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2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
– 2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R
Track-ready performance, woods-ready maneuverability
Riders looking for a race-ready, high performance ATV equipped with class-leading performance and technology straight out of the crate need look no further than the Kawasaki KFX®450R. Every component was chosen to maximize performance on the track or in the woods and put riders at the head of the pack with minimal fuss.
The KFX450R ATV uses a powerplant based on Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed KX™450F motocross engine. An efficient and highly-responsive 32-bit digital fuel injection (DFI) system automatically compensates for temperature or altitude. DFI also enhances the engine’s ability to generate torque in the low and medium rpm ranges for outstanding holeshot acceleration. This ATV’s ability to find traction is superb, and its four-stroke power delivery translates into hooked-up wheels for improved handling and higher corner speeds.
Other race-ready features include a lightweight titanium exhaust header pipe and a durable forged piston. The fast and reliable KFX450R was also the first competition-oriented ATV to include a reverse gear. Previously unheard of in racing, the KFX450R’s lightweight reverse system lets riders quickly extricate themselves from first turn chaos, dead-end trails or any other on-track incident.
Winning races requires a chassis that’s built to handle tough racing conditions. The all-aluminium frame provides light weight and incredible stiffness without sacrificing strength. The front suspension design utilizes long lower A-arms mounted to a single box-section lower frame tube. This results in outstanding suspension action from the frontend. At the rear, a cast aluminium swingarm provides the ideal balance of flexibility and rigidity. The high-tech chassis also features a low center of gravity and excellent roll resistance. Regardless of changing conditions or rough track surfaces, this race-oriented chassis makes the KFX450R a potent weapon in the battle for ATV supremacy.
The KFX450R is easy to work on, so riders can concentrate on winning instead of wrenching. The two-piece front and rear “lapped” fenders make it possible to customize the size of the fenders or replace damaged sections separately. Even the headlight assembly is quickly detachable for closed-course races, and the compact design means this ATV looks just as aggressive with or without headlights. These features leave little doubt that the new KFX450R was designed to get its rider on track and winning races as quickly as possible.
The KFX450R was developed concurrently with a full line of Authentic Kawasaki Accessories that are available through Kawasaki dealers.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, four-stroke single
– A lightweight forged piston reduces reciprocating weight
– Triple piston rings and a 21mm diameter piston pin help increase durability and reduce necessary maintenance
– Lightweight titanium valves and aluminum valve spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight and boost high-rpm reliability
– Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams yield high intake efficiency
– Lightweight high-performance titanium exhaust header contributes to low and mid-range throttle response
– Electric starting facilitates quicker stall recovery and lowers rider fatigue
– Large-volume airbox contributes to both intake efficiency and sharp engine response. An air duct fashioned from polyethylene resists deformation caused by intake pulses and helps ensure stable engine performance
– Advanced engine tuning provides a broad torque curve and an optimized power delivery for quick acceleration without excessive wheelspin
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI)
– 32-bit digital fuel injection system with a 42mm throttle body
– System measures coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure, engine speed and throttle position, then automatically delivers the ideal amount of fuel to optimize power delivery
– Crisp engine response is especially advantageous for instant acceleration after landing from jumps
– Promotes trouble-free starting –a great benefit in races with engine off starts
– Fuel injection allows the use of a lighter throttle return spring, which reduce rider fatigue
Transmission
– The five-speed (one-down, four-up) manual transmission locates the reverse gear below first
– Actuating the reverse-lock release lever when in first gear allows you to shift “down” into reverse
– Compact reverse-lock release lever can be activated with the right thumb, allowing the reverse gear to be engaged while still keeping the front brake lever depressed
– The combined weight of the reverse gear system and the lightweight aluminum chassis is no heavier than using a steel frame without reverse
Aluminum Chassis
– Highly rigid frame contributes to the KFX’s excellent handling and traction
– The aluminum frame’s high torsional rigidity enhances stability in corners and allows the suspension to be easily set up to suit course conditions
– Designed for high corner speeds, the KFX450R sits low to the ground, helping to reduce roll tendencies
– Mounting the battery and coolant tank ahead of the engine lowers the center of gravity, and helps weight the front wheels for increased traction
– Single box-tube lower frame contains the front A-arm attachment points. This narrower design enables the use of longer lower A-arms
Advanced Suspension Design
– Dual-rate front springs deliver progressive suspension travel for excellent rough-terrain handling
– Extra-long lower front A-arms minimize camber variations through the suspension stroke, maximize front wheel traction and boost stability
– Rear shock features both low- and high-speed compression adjustability and adjustable rebound damping
– The curved lines and rounded edges of the cast aluminum rear swingarm help disperse stress, which along with its varied wall thicknesses equal a design that is both light and strong
– The swingarm’s high torsional rigidity contributes to excellent rear wheel traction
– The rear axle is tapered for less unsprung weight
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
– Dual front hydraulic disc brakes offer strong, consistent stopping performance
– Petal-type rear brake rotors reduce unsprung weight and help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
– Integrated rear parking brake is designed to be easily engaged and released while wearing gloves. When engaged, the parking brake lever also prevents the clutch lever from being actuated
Additional Features
– Two-tone seat features a smooth top surface for excellent rider mobility and slip-resistant sides for good grip when hanging off in corners
– Seat, tank and side covers are shaped to allow excellent rider mobility and to provide support when hanging off in corners.
