* Don't be fooled by the 275-pound weigh in: The Kawasaki is a heavy-feeling bike. Specifically, the machine feels top- and front-heavy, a problem that influences the cornering tremendously. Although the KLX has a light steering feel, it also has a tendency to oversteer and knife in corners, requiring a ton of muscle to get back on track.
* We put a Scotts steering stabilizer on the Kawasaki because, well, just because we like them. Steering stabilizers help almost any bike, and the amazing adjustability of the Scotts makes fine-tuning it to any condition a snap. It made our KLX an arrow in the desert and tamed the roots, ruts and rocks in the tight trails. The other bikes were jealous...
* The Kawasaki has good stock suspension with a slightly soft feel. The bike is plush in the rocks, but for anything aggressive or fast it needs help. Race Tech increased the range of our KLX's abilities, not making it too stiff but letting the bike attack more aggressively and with confidence. It felt like the progressive nature of both shock and fork were increased.
* To make the bike even more trail-friendly we installed a Rekluse Z-Start Pro auto-clutch. Most testers found that this was an improvement for tricky, crawly sections of tough trail and made ordinary riding brainless in a clutchless sort of way, something we've found on almost any bike we're tried it on. Others feel that a manual clutch was needed to better modulate the bike's power.
* Ergonomically, the KLX450R felt cramped for our biggest testers, but the seat is soft and comfortable for everyone. The easy access airbox cover and the seamless sidepanels and shrouds with a gas tank range that is better than most here are all bonuses on this machine. The stock headlight is weak-it shines more to the sides and up than out-but it will get you home after dark.
The Verdict
With the KLX450R, the conclusion is fairly clear-cut: It sits heavy on the trail-riding side where it is excellent. Modifications can make it into anything you'd need. Many riders will choose the Kawasaki as the top 450 because of its smooth motor and big comfort, while others just cannot overlook the weighty feel. No matter what category you fit into, consider this: Our 2008 Long Haul KLX450 weathered over 150 hours of abuse and did everything we asked of it.
KTM 450 XC-W
The Standard (And A High One At That!)
This bike has been our all-around favorite for quite some time, and every year it gets better and better with well-thought-out upgrades; 2009 is no different. It is easily capable of any riding task and is a clear favorite for faster or desert applications. Gone are the days where a KTM is unique or hard to locate. KTMs and dealers who sell them, plus huge aftermarket support, are everywhere.
The Facts
* The KTM was universally praised and rarely snubbed for any reason and is the safest choice if you want a high-performance off-road bike. It is as fast as any bike here, the lightest of the bunch, even while boasting one of the biggest fuel tanks. It is equipped with everything you need to go ride an enduro and is only missing lights for the serious rider.
* The new-in-'08 single-cam engine has every base covered with its separate transmission and motor oil cavities, kick- and electric starting, simple-to-work-on design and proven durability. It has a very smooth power delivery that, with aggressive throttle use, can be as nasty or as tame as you need. It is only topped by the Husaberg in the control versus power department due to the FE's incredible fuel injection. Just wait till KTM gets this!