2016 Kawasaki KX250F and KX450F Unveiled
2016 KAWASAKI KX™450F
The new Kawasaki KX450F packs more power, better handling and less weight to provide the quickest path to the race podium
Forty years of Kawasaki KX™ racing tradition, innovation and championship pedigree can be summarized in one word: Proof. Whether it’s claiming 32 AMA Supercross titles, a plethora of wins in media shootouts, or the bike ridden by legends such as Ryan Villopoto, Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Emig, Jeff Ward and Ricky Carmichael –riding a KX motorcycle is the quickest path to a podium. The proof? It’s verifiably the most successful supercross and motocross bike from any manufacturer.
As the flagship of the KX fleet, the Kawasaki KX™450F motorcycle is the most successful 450cc motocross bike available on the market today. This powerful, agile and technologically advanced machine is built for today and tomorrow’s champions. More than simply race-ready, the KX450F motorcycle is like having factory support at your fingertips. It is the most advanced motocross bike Kawasaki has ever produced and is backedby the industry-leading Team Green™ support network that can be found trackside, with plenty of suspension advice and even engine settings.
The KX450F motorcycle is completely new for 2016, to give riders the sort of advantage the competition might consider unfair.
Kawasaki is not sitting on its laurels, giving the engine more power and 7.5 lb less weight than before. In fact, the entire motorcycle has seen a significant weight reduction thanks to the redesigned engine as well as a new aluminum perimeter frame.
Riders will also enjoy the improved rider adjustability as well as electronic upgrades aimed at maximizing performance for a variety of riders in any situation while giving the rider supreme confidence.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE 2016 KAWASAKI KX450F
• NEW Among the lightest curb weights in class after a 7.5 lb overall weight reduction
• NEW Lighter, more powerful engine with new engine cases
• REVISED Bridged-Box bottom piston based on AMA factory race bikes
• REVISED Intake port improves performance in mid-to-high RPM range
• REVISED Intake valve shape increases air volume
• NEW Intake camshaft is lighter and has revised timing for low-mid RPM response
• NEW High-flow airbox with rear intake channels improve flow and reduce noise
• NEW Header with integrated resonator chamber for crisp throttle response
• NEW Mass-centralizing exhaust muffler to reduce sound and weight
• Plug & play DFI® couplers allow easy engine map changes
• NEW Slimmer, lighter perimeter frame and swingarm improve rider feel
• Launch control based on factory race bike system
• Industry-leading Showa SFF-Air TAC fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension
• NEW Aggressive factory styling and flatter seat for easier rider movement
• 4-way adjustable handlebar and 2-way adjustable footpegs fit a wide range of riders
ENGINE
Kawasaki’s already powerful flagship motocross bike is even stronger for 2016, with the KX450F motorcycle boasting a more powerful and lighter engine. The revisions are extensive and start with new engine cases to save weight while optimizing the design to increase strength and rigidity. The location of the oil scavenger pump was also changed, swapping from the left case to the right case.
The cylinder head updates include revisions to the intake ports, which are less curved than before, improving mid-high RPM performance and over-rev. The intake port cores are also given a special coatingduring the head casting process to make the ports smoother. The extremely smooth surfaces and revised portshape increase the intake efficiency and performance at
all RPM.
The 36mm titanium intake valves have a revised head area. The new design, with slimmer throat angle and reduced recess (similar to valves on Kawasaki supersport engines) contributes to increased high-RPMperformance. Revised intake cam timing (advanced 2-degrees) contributes to better low-RPM performance, while the camshaft is 0.5oz lighter than before. A new intake camshaft sprocket is 0.7oz lighter.
The single cylinder is offset (8.5mm forward) to reduce mechanical loss through friction from the piston movement, enabling more efficient power generation. This necessitated a revised crankshaft shape, corresponding to the revised crankshaft housing. The crankshaft balancer shape was also changed – reducing its size and lightening it by 1.9oz. Further updates were made to the crankshaft balancer drive gear and driven gear, resulting in a combined reduction of 1.4oz.
A new crown design for the Bridged-Box bottom piston is based on the AMA factory race bikes and matches the new intake valve shape as well as contributing to the 12.8:1 compression ratio.
