The Kawasaki KX450F is a proven contender in the 450cc four-stroke motocross class, and the 2018 KX450F returns to the Good Times Company’s lineup ready to square off for top honors in the class. Kawasaki recently released details of the 2018 KX450F while also announcing a significantly revised 2018 Kawasaki KX250F. Here’s what the company has to say about the KX450F:
Engine
Kawasaki’s powerful race-winning motocross bike is equipped with a potent, lightweight engine package that is derived from its factory race team efforts. The 4-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled 449cc engine has been designed for instantaneous response at the crack of the throttle and continues through to its strong top-end pull for peak performance.
The cylinder is offset 8.5mm forward to reduce mechanical loss through friction from the piston movement, thus enabling more efficient power generation. A special coating used on the intake port cores during the casting process make ports ultra-smooth, which increases efficiency and performance at all RPM.
36mm titanium intake valves, similar to those found in Kawasaki Ninja® sportbikes, have a slim throat angle and reduced recess to increase high-RPM performance. Intake cam settings maximize low-RPM performance, while a lightweight camshaft aids in throttle response and extends over-rev. A bridged-box piston design, which features a 12:8:1 compression ratio, is similar to those seen on the Monster Energy® Kawasaki race team’s factory race bikes and matches the intake valve shape. The piston has optimum rigidity for maximum high-RPM power and durability.
A resonator chamber has been fitted to the exhaust system header, which assists in low-RPM power and helps to reduce the decibel sound level. The sleek air box design has eliminated the use of any steel parts, resulting in weight savings. Intakes and air box shape underneath the seat help ensure clean-consistent airflow, maximizing engine response and reducing intake noise.
In the transmission, lightweight gears and shafts reduce weight and retain their overall strength while contributing to the motorcycle’s winning performance. The engine cases, which feature a scavenger pump on the right case, have been constructed of the lightest materials and are designed to meet the highest standards of durability.
DFI Couplers
Contributing to the race-winning engine characteristics, the digital fuel injection system of the KX450F features a coupler package that has set the industry standard. Each KX450F motorcycle comes standard with three different couplers, easily allowing riders to change fuel injection and ignition mapping to suit their riding style or track conditions. The four-pin DFI® couplers are designed for standard, hard or soft terrain settings. Changing the coupler is as simple as connecting the coupler cap of choice. For riders looking to fine tune their ECU the KX FI Calibration Kit (Handheld) is offered as part of a selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, which allows access to the fully programmable ECU. The handheld device eliminates the need for a trackside laptop and gives riders the ability to create custom maps for precise adjustment of fuel and ignition settings. The user-friendly device can store up to seven preset maps and is PC-compatible.
Launch Control
The launch control system of the KX450F motorcycle is a favorite for riders of all skill levels who are focused on getting to the first turn ahead of their competition. The push-button activation retards ignition timing in first and second gear, helping maximize traction and put the bike’s potent power to the ground. Once the rider shifts into third gear, normal ignition mapping immediately resumes and full power is restored.
Chassis
Kawasaki’s engineers have sacrificed countless hours working alongside the factory racing team to develop the ultimate aluminum perimeter frame that is aimed towards providing precise cornering through front-end feel and maximum agility at high speeds. The perimeter spars have been designed to ultra-thin specifications for a narrow profile and comfortable feel. A lightweight, rigid swingarm is used to help rear-wheel traction and overall rider feel and handling performance. The alloy swingarm is constructed of a cast front section and twin tapered hydro-formed spars in a raw aluminum finish. Forged chain adjusters are also equipped with a self-locking rear axle nut. The axle nut holds 80lb-ft torque without the need of a cotter pin, simplifying maintenance at the track.
The upper and lower triple clamps are inspired by the factory race team bikes, and enable quick turn-in through the optimal rigidity and front-end feel, ultimately making the motorcycle a rider’s dream when cornering.
