Kawasaki's Electric Start Revolution: 450 Dirt Bikes Evolve

The Kawasaki KX450F is a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single motocross motorcycle. In 2007, the KX450F was released with added conveniences that made it more suitable for trail riding, green laning, enduro events, and lower-speed riding in general. This was due to the larger gas tank, 18-inch rear wheel, headlamp, and electric start. In 2019, Kawasaki dropped the F from the name and the KX450 became an all-new design, which included electric start and eliminated the kick starter.

The Kawasaki KX450F was first released in 2005

In 2016, the Kawasaki KX450F was the newest, brightest star in the 450 class. Two years later, in 2018, it was considered the old-school alternative. In 2019, Kawasaki dropped the F from the name, and the KX450 became an all-new design, which included electric start and eliminated the kick starter. The Kawasaki KX450 motorcycle returned as the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX lineup for 2021, boasting several new updates to maintain its edge as the leader in its class.

The 2019 KX450 was the first Kawasaki 450 dirt bike to feature an electric start

The Kawasaki KX450F was the newest, brightest star in the 450 class in 2016. Two years later, in 2018, it had become the old-school alternative. The KX450F has been around since 2005, but the machine suffered catastrophic frame failure during the Japanese MX season. Since 2007, it has also come in the KLX450R versions, which has added conveniences that make it more suitable for trail riding, green laning, enduro events, and lower speed riding in general. This is due to the larger gas tank, 18-inch rear wheel, headlamp, and electric start, and a retuned engine that has less peak horsepower in favour of easier handling from more lower-end torque delivered more smoothly.

The KX450F has been available in the KLX450R version since 2007

The Kawasaki KX450F is a liquid-cooled, four-stroke 450cc motorcycle. It has been available since 2005, but the machine suffered catastrophic frame failure during the Japanese MX season. Since 2007, it has also come in the KLX450R versions, which has added conveniences that make it more suitable for trail riding, green laning, enduro events, and lower speed riding in general. This is due to the larger gas tank, 18-inch rear wheel, headlamp, and electric start, and a retuned engine that has less peak horsepower in favour of easier handling from more lower-end torque delivered more smoothly. In 2016, the Kawasaki KX450F was the newest, brightest star in the 450 class. In 2019, Kawasaki dropped the F from the name, and the KX450 is now an all-new design, which includes electric start and eliminates the kick starter. The KX450 returned as the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX lineup for 2021 and boasts several new updates to maintain its edge as the leader in its class.

The 2021 KX450 featured a new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch

The Kawasaki KX450F was first introduced in 2005, but the machine suffered catastrophic frame failure during the Japanese MX season. Since 2007, the KX450F has also come in the KLX450R versions, which have added conveniences that make it more suitable for trail riding, green laning, enduro events, and lower-speed riding in general. This is due to the larger gas tank, 18-inch rear wheel, headlamp, and electric start, and a retuned engine that has less peak horsepower in favour of easier handling from more lower-end torque delivered more smoothly.

In 2016, the Kawasaki KX450F was the newest, brightest star in the 450 class. Two years later, in 2018, it had become the old-school alternative. In 2019, Kawasaki dropped the F from the name. The 2019 KX450 is an all-new design, which includes electric start and eliminates the kick starter.

The Kawasaki KX450 motorcycle returned as the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX lineup for 2021. It featured several new updates to maintain its edge as the leader in its class. Tuned to best suit race-experienced riders, the 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with improved engine power, slim aluminium perimeter frame, Showa A-KIT technology suspension, redesigned hydraulic clutch and electric start are the ultimate combination of a championship-winning package.

The 2021 KX450 features a new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch, which offers improved performance and durability over the previous model. The new clutch provides a more direct feel and improved modulation, allowing riders to more precisely control the bike's power delivery. The coned disk-spring design also helps to reduce clutch fade during extended periods of riding, ensuring consistent performance lap after lap. In addition to the new clutch, the 2021 KX450 also received a new 1-1/8” Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar, further enhancing the rider's control and feel. With these updates, the KX450 continues to be a top choice for race-experienced riders looking for a competitive edge.

The KX450F is not co-developed with Suzuki Motor Co

The Kawasaki KX450F is a liquid-cooled, four-stroke single motocross motorcycle with a 449cc engine. The KX450F was first introduced in 2005, but the machine suffered catastrophic frame failure during the Japanese MX season. Since 2007, the KX450F has also been available in the KLX450R version, which is more suitable for trail riding, green laning, enduro events, and lower-speed riding in general. This is due to the larger gas tank, 18-inch rear wheel, headlamp, and electric start. The electric start feature was also added to the KX450F in 2019, replacing the kick starter.

The KX450F was not co-developed with Suzuki Motor Co. and differed greatly from Suzuki's 450cc offering. In contrast, the Kawasaki KX250F was co-developed with Suzuki under a joint venture. The KX450F is known for its reliability and performance, and it has maintained its position as the leader in its class. In 2016, the KX450F received a redesign with significant changes to the engine, chassis, and throttle body.

Over the years, the KX450F has continued to evolve, with Kawasaki making updates to maintain its edge in the market. In 2021, the KX450 received engine updates for increased performance, a new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch, and a new 1-1/8” Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar. The KX450 is built with race-winning components and is tuned to suit race-experienced riders.

The Kawasaki KX450F has a strong reputation in the motocross world, known for its power, handling, and race-winning capabilities. While it may not have the glamour of being the newest bike on the market, it remains a reliable and competitive choice for riders seeking performance and dependability.

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