Big and burly, the Kawi is so well balanced that it can feel relatively nimble for such a heavy, powerful machine.Sure it isn’t the most comfortable MX’er nor the easiest to ride. But it is in fact the fastest and best handling motocross machine of 2009.The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels have been beefed up with thicker spokes wrapped in tires with a tread pattern aimed at improving the off-road worthiness and providing a more stable ride on the street than the spindly units on its predecessor. Without a doubt the sheer acceleration force generated by the Kawasaki’s 449cc DOHC engine can intimidate a novice rider, yet, the well engineered fuel mapping enables the engine to produce power in such a smooth, tractable way, that you never have to worry about it surging or catching you off guard. The bike really got down and cornered well,Plus with all the torque the bike has, it makes exiting the corner easier as its got plenty of power to pull you out.While not as diminutively sized as the Honda, the Kawasaki’s dimensions were well received by all of our vastly different sized riders. Similarly to the RM-Z, all of our testers were surprised by how sharp the Kawasaki steered, which up until this year’s iteration was an area in which the previous KX450F lacked.The final major plus in the engine department is how easy the KXF is to start. One kick, maximum two—even when you tip over.It’s slim cockpit, standard Renthal aluminum handlebars and extra wide footpegs were appreciated by everyone.
2009 Kawasaki KX450FEngine: 449cc liquid-cooled Single, DOHC, 4-valves
Bore x Stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-Injection
Horsepower: 48.1 hp @ 8500 rpm
Torque: 31 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Suspension: Kayaba AOS 48mm fork, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment; 12.4 in. travel
Rear Suspension: UNI-TRAK-equipped Kayaba gas charged shock, 22-position low-speed and step-less high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and adjustable spring preload; 12.4 in. travel
Front Brake: 250mm petal disc, double-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 240mm petal disc, single-piston caliper
Handlebars: Renthal
Tires: Dunlop D742F 90/100-21, D756 120/80-19
Curb Weight: 250 lbs. (ready to ride)
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Length: 86.0 in.
Width: 32.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 13.4 in.
Seat Height: 38.0 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.85 gal.
MSRP: $7549 Lime Green; $7749 Monster Energy
