KX450F - Competes at your level

KEEPING THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

Ensuring the ’09 KX450F retains its competitive edge are a number of major changes, including a new fuel-injected engine, a lighter, slimmer chassis and completely new bodywork designed to facilitate rider control.

All the large parts of the new aluminium perimeter frame were re-examined for ways to trim weight. Rigidity balance was optimised to offer increased riding stability.	For ’09 the KX450F takes its next evolutionary step and switches to fuel injection. While enjoying fuel injection’s inherent benefits, the new engine was designed to retain the character of its predecessor. The 449 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single continues to deliver hard-hitting power from low- through high-rpm. The broad powerband and responsive throttle offer a broad spread of torquey response that enables racers to get on the gas and go even from down low. With fuel injection, the KX450F’s lag-free acceleration, especially after landing jumps, is better than ever. Increased traction at low-mid speeds means better drive out of corners for quicker corner exits. A number of other changes refine performance, ensuring the smooth, linear response of the ’08 model was maintained	The new DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes offers 15% reduced sliding friction compared to the previous model when the fork is exposed to lateral forces that would usually hamper slide action. The result is improved fork action, especially during cornering. Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork outer tubes contributes to smoother suspension action and a better ride feel.

New swingarm has revised rigidity, which contributes to improved riding stability, and is approximately 200 g lighter.	New rear shock features a larger 50 mm piston. Improved damping and bottoming performance result in better ride feel and increased road-following ability.	The KX450F features petal brake discs front and rear. In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance.

The New Uni-Trak rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke. The longer stroke in turn allows more precise rear suspension tuning.	Formed using a double-injection moulding process, the new 2-tone shrouds contribute to a slimmer package.	A factory-style Renthal aluminium handlebar is standard equipment.

New wider footpegs offer riders increased grip as well as improved feel at the pegs.	Larger synthetic skid plate replaces the small aluminium unit. The new skid plate offers greater protection without increasing weight.

KX450F Specifications

Get technical with your new Kawasaki’s vital statistics.

Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Displacement 449 cm³
Bore x stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Valve/Induction system DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection:φ43 mm x 1 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Starting Primary kick
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission 5-speed, return
Final Drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.727 (60/22)
Gear ratios: 1st 1.750 (28/16)
Gear ratios: 2nd 1.412 (24/17)
Gear ratios: 3rd 1.188 (19/16)
Gear ratios: 4th 1.000 (19/19)
Gear ratios: 5th 0.875 (21/24)
Final reduction ratio 3.846 (50/13)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame type Perimeter, aluminium
Rake/Trail 26.7°/116 mm
Suspension, front 48 mm upside-down AOS-type telescopic fork
Compression damping: 22-way
Rebound damping: 20-way
Suspension, rear New Uni-Trak Compression damping: 22-way (low-speed), 2-turns or more (high-speed) Rebound damping: 22-way Spring preload: Fully adjustable
Wheel travel, front 315 mm
Wheel travel, rear 315 mm
Tyre, front 90/100-21 57M (EUR/USA/CAN/AUS) 80/100-21 51M (JPN)
Tyre, rear 120/80-19 63M
Brakes, front Single semi-floating 250 mm petal disc
Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rear Single 240 mm petal disc
Caliper: Single-piston
Steering angle, left / right 42° / 42°
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2185 mm x 820 mm x 1280 mm
Wheelbase 1480 mm
Ground Clearance 340 mm
Seat height 965 mm
Fuel capacity 7 litres
Curb Mass 112,1 kg
Automatic Headlights On (AHO) n/a

Complies to EU emission limit