2008 Kawasaki KLX450R

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: 2008 Kawasaki KLX450R
Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve single
Transmission: Wide-ratio 5-speed
[do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Kawasaki’s 2008 KLX™450R will soon be making a name for itself amongst the growing legion of off-road racing fans. This purpose-built version of the brand’s World Supercross Championship winning four-stroke KX™450F motocrosser delivers the same high performance features as the KX model, yet modifies it for the improved durability, comfort, and range needed by off-road racers.

Adapted to the rigors of grueling courses, this model’s lightweight engine has been tweaked for more low and mid-range performance delivering a wide spread of responsive, high-traction torque and superior throttle control for low-speed maneuvering. The KLX450R’s gutsy response to hill climbing, mud holes, or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions will put it at the top of every racer’s “want” list.

Kawasaki engineers have combined revisions in cam lift and timing in order to boost low and mid-range torque. Adding to the special characteristics of this engine are a heavier flywheel with double the mass of the KX450F’s unit and a wide-ratio five-speed transmission with gears that have been specifically selected for off-road competition.

Adding an electric starter in addition to its kick-starting capability gives the KLX rider more options in the event of a stall. A high-capacity starter motor and compact, high-output battery helps insure quick and reliable starts under virtually all conditions a racer might face. A simple push of the starter button is all that’s required in the event of a stall and can often be accomplished while still moving.

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FEATURES

Ultra-powerful 449cc Liquid-cooled, Four-stroke Single

449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with four valves

Features improved low and mid-range power delivery for climbing hills, riding in the mud or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions

Linear power curve offers plenty of over-rev, for maximum flexibility in choosing shift points

Top End

Revised cam lift and timing boost low- and mid-range torque
Camshaft lobes and tappets feature a soft-nitride surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
Hand-finished surfaces of the polished intake ports improve intake efficiency at all rpm
Lightweight 36mm titanium intake valves and aluminum valve retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high rpm
30mm steel exhaust valves replace the KX’s 31mm titanium units for improved durability
Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation
Screw-type automatic cam chain tensioner with oil pressure spring
Revised ignition timing helps boost power
Low-friction coating on piston skirt

Bottom End

Flywheel mass is double that of the KX450F to provide ultra-smooth engine power characteristics
Crankshaft, rotor mass centralization, oil circulation, and ignition timing have been carefully examined to help ensure ideal engine braking characteristics
Crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered for additional rigidity

Exhaust

Large 41mm titanium exhaust header for maximum power
Tapered exhaust pipe joint helps increase ultra-low rpm power.
Titanium exhaust pipe heat shield
Silencer uses long-fiber packing for lower maintenance

Cooling

High-capacity Denso radiators deliver superior cooling efficiency
A reservoir tank is fitted to the radiator, for efficient cooling during long enduros
Slim radiators feature tightly packed cores and fins designed to enhanced heat dispersion
The KLX radiator shroud design is optimised for a seated position, compared to the KX shrouds

Electric Starting

High-capacity starter motor is compact, yet offers high-output to help ensure quick and reliable starts under all conditions
Lightweight battery is located beneath the seat and behind the airbox for optimum mass centralization
Having both electric and kick starters means the KLX450 can be quickly restarted if the engine stalls during an event
Features highly reliable auto-decompression system; the dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam eases starting, and its simple construction helps to ensure reliability

Wide-Ratio Five-Speed Transmission

The wide-ratio 5-speed transmission features ratios selected specially for off-road racing
The transmission’s gears are designed for high durability
Ball bearing shift lever for smoother shifting
Ratchet-type shift mechanism for smoother shifting and a more positive feel

Frame

Lightweight all-aluminum perimeter frame – straight from the KX450F – is a composite structure comprising forged, extruded and cast components
The slim profile of the KLX450R frame, two-piece radiator shrouds that leave the upper frame spars exposed, and careful design of the remaining bodywork make the KLX450R feel light and narrow beneath the rider
Aluminum skid plate

Front Suspension

Fork tuning is optimized for light, easy handling characteristics
Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos
Large front fork damper cartridges offer a more progressive and plush action
Low-friction fork seals help reduce stiction

Rear Suspension

New Uni-Trak® rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke.
The rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum frame.
Sprocket style chain roller reduces drive lash

Brakes

Like the KX450F, the KLX450R features petal brake discs front and rear. In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance

18” Rear Wheel

Durable 18” rear wheel allows fitment of a wide selection of off-road tires

From the Cockpit

Renthal aluminum handlebars are standard
Lightweight short-length grips feature a special pattern to reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider
The seat is wider than the KX450F’s for additional comfort during long enduros
Seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility

Off-road racing equipment

Lightweight digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer and clock
Lightweight 2.1 gallon fuel tank is constructed to meet strict U.S. environmental regulations
Gas tank petcock is fitted with a reserve
Compact lighting package includes a 35 W headlight with lightweight plastic lens
An ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail lamp is used
Side cover airbox holes have been eliminated to prevent the ingress of water. The left-side cover features a two-piece construction with a special “door” that allows easy access to the air cleaner
Engine guards protect both sides of the engine. (KX450F has a right-side guard only.)
Includes an aluminum skid plate for added protection from rocks and ledges
A side stand is fitted as standard equipment
California models feature a secondary air system to enable them to meet strict emissions regulations

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SPECS

Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single

Displacement: 449cc

Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm

Compression ratio: 12.0:1

Cooling: Liquid

Carburetion: Keihin FCR

Ignition: Digital AC-CDI

Starting: Electric, with primary kick backup

Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed

Final drive: Sealed chain

Frame: Aluminum, perimeter design

Rake / trail: 27.1 degrees / 4.6 in.

Suspensions

Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping / 11.2 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound damping / 11.0 in.

Tyres