Opinions
After spending all last year on the '06 KX-F, I have a split decision on the new one. I was instantly struck by the plushness of the new suspension; the black coating on the fork does more than just look good. So I was stoked there. The handling didn't seem to change that much, or it was having a harder time coping with the extra power of the bike-I don't know. But for sure the new KX-F comes on sooner, still has a lot of hit and continues to make a lot of power all the way through-seemingly a little more everywhere compared to the '06 bike. And for this guy, who spent all last year trying to mellow the power with ignition curves and pipes, it is a handful! If you can't get enough, this motor is for you. I used the clutch more to control the power than anything else. The five-speed tranny didn't impress me much either, though I'm sure the off-road guys will be happy. It felt just like the '06 on the track; I'm wondering if a gearing change to tighten up the spacing might be worth trying. This KX450 really reminds me of an open-class bike!
-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/185 lb/Vet Pro
The Kawasaki ergonomics land right at the edge of my comfort zone. It is just a bit on the small side for me, but I could change that, and other than maybe a stiffer shock spring, I wouldn't need to change much else. It sounds a bit loud on the track, but I like the strong and smooth power, and it helped me with jumps that might have been a problem otherwise. This is a solid open-class weapon, and it will take a pretty muscle-bound bike to kick sand in its face. I'm not sure there is a 450 strong enough to do it!
-Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/Senior Intermediate
The new and "improved" KX450F is most likely the nicest-looking bike in the class because of the fluorescent-green plastic and coated black fork legs. The bike almost looks factory. The bike immediately felt comfortable for my height. Nothing was too high or low, so I was able to adapt to the KX-F quickly, which is always good when getting onto a bike you've never ridden. The bike has great power! The bottom-end hits hard coming out of corners no matter what style dirt you're on, and the mid-to-top won't stop pulling. For me, the suspension wasn't the best. On high-speed downhills and straights, I would get a lot of headshake, but when I overjumped, it absorbed the hit smoothly. Due to the suspension, the cornering wasn't as good as I believe it could have been. It was difficult getting in and staying in ruts, but after some more tuning, I'm sure it will be a lot better.
-Chris Dvoracek/5'11"/165 lb/Intermediate
Specifications
MSRP: $6899
Claimed dry weight: 234 lb
Weight (ready to ride, no fuel): 236 lb
Seat height: 37.6 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 21.0 in.
What's Hot
Major boost everywhere in the rpm range.New five-speed, and it pulls fifth easily.Smoother and more controlled suspension.What's Not
Power requires a controlled riding style.Riding position is compact for taller riders.This bike eats tires and lets you know the second the square edge is gone.