2009 Kawasaki KX450F - First Test

Modifications We'd Like To Try: Quieter exhaust system, different front tire for hard terrain.

Despite sophisticated electronics...        read full caption Despite sophisticated electronics for the EFI, the bike looks approachable with the bodywork removed.

Disconnect the wire (right)...        read full caption Disconnect the wire (right) at the connector and push the red clip on the fuel line to pull the tank.

The shock is bigger.

Opinions
Karel Kramer
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 225 lb
Senior Intermediate

As much as I've wanted to like the '06 to '08 KX450F, I just couldn't get physically comfortable on it. The seat felt low and sloped and the handlebar high. But the '09 walks a much nicer balance. It still works for short guys, but taller riders find it a lot easier to get along with. The same is true of the handling. It has the stability I long for combined with good suspension and excellent cornering. I don't like the front tire, the exhaust is too loud and the seat gets soft too soon. Otherwise, it is easy to like this bike a lot.

For a rider with my modest skill and fitness, the KX450F is a bit too powerful for a tight track like Piru MX, but it felt great in the sand at LACR or in the faster conditions at I-5MX. Kawasaki's sport bikes for the street have always had a reputation for monster motors, and that power-hungry attitude seems to have worked its way into the motocross division. If you like power, you will like this bike.

Jimmy Lewis
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185 lb
Senior Pro

Forget all this EFI jibber-jabber, just go and ride the bike. You'll never know it was fuel injected-just like your truck or car has been for the last decade. I'm pretty sure the manufacturers are being very conservative with the settings so far, but Kawi has been the best at being the least different from carburetion, especially in regard to ease of starting. And it has the most hit stock, something we'll be able to easily tune back in with the available FI software and tuners. Plus, you'll soon be able to e-mail your buddies your favorite map or maybe even buy a super-mega-horsepower one off some guy on Thumpertalk. Other than that, I think Kawi has taken a strong step in the handling and styling direction that KTM has been at for a while, which has been a bit extreme for most riders till now. So it's shaping up to be an interesting year with the biggest leaps in 450cc MX bikes in a long time. After just starting on our 450 shootout, I'll tell you already there isn't a bad bike. And green is great if you like green.

Jesse Ziegler
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175 lb
Vet Intermediate

I've easily spent the most time in the seat of the '08 KX450F of anyone on staff. And if you're a returning KX-F buyer, I can assure you that you'll feel right at home with the 2009. The bike really feels the same. But the power delivery makes the '09 a better package overall. I'm almost sure the EFI has this motor mellowed out over the previous year. And that's a great thing. It still has the punch to prove its power prowess, but it drops the real energy to the rear tire with more control. This makes it an easier bike to ride and one that a wider range of pilots will get used to quickly. If I could get more out of the KX-F for 2009, it'd be a no-brain-required suspension setup and a decent exhaust note. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. You have to experiment with ride height to get a setting you like. And you may compromise plushness for control if you really want to push the pace. As for the noise? Well, that's why pipe companies love KX-F owners.