Even though it didn't make...
Even though it didn't make the cut, this big Kawasaki still impressed us with its plush suspension and overall stability.
About the bike:
The average off road rider uses his bike for trail riding as well as riding the motocross tracks when he doesn't want to travel so far from home. We chose the 09 Kawasaki KX450F because it made a lot of sense as an all around bike. It comes with a fast motor, so it is more cost effective to smooth out the motor than to hop it up. The handling is very neutral and for most riders, very easy to adapt to. It has very few weak traits that we feel are easily addressed.
We installed a Scott's stabilizer to allow the rider to relax his grip, and as the average person doesn't need motocross valving on the trail, we loosened it up enough to improve it on the trail, but it is versatile enough that clicker adjustments will allow for days on the practice track. A large fuel tank extends mileage, so you can spend the day on the trail when your buddies call. Most of the other products have been added to smooth out the motor and chassis for the average person to enjoy long distance riding and to add durability in items like the chain slider and guide. These modifications do not inhibit this bike's ability to be a strong moto bike. With the new fuel injection, starting is so easy that the magic button isn't as necessary. Even if you fall over after dabbing your foot in a tight section, there's no flooding and the lighter weight of the bike makes it more versatile.
You normally wouldn't want...
You normally wouldn't want to take a typical motocross 450F into a tight spot like this, but the Northland Motorsports/ Precision Concepts KX isn't exactly your normal MX bike. Robby Bell goes where no man has gone before.
This KX450 has enough fuel capacity and controlled stability for desert riding, durable products and plushness for trail while still maintaining a strong chassis and motor that will readily adapt to the occasional day at the track. With this bike, you don't need any others in your garage!
Precision Concepts Racing: www.precisionconcepts.net; 877-976-3486
Suspension modifications: $474.99
1.8 radiator cap: $34.99
ECU reprogramming: $125.00
BRP: www.brpmoto.com; 800-834-9363
Triple clamps and bar mounts: $219.95
Chain guide: $69.95
Chain Slider: $89.95
Renthal: www.renthal.com; 661-257-2986
997 Black Twinwall bars: $119.99
13T front sprocket: $25.95
50T rear sprocket: 64.95
Kevlar tapered dual compound grips (G166): $19.95
Maxxis: www.maxxistires.com; 877-976-3486
80/100-21 SI front tire: $83.95
110/90-19 SI rear tire: $101.95
Heavy duty front tube: $15.95
Heavy duty rear tube: $21.95
You know that the Torture...
You know that the Torture Test is getting competitive when a bike like this KX450F doesn't make the top five. Nevertheless, the Northland Motorsports/ Precision Concepts crew put together one heck of a machine when they built this big Kawasaki.
Acerbis: www.acerbis.it; 800-659-1440
Uniko vented hand guards: $38.95
AP Racing: www.apracingusa.com; 877-976-3486
LMP294ORR front pads: $35.99
LMP390ORR rear pads: $35.99
PRF hi temp brake fluid: $34.00
Hinson Racing: www.hinsonracing.com; 909-946-2942
HS263 steel basket: $269.99
H267 Pressure plate kit; $499.99
Clutch cover: $169.99
IMS Products: www.imsproducts.com; 951-653-7720
Fuel tank; $275.00
EVO fuel tank foam: $49.99
Big Foot footpegs: $96.99
FMF: www.fmfracing.com; 310-900-3600
Factory 4.1 stainless slip on exhaust: $359.99
Power bomb head pipe: $199.99