Introduction
Motocross performance based on the World Champion KX450F
Take the short cut to the circuit with the all-new Kawasaki KFX®450R
ATV. This high performance machine doesn't require extensive
and expensive modifications to make it race-ready, because it
already includes all the race-winning performance and technology
required for success straight out of the crate.
The KFX450R's design incorporates everything riders need to win
races. Every component was chosen to maximize performance
on the track or in the woods and to minimize the fuss of getting
there. This highly advanced racing ATV comes with all the
performance and technology necessary to put riders at the head
of the pack.
The KFX450R ATV uses a powerplant based on Kawasaki's highly
acclaimed KX450F motocross engine. With the addition of
an efficient and highly-responsive 32-bit digital fuel injection
system, the KFX450R's engine produces more torque in the low
and medium rpm ranges for outstanding hole-shot acceleration.
The use of fuel injection helps ensure that the engine's performance
remains consistent and is virtually unaffected by changes in
temperature or altitude. This ATV's ability to find traction
is superb, and its four-stroke torque helps keep the wheels hooked-up
for improved handling and higher corner speeds. Other race-ready
features include a lightweight titanium exhaust header pipe and
a durable forged piston.
Winning at the track depends on a chassis that's built to handle
tough race conditions. The KFX450R offers the full benefits
of an all-aluminium frame, combining exceptionally light weight
with the extreme stiffness needed to win races. However,
it isn't just advanced materials that give the KFX450R its race-winning
edge. The front suspension design incorporates extremely long
lower A-arms mounted to a single box-section lower frame tube.
This results in outstanding response from the front-end. At the
rear is a cast aluminium swingarm that provides the ideal balance
of flexibility and rigidity resulting in unparalleled traction.
The high-tech chassis also features a very 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.
Competition-oriented equipment, including the only reverse gear
in its class, helps keep the KFX fast and reliable. Previously
unheard of in racing, the KFX 450R's lightweight reverse system
lets riders quickly extricate themselves from first turn chaos
or dead-end trails. This important feature means on-track incidents
(like getting nosed-into a wall) no longer result in an early
retirement from the race.
Kawasaki has also made the KFX450R 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
replace sections separately if they get damaged. Even the
headlight assembly is quickly detachable for closed-course races,
and the compact design means that the 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 the
racetrack and winning races as quickly as possible.
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Features
449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, four-stroke single
- Based on the engine from the World Championship winning KX450F
- A lightweight forged piston reduces reciprocating weight
- Triple piston rings and a 21mm diameter piston pin help increase
durability and reduce necessary maintenance
- The intake ports feature a special coating. The extremely smooth
surfaces improve intake efficiency at all rpm
- Lightweight titanium valves and aluminum valve spring retainers
reduce reciprocating weight and boost high-rpm reliability
- 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
the sharp engine response. An air duct fashioned from polyethylene
(known for its ability to resist deformation caused by intake
pulses) helps ensure stable engine performance
- Torque delivery is tuned to match the rear tires' ability to
deliver traction, making it easier to accelerate without excessive
wheelspin. Efforts were made to achieve the widest possible torque
curve, so that traction can be maximised through a greater part
of the rev range
- Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams yield high intake efficiency
Digital Fuel Injection
- 32-bit digital fuel injection system uses a 42mm throttle body.
This 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 jumps
- Fuel injection also provides trouble-free starting a
great benefit in races where riders line up with their engines
off and need to start their engines before being able to blast
away from the starting line
- Fuel injection allows the use of a lighter throttle return
spring. This helps reduce rider fatigue, because less pressure
is required at the throttle lever
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
aluminium chassis is no heavier than using a steel frame without
reverse
Aluminum Chassis
- Highly rigid aluminum frame contributes to the KFX's excellent
handling and traction. The 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 KFX ATV sits low to the
ground, helping to reduce roll tendencies
- Mounting the battery and coolant tank in front of the engine
lowers the center of gravity, and helps weight the front wheels
for increased traction when cornering
- Single box-tube lower frame contains the front A-arm attachment
points. This design is narrower than the competition's frames
and enables the use of longer lower A-arms
Advanced Suspension Design
- Positive and negative suspension travel enhances the front
wheels' ability to stay in constant contact with the ground.
This helps maintain traction and steering authority during hard
acceleration and in situations where the ground drops away
- Dual-rate front springs help deliver progressive suspension
travel to provide excellent rough-surface handling
- Extra-long lower front A-arms help minimize camber variations
through the suspension stroke, to maximize front wheel traction
and boost stability
- Motocross style rear shock features both high and low-speed
compression adjustability as well as adjustable rebound damping
- Cast aluminum rear swingarm features curved lines and rounded
edges to help disperse stress, as well as different wall thickness
for each surface, resulting in 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 reduced unsprung weight
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
- Dual front hydraulic disc brakes offer consistently strong
stopping performance
- Petal-type rear brake rotor reduces unsprung weight and helps
clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance in
difficult conditions
- 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 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 to
reduce weight when 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
single, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
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: 46.0 in
Overall height: 41.9 in
Seat height: 30.9 in
Wheelbase: 49.4 in
Ground clearance: 4.3 in
Lighting: Dual removable headlights
Dry weight: 364 lb
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal
Footpegs: Sport-style serrated
MSRP / Color choices: $7,399 Lime Green / Super Black,
Bright White / Super Black; $7,599 Super Black
Warranty: 12 Months
* Price and specifications subject to change
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