Admin Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 2021 Kawasaki KX450 (Kawasaki/) Ups 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. 2021 Kawasaki KX450 (Jeff Allen/) 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. 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 KX450 (Kawasaki/) 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 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. The Nissin hydraulic clutch makes the pull extremely easy and remarkably light when working through the five-speed transmission. 2021 Kawasaki KX450 (Jeff Allen/) 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. 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. 2021 Kawasaki KX450 (Jeff Allen/) 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. 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. Electronics 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. 2021 Kawasaki KX450 (Kawasaki/) 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 View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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