* Previous versions of this KX-F model were difficult to move around on; the rider was stuck "in" the bike. Not so with the '09 450: its rider compartment is wide open and free-flowing.
Suspension
* Very picky about ride height and suspension clicker adjustments. If you find a setting you like for a specific track, write it down! Your best setting will change when you go to another track (or ride the same track under different conditions).
* Plush initial stroke and free-moving fork makes the bike feel softer than it is and can have a busy effect on the front end.
* Great bottoming resistance.
* Decent traction for a bike with so much boost.
Why The KX450F Should Win
* Most exciting power. If you parking lot-tested these bikes back-to-back, the KX-F would win.
* Familiar feel to previous KX-F models: stable, planted and solid. Especially in the rear.
* You think it's faster than everything else when you ride it.
* In Dirt Rider durability testing, engine components of KX-F models have proven themselves some of the strongest and longest lasting, even when abused.
Why The KX450F Shouldn't Win
* Worst-sounding bike in real-world situations since last year's KX-F.
* Feels cheaper than the Honda, KTM and Yamaha.
* Black components on engine and plastics look old in a day and the graphics instantly peel off.
* Not as nimble as the competition.
* Parking lot tests mean little in real-world motocross situations.
This Is Your Bike If...
* You want to feel like you're going faster than you ever have.
* Race contingency programs are important in your buying decision.
* You want the best KX450F ever built.
* You're a member of the Monster Army.
| 2009 KAWASAKI KX450F SETTINGS |
| MSRP: | $7,549 |
| Claimed Weight (tank full): | 247 lb |
| Actual Weight (no gas): | 236 lb |
| Actual Weight (tank full): | 248 lb |
| Seat Height: | 37.7 in. |
| Seat-To-Footpeg Distance: | 20.8 in. |
| Footpeg Height: | 16.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1.9 gal. |
| SUSPENSION | STK | Int./Pro | Beg./Nov. |
| Fork |
| Compression: | 11 | 8-9 | 8-9 |
| Rebound: | 13 | 9-11 | 9-11 |
| Shock |
| Low-Speed Compression: | 12 | 7-9 | 7-10 |
| Rebound: | 10 | 7-10 | 8-11 |
| High-Speed Compression: | 1.5 | 1.25-1.5 | Stk |
| Sag (mm): | 112-114 | 108 | 109 |
Danny LaPorte
Former 250cc
MX World Champion
I broke my opinion down into categories, because that's what I think about when I ride.
Engine: First place goes to the KTM. It's best from bottom to top with plenty of beef. It pulled hard with a great throttle response. Second is the Kawasaki for excitement, then the Honda for solid performance followed by the Suzuki for the mid and the Yamaha just feels slow in comparison.