The 2019 Kawasaki KX450 Updates are Glorious, Great and… Green (Literally)
The Kawasaki KX lineup has been at the frontline of the motocross championships for a long time, with the KX family being the most dominant motocross and supercross brand of motorcycle available today.
(All images taken from Kawasaki)
Led by the flagship model KX450, Kawasaki has developed the all-new 2019 model that boasts a “powerful engine, nimble handling and technologically advanced features” inspired by the Kawasaki’s own factory race team.
The new features on this spanking new bike will include a new lightweight, more powerful engine, new slimmer aluminum frame, new Showa coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology, new hydraulic clutch and new electric start system.
Too much to take in? Let’s go through the different features in more detail.
Powered by a four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled 449cc engine, the KX450 claims increased peak power and a flatter torque curve that makes it easier to get on the gas sooner.
It will also be Kawasaki’s first motocross bike with an electric start, activated with the simple push of a button located on the handlebar. The Li-ion battery is also lightweight and compact to keep the weight down, which means the machine only comes in at a mere 105 kg - without fuel, that is.
Another first for Kawasaki’s KX450 is the hydraulic clutch which offers a more direct feel and lighter lever action, allowing reduction of fatigue while on the racetrack.
Top level road racing technology is also brought over to the KX450 valve train, such as the finger-follower valve actuation which raises the rev-limit and contributes to increased high-rpm performance. Using a finger-follower valve actuation instead of a tappet-style valve actuation also means that there will be less mass and friction, while the DLC coating on the finger followers help to protect against wear and tear.
Larger valves and revised piston also gives a more efficient and high-performance ride, while at the same time offering a reduction in weight and increased strength for durability.
The fuel injection and launch control systems have also been enhanced such that they have become more user-friendly.
As for the chassis, Kawasaki’s engineering team was reported to have worked closely with the factory racing team to develop a new frame capable of providing precise cornering and the ultimate agility at high speeds, while also promising overall rigidity balance.
Finishing off the distinct Kawasaki look is the green oil cap, generator cover plugs, green alumite suspension adjusters and black alumite wheels.
All in all, the 2019 Kawasaki KX450 motorcycle is made to suit a large range of riders with its new design and adjustable components.
As said by the company themselves, the motorcycle “provides a huge range of technology and adjustment to help ensure every rider can experience the incredible ability of this extremely capable motocross bike.”
With all these new updates, the Kawasaki KX450 sure makes up one fantastic package.
For more information, visit the official Kawasaki website here.