2019 FIRST RIDE KAWASAKI KX450: THE ’19S VIDEO SERIES

On this edition of the ’19s video series we take a look at Kawasaki’s all new 2019 KX450 and give you our thoughts after the first day of testing. This bike features an all new chassis, spring fork, styling, side access air box, all new engine, Dunlop MX3S tires and much more.

ENGINE

  • NEW Kawasaki’s first electric start motocross bike
  • NEW hydraulic clutch
  • NEW finger-follower valve train designed by Kawasaki’s World Superbike engineers
  • NEW aggressive cam profiles
  • NEW larger intake and exhaust valves
  • NEW lightweight bridged-box piston
  • NEW thinner air cleaner element
  • NEW downdraft-style intake routing
  • NEW longer exhaust header pipe
  • NEW larger 44 mm throttle body
  • NEW change drum and shift fork reduce weight
  • NEW plain bearings for the connecting rod big-end
  • NEW compact fuel pump

The engine of the KX450 has always been strong, and the lightweight engine package is even stronger in 2019 thanks to the input from the factory race team. The four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled 449 cc engine has increased peak power and a flatter torque curve that makes it easier to get on the gas sooner.

CHASSIS

  • NEW slimmer aluminum perimeter frame
  • NEW engine used as a stressed member for rigidity balance
  • NEW swingarm with revised rigidity to match the main frame

Kawasaki’s engineering team has worked closely with the factory racing team to develop an industry-leading slim aluminum perimeter frame that is capable of providing precise cornering through excellent front-end feel and the ultimate agility at high speeds. As an evolution of the current design, the new frame boasts increased overall rigidity balance. The frame’s lightweight construction is composed of forged, extruded and cast parts, while the engine is used as a stressed member and adds to the frames rigidity balance. The overall rigidity balance has been increased through a new steering head area with optimized rigidity, main frame rails with revised cross-section, and a revised line for the swingarm brackets. Lower frame rails have been widened and also contribute to the bikes overall rigidity balance. Forged chain adjusters are also equipped with a self-locking rear axle nut. The axle nut holds 80 lb-ft torque without the need of a cotter pin, simplifying maintenance at the track.

For more information click the link 2019 Kawasaki KX450

 

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