2009 Kawasaki KLX450R Web Test

MSRP: $7,499
Claimed Weight (tank full): 277.7
Actual Weight (tank full): 275
Seat Height: 37.9 in.
Footpeg Height: 16.7
Ground Clearance: 13.0
Street Legal (y/n): No
Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gal.
Transmission: 5-speed
Manufacturer Website: www.kawasaki.com

Opinions:
"I've spent quite a bit of time on the KLX450, and it is definitely a good trail bike. I like it best when conditions are pretty technical, and the ride is more about getting through than about how fast I can go. I like the quiet exhaust, and the power worked well in any trail conditions. I actually don't mind the stock suspension and pipe, but the Race Tech mods and the Leo Vince exhaust certainly sparked things up a notch on our bike. Usually I am not a fan of an auto-clutch, but the Rekluse fit the personality of this bike very well. In fact, I can't really fault the performance of the KLX. The problem is, the bike doesn't fit me, and I don't think it is the best choice for any tall rider. The riding position is pretty open when standing, but a little scrunched seated, and the transition from seated to standing is working for me." -Karel Kramer/ 6'1"/225 lb. / B rider

"Ahh... Lighter, narrower, nimbler. As I chased Mark Finley (aboard the WR) on Trail's # 2 & 3, it quickly became apparent that the Japanese machines were at the head of the class for us, as we likened the 2009 breed to their MX counterparts. The engine and chassis felt the same as the MX machines that we bounce off rocks, trees and berms in Northern California on, though the softer suspension, steering dampener and 18inch rear helped with the overall ride ability in the trails. The Kawi was fitted with a clutch assist too, which I had never used though fell in love with by the second corner. The engine was milder then the previous Berg that I'd just ridden, though the bike felt more balanced and wanted to turn much faster in tighter corners. Again I'd have to fit heaver springs and a taller bar to tailor for my spec's, though being the last bike that I rode, I'd definitely progressed up a class as I moved from the BMW, to the Husaberg and now on to the Kawi." -Brett Nicholas/ 6'7"/ 240lbs/ Intermediate

"The Kawasaki 450 with Rekluse Pro felt alright to me. The major default for this bike to me was the jetting with the Rekluse Pro Installed. The Kawi's handled great with plenty of power for both Moto and Woods riding. The Kawi turned and cornered great and the electric start was nice! During Moto riding the suspension soaked up most jumps and whoops without hitting the stoppers. Most impressive thing about the Kawi was the overall feel on both Moto and Off-road; I feel this bike does both really well. Like I said before the Recluse Pro feels great and is nice but the bike needs to be jetted spot on to use it this one was not the bike stalled on me four times in the enduro test using the Recluse as intended. After the forth stall I went into over-ride mode using the clutch in corners and from there out had no problems. Would I own or race a Kawasaki 450? I would say yes. I feel that Kawi have proved themselves in the Off-road scene, the motors and bike is overall durable but I would have to ensure that bike is jetted perfect for the Rekluse Pro." - Jeff O'Leary/ 6ft 1in/ 172lb/ Regional / National Pro AA

I can nit-pick this bike apart but when it comes right down to it I really like riding the KLX. I don't have any of the turning issues a lot of our riders spoke of other than the bike can feel heavier when you get off of one of the lighter bikes. The Rekluse made the bike a trail tractor and brainless to ride in the most technical stuff. Adding the pipe perked up the power without making it too loud, now it sounds like a motorcycle. The only thing I'd do to this bike is add an adjustable leak jet and fuel screw and just ride it.

And when I ride it I can go as fast as on any other bike and what I really notice is how much faster my novice friends rode this bike. They just seemed to get along with it and were not put off by anything on the bike, where on a few of the other bikes they were notably slower, for sure they got more tired. And if there is another area the KLX stands out is in that I feel it has a great seat that you can sit down on!-Jimmy Lewis 5'10"/185 lb./A rider