Christini and Kawasaki bring...
Christini and Kawasaki bring new meaning to the term Grip and Rip!
About the bike:
Kawasaki KX450F
The all-new 2009 EFI KX450 is a great platform for any off-road competitive project. By utilizing the optional KX FI Calibration Kit, customers can change the power characteristics of the KX450 to match their ability and riding style by manipulating the stock fuel injection system. Merging the Christini AWD frame kit with the KX450 produces an ideal combination for the customer who truly "wants it all." This unique, breakthrough partnership of two dynamic products will allow riders to conquer the toughest of trails and reach new heights. Literally!
Christini's patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system delivers power from the motorcycle transmission to the front wheel through a series of chains and shafts. There is no energy-robbing hydraulics involved.
The lightweight all-mechanical system works similar to that of AWD systems found on four wheeled vehicles. The AWD system (powering the front wheel) is driven at a slightly lower rate than the rear wheel (approximately 80%). Under optimum traction conditions, the rear wheel is actually driving faster than the front AWD system. One-way clutches within the front hub allow the front wheel to freewheel under these conditions. At this point, the AWD system is effectively passive. Though the front AWD system is turning, it is not actually transferring power to the front wheel. When the rear wheel loses traction, the drive ratio, relative to your forward speed, changes. The AWD system engages, transferring power to the front wheel until traction is reestablished at the rear wheel.
Steve Christini (left) personally...
Steve Christini (left) personally put the finishing touches on the Christini KXF in the parking lot of the Dirt Rider Torture Test. These other three guys watched. Or, maybe it was the other way around. We're not sure.
An added benefit of AWD is that the front wheel does not want to wash out. When a front end tucks, the wheel stalls, stops turning, and begins to push. With the AWD system, as soon as the wheel begins to stall, power is delivered to the front wheel, forcing it to turn. With the front wheel under power, it is nearly impossible to wash out the front end
Christini AWD Frame kit: MSRP $3995
Includes:
* Modified Frame
* Modified Forks
* Custom Fuel Tank *(Test bike had custom carbon tank)
* Custom Talon AWD Hub
* Complete AWD System with Engagement Switch
* CNC Triple Clamps
* Fork Guards
Renthal
www.renthal.com (661) 257 2986
Twinwall handlebar, bend #996
Half Waffle, dual compound grips
Yoshimura
www.yoshimura-rd.com (909) 628-4722
Pro series, Titanium/Titanium RS-2 Full System- MSRP $ 845
* 99 decibels
Bridgestone
Front Tire- M403 90 / 100- 21" Check your local retailer for pricing
Rear Tire- M404 120 / 90- 19" Check your local retailer for pricing
Dirt Rider Post Torture Evaluation
This is the best bike because:
It reeks of innovation. Can you imagine having an AWD motorcycle? That in itself is an incredible example of how advanced Christini machinery is. How about an AWD off-road dirt bike that is one of the best motocross bikes ever made? And how about it being fuel injected to boot? Sound like a dream or some far-fetched future wish? Well, it isn't. It's reality. And Christini built this sucker by hand!
This is not the best bike because:
Missing attributes such as hand guards, electric starting, a kickstand, comfortable seat, smooth power and larger-than-motocross-track fuel capacity will always keep modified MX bikes out of the top spot in tests like these. It's rare to see one perform up front in the Torture Test against more well-rounded all-purpose bikes. This bike doesn't win the overall, but the fact that Christini built a complete AWD system for this potent bike in a couple weeks is pretty crazy. Of course, all this comes at a cost and the price for an AWD bike is still pretty high.