Suspension and Brakes
For 2018, the KX450F motorcycle once again features industry-leading technology from the Showa SFF-AIR TAC (Separate Function Fork, Triple Air Chamber), which separates the damping and shock absorption duties into the individual fork legs. The left fork contains the damping assembly and the right fork contains the air spring. Instead of the steel coil springs found in conventional forks, the SFF-AIR TAC’s right fork tube has three chambers filled with pressurized air that act as a “spring.” With the elimination of steel coil springs, friction is reduced, and provides an extremely smooth action throughout the fork’s stroke. This has the added benefit of weight reduction and allows a larger damper piston to be used, further smoothing the action. It is lightweight and rigid, contributing to superior riding performance and front-end feel. The low friction design, including a DLC coating to the outside of the lower fork tubes also contributes to the extremely smooth fork action. Incredibly precise settings can be adjusted by simply changing the air pressure and using the 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustments. Changing air pressure covers a range of settings offered by optional springs in a standard fork, including quick changes of ride height, without needing to disassemble the fork tubes.
On the rear suspension, Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak® linkage system is designed to work in conjunction with the aluminum frame and swingarm. The linkage, which is mounted below the swingarm, allows for a longer rear suspension stroke and maintains a low seat height. Dual compression adjustability from the Showa shock allows high-speed and low-speed damping rates to be set separately. The shock reservoir has a friction-reducing internal Kashima coating for improved suspension action. The race-oriented rear suspension offers class-leading action and adjustability on par with the Showa SFF-AIR TAC fork. The fully adjustable shock allows for precise settings to help keep the rear wheel planted and the rider out front.
Kawasaki offers an optional rear suspension linkage tie rod for riders who are seeking an edge over their competition. It is 1mm longer than stock and can be used to reduce seat height by 4mm to give the rider adjustment options.
An oversized 270mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking®, is fitted to keep up with its powerful engine and help riders turn quicker lap times than the competition. Its purpose is to provide powerful stopping, good lever feel, and consistency in all conditions. The rear is equipped with a 240mm petal-shaped Braking® rotor.
Adjustability
Kawasaki continues its unmatched commitment towards success and provides riders with class-leading comfort thanks to its adjustable handlebar mounting system and footpegs to fit a variety of riders and riding styles. The handlebars feature 4-way adjustable mounts. The multi-position handlebars offer two mounting holes with 35mm of adjustability, and the 180-degree offset clamps boast four individual settings to suit different size riders. The wide 50mm footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position that reduces the standard setting by an additional 5mm. The lower position effectively lowers the center of gravity when standing, and reduces knee angle when taller riders are seated.
The 2018 Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle can be made to suit a large range of riders thanks to its flat seat design, adjustable handlebar and footpegs and adjustable suspension components. This perfectly complements the wide range of damping settings as well as the DFI® couplers and optional handheld KX FI Calibration Kit, allowing the rider to find the ideal engine characteristics to suit a particular track or conditions. While the base settings on the KX450F motorcycle are based on extensive testing, including racing, the motorcycle provides a huge range of technology and adjustment to help ensure every rider can experience the incredible ability of this extremely capable motocross bike.
Bodywork and Seat
To go along with its race proven performance, the 2018 KX450F motorcycle features aggressive styling along with in-mold graphics on the radiator shrouds that retain the racy look necessary when finishing at the top of its class. The bodywork has been sculpted to match the narrow chassis design; the fuel tank has been designed to lower the overall center of gravity, increasing maneuverability. With performance in mind, the flat design easily allows for movement when changing riding position, while also allowing the rider to sit further forward.
Complementing the bike’s eye-catching appearance are the green engine plugs, oil cap, and generator cover plugs, as well as green alumite suspension adjusters and black alumite wheels. The clutch cover features embossing that is designed to appear over time.
A large synthetic skidplate offers a level of protection for the bottom of the 2018 KX450F motorcycle’s class-leading engine, with minimal weight, and features oval holes in order to facilitate mud removal.
2018 Kawasaki KX450F
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $8849
Availability: Now
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