– Tapered Renthal Fatbar offers both strength and light weight
– Handlebar mount is designed to accommodate other MX-type handlebars, enabling riders to select from numerous after-market styles
– Specially designed rear wheels feature reinforcing plates for the rims. Located on the axle side of the rims, these plates reinforce the rims where strength is most needed while minimizing weight
– Wide front bumper, can be gripped with two hands to push/pull the ATV
– Two-piece “lapped” front and rear fenders can be replaced separately in the event they are damaged
– Detachable front headlight assembly can easily be removed for racing
– Optional kick-start system is available for MX-style (GNC) races where light weight is a priority
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R – USA Specifications
American MSRP: $7,549
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Fuel Injection: 32-bit digital, with 42mm Keihin throttle body
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI
Starting: Electric
Transmission: Five-speed with reverse
Final drive: Two-wheel drive, chain
Frame type: Aluminum double cradle, racing type
Front suspension / wheel travel: Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks / 8.5 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with piggy-back reservoir shock, dual-rate spring / 10.0 in.
Front tires: AT21x7-10
Rear tires: AT20x10-9
Front brakes: Dual 163mm discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: 200mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 71.1 in.
Overall width: 46.1 in.
Overall height: 41.9 in
Seat height: 30.9 in.
Wheelbase: 49.4 in.
Ground clearance: 4.3 in.
Lighting: Dual removable headlights
Curb weight: 394.7 lb
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal
Footpegs: Sport-style serrated
Color choices: Lime Green
Sunbeam Red
2009 Kawasaki KFX 450R – Canada Specifications
Canadian MSRP $9,999 CDN
ENGINE
Type 4-stroke, single cylinder
Displacement 449 cc
Bore and Stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Valve System DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø42 mm x 1, Keihin
Ignition Digital AC-CDI
Starting Electric (optional kick)
Cooling Liquid
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 5-speed, return shift, reverse
Final Drive 2 wheel drive, Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.952 (62/21)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.230 (29/13)
2nd 1.800 (27/15)
3rd 1.529 (26/17)
4th 1.278 (23/18)
5th 1.048 (22/21)
Reverse 2.364 (16/11 x 26/16)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.714 (38/14)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operation
FRAME
Type All aluminum
Suspension: Front Dual A-arms with piggy-back reservoir gas shocks
Rear Uni-Trak swingarm with piggy-back reservoir gas shock
Wheel Travel: Front 215 mm
Rear 254 mm
Tires: Front AT 21 x 7-10
Rear AT 20 x 10-9
Tread (Front/Rear) 972 mm / 899 mm
BRAKES
Front Brakes: Type Dual, 163mm drilled discs
Caliper Twin piston, pin slide
Rear Brakes: Type Single 200mm, petal style drilled disc
Caliper Single-piston, pin slide
Parking Brake Engages rear brake
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 1806 mm
Colours Lime Green or Bright White or Super Black
Overall Width 1171 mm
Overall Height 1064 mm
Wheelbase 1255 mm
Seat Height 786 mm
Fuel Capacity 10 litres
Dry Weight 165 kg
DETAILS
Colours Lime Green, Sunbeam Red, Monster Energy Special Edition Ebony
Warranty 12 months
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP begins after the standard limited warranty expires)
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market. Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE
MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI COMPLETES FULL SLATE AT STEEL CITY
Irvine, Calif. (September 1, 2008) – Monster Energy Kawasaki had a busy weekend at Steel City in Delmont, Penn. with two classes of AMA Motocross, AMA ATV Motocross, and the WMA all taking to the track. In the AMA Motocross Class, James Stewart completed a perfect season winning his 23rd and 24th moto on the way to his 12th straight overall win. His Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate Timmy Ferry finished 2-2 in the motos and secured second in the championship standings. In the AMA Motocross Lites class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe went 3-6 for fourth overall and Ryan Villopoto went 38-16 for 20th overall. For the Monster Energy Kawasaki ATV squad, Steel City was an invitational non-points paying race and Josh Creamer finished sixth while Keith Little was tenth. In the AMA/WMA event Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Mariana Balbi went 6-5 for fifth overall and Tatum Sik went 5-21 for 12th overall.