Another addition for 2016 is the redesigned air box, which does away with any steel parts, resulting in a weight savings of 8.8oz. It also utilizes new underseat intakes at the back of the seat. These and the revise shape of the air box help to ensure clean airflow, improving engine response and reducing intake sound to meet local market requirements.
Changes were made to the throttle to reduce vibration. This resulted in a new compact fuel injector being used. The outer part of the fuel pump was also revised, changing the flange position in order to lower the fuel tank position, contributing to the motorcycle’s overall lower center of gravity.
Further upgrades include a new exhaust system. It starts with a new header design that features a resonator to improve low RPM power and help reduce the sound level.
The result of these changes to the powerplant mean increased power. And when combined with a lighter overall curb weight, the 2016 Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle has an improved power-to-weight ratio that provides improved acceleration response.
Another weight saving measure saw 9.2oz trimmed from the transmission gears and shafts, which retain their overall strength while contributing to the motorcycle’s dynamic performance. Finally, the shape of the kickstarter has altered, resulting in a saving of 2.6oz.
ELECTRONICS
With all these engine changes, the revolutionary and popular DFI® couplers are again available for the Digital Fuel Injection system. Three are supplied with each motorcycle and allow the riders to quickly change the fuel injection mapping to suit any riding condition. The four-pin DFI couplers are designed for standard, hard or soft terrain settings. The rider simply connects the appropriate coupler cap to suit the track conditions and the DFI couplers immediately activate an ignition mode to match.
The KX450F motorcycle’s Launch Control System is another popular feature that helps obtain holeshot supremacy for the amateur and pro rider alike. The push-button activation retards ignition timing in first and second gears, helping to maximize traction off the line. Once the rider shifts into third, normal ignition mapping is resumed and full power returns.
As a further benefit of owning a KX450F motorcycle, the engine ECU remains fully programmable thanks to the new handheld Kawasaki Accessory KX FI Calibration Kit. This portable device allows custom maps to be created giving riders precise adjustment of fuel and ignition settings. This new handheld module eliminates the need for a trackside laptop computer. It can store up to seven preset maps and is PC-compatible.
CHASSIS
Kawasaki’s engineers worked tirelessly to improve handling and chassis feedback with a new aluminum perimeter frame. The perimeter spars are 6mm slimmer than the previous frame, allowing easier rider movement. It is also lighter by 1 lb, while the subframe (seat rails) has thicker walls for increased strength. Overall rigidity has been improved with a new swingarm (while losing 7.8oz in the process), helping rear-wheel traction and rider feel.
The alloy swingarm has a cast front section and twin tapered hydro-formed spars in a raw aluminum finish.Forged chain adjusters are also fitted with a self-locking rear axle nut. The axle nut holds the 80 lb-ft torque setting without the need of a cotter pin for ease of maintenance at the track.
The original goal was to create the lightest motorcycle in its class, increasing the bike’s agility and helping to reduce rider fatigue, making the KX450F more potent than ever before. Following extensive engine andchassis revisions, the 2016 Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle has seen a significant 7.5 lb reduction in curb weight (including fluids), giving it a total weight of 239.6 lb.
Weight savings from the engine group (including intake and exhaust systems) amounted to approximately4.4 lb, with savings from chassis components totalling approximately 3.1 lb. Some of the major contributing component weight savings include:
crankcases (left/right) – 13oz
transmission – 9.2oz
air filter – 8.8oz
frame – 14.1oz
suspension (front/rear) – 10.9oz
swingarm – 7.8oz
BODYWORK & SEAT
The 2016 KX450F motorcycle receives all-new bodywork with aggressive styling to suit its heightened performance. The minimalist bodywork is light and features angular styling for the new number plates, shrouds, fenders, skid plate and water pump guard. The new bodywork unifies the radiator shroud and side covers for a smoother, seamless rider interface that is 1.2” slimmer at the widest point, and allows unimpaired movement around the motorcycle. The radiator was reshaped in order to achieve this, creating a vee-shapeand allowing the shrouds to be slimmer.
The top of the fuel tank is lower than before, allowing easier progression from the seat to the tank. The flatter design gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding position, while also allowingthe rider to sit further forward.
Aggressive styling for the new front fender adds to the motorcycle’s overall racy appearance and alsosaves 1.8oz in weight overall the previous model year.
