headlights. These features leave little doubt that the new KFX450R
was designed to get its rider on track and winning races as quickly
as possible.
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Features
449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve,
four-stroke single
- A lightweight forged piston reduces reciprocating weight
- Triple piston rings and a 21mm diameter piston pin help increase
durability and reduce necessary maintenance
- Lightweight titanium valves and aluminum valve spring retainers
reduce reciprocating weight and boost high-rpm reliability
- Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams yield high intake efficiency
- Lightweight high-performance titanium exhaust header contributes
to low and mid-range throttle response
- Electric starting facilitates quicker stall recovery and lowers
rider fatigue
- Large-volume airbox contributes to both intake efficiency and
sharp engine response. An air duct fashioned from polyethylene
resists deformation caused by intake pulses and helps ensure
stable engine performance
- Advanced engine tuning provides a broad torque curve and an
optimized power delivery for quick acceleration without excessive
wheelspin
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI)
- 32-bit digital fuel injection system with a 42mm throttle body
- System measures coolant temperature, air intake temperature,
air intake pressure, engine speed and throttle position, then
automatically delivers the ideal amount of fuel to optimize power
delivery
- Crisp engine response is especially advantageous for instant
acceleration after landing from jumps
- Promotes trouble-free starting a great benefit in races
with engine off starts
- Fuel injection allows the use of a lighter throttle return
spring, which reduce rider fatigue
Transmission
- The five-speed (one-down, four-up) manual transmission locates
the reverse gear below first
- Actuating the reverse-lock release lever when in first gear
allows you to shift "down" into reverse
- Compact reverse-lock release lever can be activated with the
right thumb, allowing the reverse gear to be engaged while still
keeping the front brake lever depressed
- The combined weight of the reverse gear system and the lightweight
aluminum chassis is no heavier than using a steel frame without
reverse
Aluminum Chassis
- Highly rigid frame contributes to the KFX's excellent handling
and traction
- The aluminum frame's high torsional rigidity enhances stability
in corners and allows the suspension to be easily set up to suit
course conditions
- Designed for high corner speeds, the KFX450R sits low to the
ground, helping to reduce roll tendencies
- Mounting the battery and coolant tank ahead of the engine lowers
the center of gravity, and helps weight the front wheels for
increased traction
- Single box-tube lower frame contains the front A-arm attachment
points. This narrower design enables the use of longer lower
A-arms
Advanced Suspension Design
- Dual-rate front springs deliver progressive suspension travel
for excellent rough-terrain handling
- Extra-long lower front A-arms minimize camber variations through
the suspension stroke, maximize front wheel traction and boost
stability
- Rear shock features both low- and high-speed compression adjustability
and adjustable rebound damping
- The curved lines and rounded edges of the cast aluminum rear
swingarm help disperse stress, which along with its varied wall
thicknesses equal a design that is both light and strong
- The swingarm's high torsional rigidity contributes to excellent
rear wheel traction
- The rear axle is tapered for less unsprung weight
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
- Dual front hydraulic disc brakes offer strong, consistent stopping
performance
- Petal-type rear brake rotors reduce unsprung weight and help
clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
- Integrated rear parking brake is designed to be easily engaged
and released while wearing gloves. When engaged, the parking
brake lever also prevents the clutch lever from being actuated
Additional Features
- Two-tone seat features a smooth top surface for excellent rider
mobility and slip-resistant sides for good grip when hanging
off in corners
- Seat, tank and side covers are shaped to allow excellent rider
mobility and to provide support when hanging off in corners.
- Tapered Renthal Fatbar offers both strength and light weight
- Handlebar mount is designed to accommodate other MX-type handlebars,
enabling riders to select from numerous after-market styles
- Specially designed rear wheels feature reinforcing plates for
the rims. Located on the axle side of the rims, these plates
reinforce the rims where strength is most needed while minimizing
weight
- Wide front bumper, can be gripped with two hands to push/pull
the ATV
- Two-piece "lapped" front and rear fenders can be
replaced separately in the event they are damaged
- Detachable front headlight assembly can easily be removed for
racing
- Optional kick-start system is available for MX-style (GNC)
races where light weight is a priority
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke,
DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Fuel Injection: 32-bit digital, with 42mm Keihin throttle body
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI
Starting: Electric
Transmission: Five-speed with reverse
Final drive: Two-wheel drive, chain
Frame type: Aluminum double cradle, racing type
Front suspension / wheel travel: Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks
/ 8.5 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with piggy-back reservoir
shock, dual-rate spring / 10.0 in.
Front tires: AT21x7-10
Rear tires: AT20x10-9
Front brakes: Dual 163mm discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: 200mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 71.1 in.
Overall width: 46.1 in.
Overall height: 41.9 in
Seat height: 30.9 in.
Wheelbase: 49.4 in.
Ground clearance: 4.3 in.
Lighting: Dual removable headlights
Curb weight: 394.7 lb
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal
Footpegs: Sport-style serrated
Color choices: Lime Green
Sunbeam Red
* Price and specifications subject to change
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