Monster Energy Kawasaki Under the Tent
Perfection
Stewart’s summer of 2008 can be described in a single word, perfection. The 22-year-old rider won every moto, and led all but 13 laps during the season.
“This is amazing,” said Stewart. “I was pretty nervous during the second moto. This was an important race, it capped off a perfect season. It’s just incredible right now. This is truly special to me.”
Championship Standing
At 33-years-old, Ferry put together arguably his best motocross season, finishing second in the series championship. Ferry came into the season finale with an eight-point lead over third and Red Dog rode two incredible motos to finish second in both and end the season with a 22-point gap.
“I fell a little bit short of the championship,” said Ferry. “James had a great season and it almost feels like a win for me. James was just unbelievable this year. I know I gave 100% and so did a lot of riders, we just couldn’t match his speed. This is a step up for me. I got fourth last year. I feel like today was an improvement on my riding even though I’m 33-years-old.”
Summer of Kawasaki
The 2008 AMA Motocross season was a special one for Kawasaki as both its KX™450F and KX™250F claimed their respective championships. The bikes also propelled Ferry and Metcalfe to second and third in their respective series standings.
“I think this season says a lot about the team and the program,” said Ferry. “Obviously James was fast, I got second and you have Ryan winning the lites title and Brett finishing right up there. I don’t think we could have had a better outdoor season.”
Championships Galore
To commemorate Stewart’s first AMA Motocross Championship his Monster Energy Kawasaki team presented him a special gift. The team reproduced every championship plate he has won since he began riding for Kawasaki at nine-years-old. The framed memento is sure to hang in a place of honor at Stewart’s home.
Hard Luck
Metcalfe was looking prime for second overall at Steel City. After finishing third in the first moto he was in the runner-up spot late into the second moto. After falling back to third, the Australian rider was taken out with two laps to go and after he got up from the crash he was only able to finish sixth which after the tie-breaker meant fourth overall for Metcalfe.
“I was running good,” said Metcalfe. “I knew those guys were right there. We went into the corner side-by-side and he kind of lost it and we got tangled. I went down and that cost me the podium. It would have been awesome to get second overall and was in position for it, but that’s how it goes sometimes.”
Tough Day
Villopoto was looking to add one more motocross lites overall win to his tally, but it wasn’t meant to be at Steel City as trouble found him in both motos. In the first, Villopoto was working his way to the front when contact with another rider bent his shifter forcing him to pull off and finish 38. In the second moto, Villopoto got a good start and was running third when a rider went down in front of him on the first lap. He was caught up in the crash and after restarting put his head down and rode a noble race to finish 16th in the moto.
“It wasn’t a good day,” said Villopoto. “I had problems in the first moto. I got slammed into and bent my shift lever. We tried to fix it but it wasn’t working so I pulled off. In the second moto I got a good start and (Blake) Wharton went down right in front of me. I tried to stop, but I just got collected. I was racing for the Triple Crown, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Still a Good Season
Though bad luck struck Villopoto in both motos, he was happy for the timing. Like any rider he knows bad luck is bound to happen and with the championship already decided he knew he dodged a bullet.
“I couldn’t ask for more out of this season,” said Villopoto. “Even with this bad day. If it had to happen, it happened at the right time, after the championship was decided.”
ATV Finish
The Steel City Open for the ATV’s provided the fans a wide variety of racing and excitement. Adding to the thrills was Creamer who rode an incredible race, fighting from outside the top-10 to finish sixth.
“The track was pretty good,” said Creamer. “There were a few of the breaking bumps from the bikes that we don’t normally see. I got a bad start and had a couple of bobbles on the first lap. I was way back. I just kept pushing.”
Nothing Held Back
Since it was a non-points paying event, Creamer wanted to leave it all out on the track.
“I wanted to win,” said Creamer. “I had the speed and potential to win, but things just didn’t work out for me today.”
WMA Top Five
Balbi earned a top five at the WMA series finale at Steel City for her third top-five finish of the season. Balbi finished 6-5 for fifth overall while Tatum Sik went 5-21 for 12th overall. Sik went down on the first lap of the second moto and was too far back to make up any positions. For the season, Balbi finished sixth in the points standings and Sik was eighth.