The appearance is further highlighted by green engine plugs, oil cap and generator cover plugs, as well as green alumite suspension adjusters and black alumite wheels. Another neat detail is the embossing
on the clutch cover, which was designed to gradually appear as contact from the rider’s boots wears away the paint.A new generator cover has also been incorporated to fit the new crankcase.
To protect the 2016 Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle from general wear and tear encountered during a typical day at the track, a large synthetic skid plate offers great protection with minimum weight. The revised designhas oval holes that facilitates easy mud removal and reduces the weight further.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
With Kawasaki engineers creating a lighter motorcycle, its agility was increased, allowing the suspension and brakes to work more efficiently and effectively. This is especially true of its state-of-the-art Showa SFF-Air TAC (Separate Function front Fork, Triple Air Chamber) fork technology, which separates the damping and shock absorption duties into the individual fork legs. The left fork tube contains the damping assembly and the right fork tube contains the air spring. Instead of the steel coil springs found in conventional forks, the SFF-Air TAC’s right fork tube has three chambers filled with pressurized air that act as a “spring”. Eliminating the steel coil springs reduces friction by approximately 20% and creates an extremely smooth action throughout the fork’s stroke. This has the added benefit of greatly reducing weight and allowing a larger damper piston to be used, providing smoother action. New low-friction fork seals and revised valve settings for reduced damping deliver easier fork movement, matching the pitching characteristics to the lighter chassis.
This works-replica fork is derived from Kawasaki’s factory race bike. It is lightweight and rigid, contributing to superior riding stability and front-end feel. The low friction design contributes to an extremely smooth fork action, while precise settings are possible merely by changing air pressure.
The fork has traditional 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment.Furthermore, the rider can adjust the internal air pressure with the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories 0-300psi Digital Air Pump that is supplied with the KX450F motorcycle. Changing the air pressure covers a range of settings offered by optional springs in a standard fork, including quick changes of ride height, without needing to disassemble the fork tubes. The pump’s digital display offers precise air pressure setting, and its casing stores the engine’s DFI couplers for the fuel injection system, allowing better organization on practice or race days.
New linkage ratios for the Kawasaki Uni-Trak® suspension system were designed to suit the new aluminum frame and swingarm. Mounting the link below the swingarm allows a longer rear suspension stroke, while maintaining a low seat height. Dual compression adjustability from the Showa shock allows high-speed and low-speed damping rates to be set separately. The shock reservoir has a friction-reducing internal Kashima Coat for improved suspension action. This race-oriented suspension offers class-leading action and adjustability on par with the Showa SFF-Air TAC fork. The fully adjustable unit allows for precise settings to help keep the rear wheel planted and the rider out front.
Riders looking for an extra edge over the competition can use the optional Kawasaki rear suspension tie rod. It is 1mm longer than stock and can be used to reduce seat height by 4mm to give the rider greater control and adjustment.
Being able to enter every corner at the desired speed is critical to fast lap times. The 2016 KawasakiKX450F motorcycle uses an oversized 270mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor (largest in class) from the renowned manufacturer, Braking. It helps provide powerful stopping forces, good lever feel and consistency in all conditions. It is paired with a 240mm petal-shaped Braking rotor on the rear.
ADJUSTABILITY
Kawasaki’s commitment to the rider continues with an adjustable handlebar and footpegs to fit various sizes and riding styles. The footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position, which reduces the height from the standard position by an additional 5mm. The lower position effectively lowers the center of gravity when standing, and reduces knee angle when seated.
The handlebars offer 4-way adjustable mounts. With 35mm of range, the multi-position handlebars feature two mounting holes, and the 180-degree offset clamps provide four individual settings to suit different sizeriders.
