2008 Kawasaki KLX450R Announced - Dirt Rider Magazine

It's official. Kawasaki has announced the off-road KLX450R, and even though it's a 2008 model, it should be at your dealer in February or March of 2007 - with the price to be announced most likely in January. The bike is not simply a KXF450 with a light, this bike has gotten a lot of changes that make this bike look like it could be just the ticked for off-road racing. We learned in this year's 24 Hour Torture Test that as good as the pure-motocross KXF450 is on the track, it needs some factory-based changes to make it a real off-road weapon.We loved the motocross 450's ability to claw for traction, and it looks like Kawasaki plans to keep that trend, and even accentuate it, on the KLX. The engine has some tweaks to strengthen the low-end and mid-range power. We're eager to get on this bike to see if Kawasaki continues its trend for producing bikes that manage to put all of their power to the ground.How does Kawasaki plan to do this? The bike differs from motocross version with revised cam lift and timing, and a flywheel with a claimed 100% increase in mass. The head pipe is longer, which not only helps low-end but makes the bike quieter. This is all matched to off-road specific gearing in a wide-ratio five speed gearbox. Most of us here are happy to see the five speed on the MX version, it is mandatory for an off-road bike to be versatile.The best news for many off-roaders is that yes, the bike comes with the magic button - an electric starter. Most of us love this option, and those of us that don't are just slow learners.The best news for California off-roaders is that this will be a green sticker bike, right down to being outfitted with a stock spark arrestor.And since off-road bikes rack up more hours, typically, than their motocross brothers, the all-new KLX has a few mods to keep it running stronger for longer. The bike keeps the titanium intake valves of its brother, but gets steel exhaust valves. It also gets a radiator catch tank for those slow sections that heat up four-strokes and make them so susceptible to overheating. The bike also comes stock with an O-ring chain.The bike uses the same suspension components as the MXer, as well. We like the Kayaba AOS fork, and Kawasaki has valved these forks to off-road settings. Their goal with the suspension was to give the bike light handling as well as the usual needs - plush suspension that doesn't bottom. The forks have low-friction seals, but will not come with DLC (Diamond Like Coating), as they do on the 2007 MX 450.The goals with the chassis mimic the goals with the suspension. Kawasaki designed the bike to be nimble and maneuverable. We loved their take on track riding, and are eager to see how their philosophy translates to off-road. Other changes geared at comfort include a wider seat with gripper material on the top (but not the sides) and an 18" rear wheel that should help with both comfort and traction.

The KLX comes with digital instrumentation that includes a speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer, and clock. The fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons and has an overflow mechanism to, "meet all environmental regulations," and has a reserve on the petcock for those of you that don't plan out your routes as well as you should - or get lost. We would never have those problems, but we're glad Kawasaki is thinking of the rest of you.All of this sounds great to us, until we get to the headlight that is, "kept on the light side." The headlight is a 35 watt compact unit. We're eager to see how this 'lightweight' stock light works, but we'd rather give up a few grams to have bright light that wasn't light, than save a few grams to have a light light that didn't light. See the light? Since we haven't ridden the bike yet, we will remain skeptical, but not doubtful, since Kawasaki has seemed to be getting things right with all their bikes lately. In case you're wondering, the taillight is a LED unit.Kawasaki eliminated the holes the MX bike has on its side plates. On the MXer they're great for feeding more air to the engine, but on an off-road bike they're more likely to feed water into the intake. We're glad to see Kawasaki take this step - now we won't have to stick duct tape onto our new rides. The left-side cover has the addition of the we-wish-was-standard-on-all-brands off-road 'door' to access the air filter. The bike also comes with an aluminum skid plate and engines guards for both sides of the engine.We'll let Kawasaki's press release wrap things up on a positive note, but the only thing we can positively say is that we are eager to get our hands on this bike.Kawasaki, take it away -This straight-from-the-factory racer has everything needed to both maneuver an open course and find its way to the winner's podium. Every component found on the new KLX450R has been developed to enhance off-road racing performance while adding as little weight as possible. In fact, a fully-equipped KLX450R only weighs about 22 pounds more than the KX450F.Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers or they can be purchased on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers, with an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.Kawasaki's tagline, "Let the good times roll.", is recognized worldwide and the brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki's complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

