2021 Kawasaki KX450 : THE BIKE THAT BUILDS CHAMPIONS.
Introducing the 2021 Kawasaki KX450.
The Kawasaki KX™450 motorcycle returns as the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX™ lineup for 2021 and boasts several new updates to maintain its edge as the leader in its class. Tuned to best suit race-experienced riders, the 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with improved engine power, slim aluminum perimeter frame, Showa A-KIT technology suspension, redesigned hydraulic clutch and electric start are the ultimate combination of a championship winning package.
The KX450 is built with race-winning components to help Kawasaki riders get to the top step of the podium. For 2021 the KX450 receives engine updates for increased performance, a new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch, and a new 1-1/8” Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar. From the showroom to the racetrack, the performance of Kawasaki’s KX family of motorcycles is proof of its engineering pedigree. It truly is The Bike That Builds Champions.
With more Supercross and Motocross championships than any other manufacturer, the KX™ name is synonymous with winning. The KX™450 motorcycle represents the flagship of the KX lineup, built with the sole purpose of dominating the track. Over the past four decades, we’ve learned what it takes to win and stay on top. Our dedication to building the ultimate machine is undeniable, and the KX™450 represents this to the fullest.
2021 Kawasaki KX450 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Electric Start
- Strong, Lightweight Chassis
- ERGO-FIT® Adjustability
- DFI® Couplers
- Industry-leading slim aluminum perimeter frame
- Showa A-KIT Technology Suspension
- Uni-Trak® linkage system
- INCREASED ENGINE PERFORMANCE
- NEW CONED DISC-SPRING HYDRAULIC CLUTCH
- NEW RENTHAL® FATBAR® HANDLEBAR
POWER & PERFORMANCE
BUILT TO WIN
The 2021 KX™450 engine offers increased performance and delivers broad, useable torque and strong, responsive power across the rev range. From the starting gate to the finish line, this race-ready machine is built to stay ahead of the pack.
LEAVE THEM IN THE DUST
Take the lead with proven race-winning performance. The highly adjustable suspension package delivers smooth action, firm damping and contributes to optimal traction.
NEXT-LEVEL TECHNOLOGY
ADVANCED STOPPING POWER
Next-level stopping power matches incredible acceleration capability. Up front, an oversized 270mm Braking® petal disc with dual-piston caliper offers sharp response and a strong, consistent feel. In the rear, a large-diameter 250mm Braking® petal disc complements the front for race-ready performance.
RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE
From quick, reliable starting to advanced braking power, the KX™450 motorcycle offers superior features designed to inspire confidence. What’s more, this race-ready machine is backed by decades of championship-proven experience.
CHASSIS & ERGONOMICS
BALANCE MEETS PRECISION
A lightweight aluminum perimeter frame and swingarm provide overall rigidity balance, contributing to precise cornering. Front-end feel is predictable and maximum traction is gained at the rear wheel.
2021 Kawasaki KX450 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
The four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled 449cc lightweight engine package utilizes input derived directly from the Monster Energy® Kawasaki race team, producing peak power and a torque curve that makes it easy to get on the gas early. The potent KX450 engine features an electric start, which is activated by the push of a button and powered by a compact Li-ion battery.
Kawasaki utilizes top-level road racing technology in the KX450 valve train, using designs from Kawasaki World Superbike engineers. It uses finger-follower valve actuation, enabling larger-diameter valves and more aggressive cam profiles. The intake and exhaust valves are formed from lightwight titanium, while a bridged-box piston uses the same design as the race team’s factory motorcycles. A new dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall, contributing to increased performance.
A close-ratio five speed transmission features lightweight gears and shafts to keep weight down, yet retain strength, while contributing to the motorcycle’s winning performance. The transmision is paired with a new high-capacity coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch for 2021. The clutch’s coil springs have been replaced with a coned disk-spring, resulting in lighter clutch actuation when the lever is pulled in, and a wider clutch engagement range to help facilitate control. Larger diameter clutch plates and revised friction material is designed to provide a consistent feeling through minimal change in play as the clutch heats up during heavy use. The friction plates feature offset segments to help promote clean separation of the discs and reduce drag when the clutch is pulled in.