Equipped with a flat seat, adjustable footpegs and handlebar as well as fully adjustable suspension, the 2016 Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle can be tailored to suit a large range of riders. This perfectly complements the wide range of damping settings as well as the DFI couplers and optional handheld Kawasaki Accessory KXFI Calibration Kit, allowing the rider to find the ideal engine characteristics to suit a particular track or conditions. So while the base settings on the KX450F motorcycle are based on extensive testing, including racing, the motorcycle provides a huge range of technology and adjustment to help ensure every rider can fully exploit the incredible ability of this extremely capable motocross bike.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
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2016 Kawasaki KX™450F
Features and Benefits
At a glance…
– NEW Lighter, more powerful engine with new engine cases
– REVISED Bridged-Box bottom piston based on AMA Factory race bikes for greater power
– NEW Intake ports, intake valves, cam timing and cylinder offset (moved 8.5mm forward) for increased power across a broad powerband
– NEW High-flow airbox with rear intake channels to improve flow and reduce intake noise
– Plug & play DFI® couplers allow easy engine maps changes
– Launch control based on factory race bike system to help riders get the hole-shot
– NEW Header with integrated resonator chamber for crisp throttle response
– NEW Mass-centralizing exhaust muffler to reduce sound and weight
– NEW Slimmer, lighter perimeter frame and swingarm improve rider feel, increased rigidity with new swingarm design
– Industry-leading Showa SFF-Air TAC (Separate Function front Fork, Triple Air Chamber) separates damping and spring duties into each fork tube. It also replaces heavy coil spring with air chambers to improve response and reduce weight
– NEW Low-friction fork seals for easier movement, pus new fork inner tubes with reduced rigidity are perfect complements for the new chassis
– Kawasaki Uni-Trak® rear suspension gives good suspension travel and works with adjustable Showa shock
– NEW Aggressive factory styling and flatter seat for easier rider movement
– 4-way adjustable handlebar and 2-way adjustable footpegs fit a wide range of riders
– NEW Light curb weight after a 7.5 lb weight reduction for 2016
– Adjustable 4-position handlebar and 2-position footpegs allow riders to fit the KX motorcycle to match their personal preference
Engine Overview
– 449cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single with legendary Kawasaki power
– Factory race-derived Bridged-Box-Bottom piston has optimum rigidity for maximum high-rpm power and durability
– A forward lean angle of 3° puts the engine in the ideal position for maximum traction
– Balanced crankshaft creates minimal vibration and has a high inertial mass to help maximize rear wheel traction
– Compact cylinder head is only 100mm tall
– NEW Intake ports, intake valves, cam timing and cylinder offset for increased power across a broad rev range
– Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation and also allow for a short cylinder head height
– Camshafts, lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
– Automatic cam chain adjuster is maintenance-free
– NEW High-flow airbox with rear intake channels improve flow and reduce intake noise
– Crankshaft and connecting rod feature a special carburizing and quenching treatment to maximize rigidity, boosting long-term reliability without adding weight
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)
– Digital Fuel Injection self-adjusts to atmospheric changes for easier starting, sharper throttle response and crisp powerdelivery at all engine speeds
– It is not necessary to re-tune or change any jets to suit climatic conditions like carbureted models
– Ultra-fine atomizing injector with 12 holes sprays particles with a droplet size of 60μ for smooth power delivery and engine response throughout the throttle range
– 43mm throttle body uses a progressive throttle linkage to deliver airflow in much the same way as an FCR carburetor
– Fast-idle knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase engine speed when starting a cold engine
– Fuel injector set at 45°, the optimum angle for mid-range power
High-performance Multi-map ECU
– ECU programming enhances traction by diminution of ignition when excess wheelspin is detected by a sudden surge in RPM.