Features and BenefitsUltra-powerful 449cc Liquid-cooled, Four-stroke Single449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with four valves
Features improved low and mid-range power delivery for climbing hills, riding in the mud or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions
Linear power curve offers plenty of over-rev, for maximum flexibility in choosing shift points
Top EndRevised cam lift and timing boost low- and mid-range torque
Camshaft lobes and tappets feature a soft-nitride surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
Hand-finished surfaces of the polished intake ports improve intake efficiency at all rpm
Lightweight 36mm titanium intake valves and aluminum valve retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high rpm
30mm steel exhaust valves replace the KX's 31mm titanium units for improved durability
Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation
Screw-type automatic cam chain tensioner with oil pressure spring
Revised ignition timing helps boost power
Low-friction coating on piston skirt
Bottom EndFlywheel mass is double that of the KX450F to provide ultra-smooth engine power characteristics
Crankshaft, rotor mass centralization, oil circulation, and ignition timing have been carefully examined to help ensure ideal engine braking characteristics
Crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered for additional rigidity
ExhaustLarge 41mm titanium exhaust header for maximum power
Tapered exhaust pipe joint helps increase ultra-low rpm power.
Titanium exhaust pipe heat shield
Silencer uses long-fiber packing for lower maintenance
CoolingHigh-capacity Denso radiators deliver superior cooling efficiency
A reservoir tank is fitted to the radiator, for efficient cooling during long enduros
Slim radiators feature tightly packed cores and fins designed to enhanced heat dispersion
The KLX radiator shroud design is optimised for a seated position, compared to the KX shrouds
Electric StartingHigh-capacity starter motor is compact, yet offers high-output to help ensure quick and reliable starts under all conditions
Lightweight battery is located beneath the seat and behind the airbox for optimum mass centralization
Having both electric and kick starters means the KLX450 can be quickly restarted if the engine stalls during an event
Features highly reliable auto-decompression system; the dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam eases starting, and its simple construction helps to ensure reliabilityWide-Ratio Five-Speed TransmissionThe wide-ratio 5-speed transmission features ratios selected specially for off-road racing
The transmission's gears are designed for high durability
Ball bearing shift lever for smoother shifting
Ratchet-type shift mechanism for smoother shifting and a more positive feelFrameLightweight all-aluminum perimeter frame - straight from the KX450F - is a composite structure comprising forged, extruded and cast components
The slim profile of the KLX450R frame, two-piece radiator shrouds that leave the upper frame spars exposed, and careful design of the remaining bodywork make the KLX450R feel light and narrow beneath the rider
Aluminum skid plateFront SuspensionFork tuning is optimized for light, easy handling characteristics
Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos
Large front fork damper cartridges offer a more progressive and plush action
Low-friction fork seals help reduce stiction
Rear SuspensionNew Uni-Trak rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke.
The rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum frame.
Sprocket style chain roller reduces drive lash

BrakesLike the KX450F, the KLX450R features petal brake discs front and rear. In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
18" Rear WheelDurable 18" rear wheel allows fitment of a wide selection of off-road tiresFrom the CockpitRenthal aluminum handlebars are standard
Lightweight short-length grips feature a special pattern to reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider
The seat is wider than the KX450F's for additional comfort during long enduros
Seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Off-road racing equipmentLightweight digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer and clock
Lightweight 2.1 gallon fuel tank is constructed to meet strict U.S. environmental regulations
Gas tank petcock is fitted with a reserve
Compact lighting package includes a 35 W headlight with lightweight plastic lens
An ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail lamp is used
Side cover airbox holes have been eliminated to prevent the ingress of water. The left-side cover features a two-piece construction with a special "door" that allows easy access to the air cleaner
Engine guards protect both sides of the engine. (KX450F has a right-side guard only.)
Includes an aluminum skid plate for added protection from rocks and ledges
A side stand is fitted as standard equipment
California models feature a secondary air system to enable them to meet strict emissions regulations
2008 KLX450R Specifications*Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin FCR
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI
Starting: Electric, with primary kick backup
Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final drive: Sealed chain
Frame: Aluminum, perimeter design
Rake / trail: 27.1 degrees / 4.6 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping / 11.2 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound damping / 11.0 in.
Front tire: 80/100x21
Rear tire: 110/100x18
Front brake / rear brake: 250mm petal rotor with hydraulic dual-piston caliper / 240mm petal disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper
Overall length: TBD
Overall width: TBD
Overall height: TBD
Seat height: TBD
Wheelbase: TBD
Ground clearance: TBD
Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal.
Dry weight: TBD
Color: Kawasaki Lime Green
MSRP:TBD