2009 Kawasaki KX450F Preview

History

2006 Kawasaki KX450F

The green team launched the all-new Kawasaki KX450F in 2006 and this is its first major revision. So even though it doesn’t come with a long history page, the name’s guarantee sometimes says pretty much everything. This is history being written, my friends!

Now, I’m not trying to get it out with a clean face, but I invite you to bring your own arguments. Is the Kawasaki KX450F weaker in any way compared to any other machine that would normally find its place next to it on a motocross track?

Competition

2009 Yamaha YZ450F

I reckon it doesn’t! We’ve seen the Yamaha YZ450F, a bike that is as refined as it can get for 2009, it has many years behind and as much successes.

A Yamaha Particularity is the five-titanium-valved motor so that is pretty much what you will find different on it, but the chassis has also suffered significant improvement, something that shouldn’t be neglected at all. A disadvantage is the carburetor, which by now seems dated.

2009 Suzuki RM-Z450

Priced at $7,499, the 2009 Suzuki RM-Z450 follows the same trajectory as the Kawasaki. It also comes with fuel injection for 2009 and Suzuki went the whole way. Using experience from developing fuel-injection systems for GSX-R super sport bikes, the new system was the most appropriate addition that Suzuki could have done not only on the new RM-Z450.

Exterior

2009 Kawasaki KX450F

Such an important revision couldn’t have passed without completely redesigning the bike. So the biggest motocross ride from Kawasaki received entirely renewed bodywork that comes as a testimony of performance and accuracy.

It is definitely attractive, modern and lines up to the Yamaha and Suzuki, but all the greatness consists in the fact that the Japanese maker actually intended to make it easier to ride and more comfortable. Did he succeed? Take a look at the bike and you tell me because I am simply caught up.

Sleek and aggressive, the think looked like it was racing even at its unveiling and it is all about the magic created by the fenders, plastic shrouds and number plates. Also, the seat is now slimmer and it not only offers better grip, but perfectly blends in the frankly small space destined for it to occupy.

Kawasaki remains faithful to the Lime Green coloring and it brings new graphics, but it also introduces the Monster Energy Version which comes with Ebony painted. They are sold as separate models, but are mechanically identical. Also, they both feature alumite-coated rims for the extra style.

2009 Kawasaki KX450F Monster Energy Version

Price

Depending on the model you choose, the price will be influenced, but not that much. Many would like to Go Green and choose the simple model (not that the Monster Energy Version would bring new technologies) and the MSRP in this case is $7,549.

An insignificant $200 sit between the bike you’ve probably saw coming and the one you’ve don’t and given to the fact that styling makes the difference, you will have to choose with your heart. Good luck with that!

Conclusion

Kawasaki caught the last train for the four-stroke 450cc battle, but it sure knew how to position itself among the best in its class. Also, although not heavily revised in its two years of existence, the radical improvements done now simply compensate for all of the things that would previously make a Kawasaki seem a bit dated even though not old at all.

Previous page

1  2  3

Next page