CHASSIS
An industry-leading slim aluminum perimeter frame provides precise cornering through excellent front-end feel and agility when riding at high speeds. The frame’s lightweight construction is composed of forged, extruded and cast parts, while the engine is used as a stressed member and adds to the frames rigidity balance. A lightweight alloy swingarm is constructed of a cast front section and twin tapered hydro-formed spars in a raw aluminum finish, complementing the frame. Engineers carefully placed the dimension of the swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations, helping to focus on center of gravity and balanced handling.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
High-performance Showa 49 mm coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology can be found up front, featuring large diameter inner tubes that are the same size as those found on the machines of Kawasaki’s factory racing team (KRT). The forks enable the use of large damping pistons for smooth action and firm damping.
In the rear, a new Uni-Trak® linkage system is designed to work in conjunction with the Showa shock, aluminum frame and swingarm. The linkage, which is mounted below the swingarm, allows for a longer rear suspension stroke and more precise rear suspension tuning. The Showa Compact Design rear shock boasts A-KIT technology with large diameter compression adjusters, improving on the high frequency movements found on today’s motocross tracks.
An oversized 270 mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking®, is fitted to perfectly complement the powerful engine of the KX450. The rear is equipped with a 250 mm petal-shaped Braking rotor that matches the large front disc.
ERGONOMICS & ERGO-FIT® ADJUSTABILITY
- NEW Factory-style 1-1/8” Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar
New for the 2021 KX450 is a factory-style aluminum Renthal Fatbar handlebar that helps to reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider through the thicker 1-1/8” handlebar. The new handlebar grip position is lower and closer to the rider, making it easier for the rider to weight the front wheel.
Kawasaki continues its umatched commitment towards providing riders with class-leading ERGO-FIT® comfort thanks its adjustable handlebar mounting system and footpegs to fit a variety of riders and riding styles. The handlebars feature four-way adjustable mounts. The multi-positition handlebars offer two mounting holes with 35 mm of adjustability, and the 180-degree offset clamps boast four individual settings to suit different size riders. The footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position that reduces the standard setting by an additional 5 mm. The lower position effectively lowers the center of gravity when standing, and reduces knee angle when tallers riders are seated.
BODYWORK & SEAT
Complementing the championship proven technology, the 2021 KX450 features aggressive styling along with in-mold graphics on the radiator shrouds that result in an ultra-smooth surface and racy look needed to finish at the top of its class. The sleek bodywork has been molded to match the V-mounted radiators and narrow chassis design. Each piece of the bodywork has been designed to help facilitate riders movement with long, smooth surfaces that make it easy to slide back and forth.
2021 Kawasaki KX450 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,399 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $10599 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
2021 Kawasaki KX450 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
| Engine | 449cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 4-valve single |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0 x 62.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø44 mm x 1 |
| Ignition | Digital DC-CDI |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Chain |
PERFORMANCE
| Frame | Perimeter, aluminum |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | ø49 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping / 305 mm (12.0 in) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | New Uni Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload / 307 mm (12.1 in) |
| Rake / Trail | 27.6° / 122 mm |
| Steering Angle (L/R) | 42° / 42° |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 51M |
| Rear Tire | 120/80-19 63M |
| Front Brake | Single semi-floating ø270 mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | ø250 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
DETAILS
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,185 x 820 x 1,265 mm (86.0 x 32.3 x 49.8 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,485 mm (58.5 in) |
| Road Clearance | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Seat Height | 955 mm (37.6 in) |
| Curb Mass** | 110.2 kg (243 lb) |
| Mass Without Fuel | 105.6 kg (233 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.2 litres |
**Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Professional rider shown on a closed course. 2019 Canadian Kawasaki Motors, Inc.
Specifications subject to change.
2021 Kawasaki KX450 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