– Ignition timing boosts response when re-opening the throttle after deceleration (when landing jumps, etc)
– ECU programming is easily selectable via interchangeable DFI coupler caps that provide three pre-programmed maps for standard, hard or soft (terrain), without the need for a separate programmer or laptop
– The engine can be started with only three rotations of the crankshaft using the electricity generated by a single kick of the starter, no battery needed
– The system delivers electricity to the bike’s electronics in sequence: first the ECU, then the fuel pump, and finally the injector for quick, easy starting
– The compact, lightweight ECU, located on the front of the steering head behind the number plate, was designed specifically for motocross use. The fuel pump relay is integrated with the ECU to help cope with the shocks and vibrations of tough racing
Launch Control Mode
– Factory-style launch control system is an industry first and increases the ability to get good starts by maximizing available traction
– Push-button activation of the Launch Control Mode retards ignition timing in first and second gears, giving the greatest effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch
– Launch Control can be activated in neutral, first or second gear
– Shifting into third gear automatically deactivates Launch Control Mode and returns the ignition to normal mapping
Easy Starting
– Strong output from the large ACG rotor provides enough electrical power for the battery-less FI system to enable true one-kick starting without using a battery
– Equipped with an automatic compression release (ACR) system for quick and easy starting. The dual-weight centrifugal decompression system is fitted to the exhaust cam
– Compression release features 1mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking power
Bridged-Box Bottom Piston
– Piston crown shape tuned for excellent low to mid-range engine response
– Same design as used by factory racers; offers optimum performance at all RPM
– Lighter and more durable than traditional piston designs
– Short piston skirt features low-friction coating to minimize mechanical losses
– Reinforced external ribs enhance strength and durability
Showa SFF-Air TAC Front Fork
– Showa SFF-Air TAC (Separate Function front Fork, Triple Air Chamber) with triple air chamber uses air as a spring. The reduced weight and inertia of the air spring improves smoothness and enhances the fork’s ability to follow terrain contours
– The left fork tube contains the damping assembly, and the right fork tube contains the air spring
– Air spring significantly reduces friction and cuts weight while also providing better bottoming resistance, less oil contamination, plus easier and more effective tuning compared to traditional springs
– Large diameter internal damping cartridges help provide consistent performance and bottoming resistance
– NEW Material trimmed from the fork inner tubes results in lower rigidity, optimized for the new chassis
– NEW Low-friction seals, and revised valve settings for reduced damping deliver easier fork movement, matching the pitching characteristics to the lighter chassis.
– A removable spring pressure adjustment valve and free 0-300psi digital Kawasaki Genuine Air Fork Pump are included for quick and easy tuning of fork spring pressure
– Wrap-around fork tube guards offer effective protection for the sliders
– Lower triple clamp features integrated locating pins to help simplify installation and removal of the front number plate
– One-piece front fender attachment screws feature-integrated grommets to simplify installation and removal
Rear Shock
– 22-position rebound damping adjuster allows precise fine-tuning of the rebound circuit
– Easy adjuster access allows trackside suspension tuning with a minimum of hassle or lost time
– Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing 19-position low-speed and 4 turns of high-speed damping adjustments to be made independently
– NEW Lower spring rate offers better rear suspension action
– NEW Linkage ratios were adjusted to suit the new, lighter chassis
Aluminum Swingarm
– Tapered “D” shape swingarm is lighter than a comparable box-section unit and provides superior rigidity for its weight
– Features tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters
– Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage is mounted below the swingarm to allow precise tuning and longer rear suspension stroke
Fuel Tank & Lightweight Aluminum Fuel Pump
– Compact 1.66-gallon fuel tank is formed using a blow molding process
– Fuel pump features a one-piece filter cover and body, eliminating the need for fuel return tube from pressure regulator
– Features a plastic fuel filter cover that wraps around the inlet port and acts as a fuel trap to help ensure a stable fuel supply during vigorous motocross racing
Efficient Cooling
– High-capacity Denso radiator features tightly packed cores and a fin design that deliver superior cooling efficiency
– Shroud shape features a slim profile and large cooling outlet hole to help keep excess heat to a minimum
– Radiator louvers feature four small blades set at a shallow angle for protection while having minimum overlap and maximum air flow
Strong and Durable Clutch
– Friction plates with substantial friction material contribute to fade resistance and long service life
– Excellent oil drainage reduces power loss caused by excess oil around the clutch basket
– Clutch case cover features embossed logo and is painted silver, making scuffs and normal wear less noticeable
Close-ratio 5-Speed Transmission
– 5-Speed transmission and the engine’s broad torque curve gives riders more gear options for maximum drive on a wide range of tracks
– Thick first gear offers excellent durability for launching off the line in high-traction situations
– NEW aluminum rear sprocket design contributes to sharp looks and saves 1.8oz
Powerful Disc Brakes
– Front master cylinder features a knocker-style lever-to-piston interface for excellent feel and superbly consistent performance
– Front brake pads offer a strong braking force and feel
– Lightweight 270mm “oversized” front rotor by Braking is squeezed by a powerful twin-piston caliper and features an aggressive petal design to help clear mud and debris
– Lightweight 240mm petal-type rear rotor by Braking features the same aggressive petal style as the front rotor and is gripped by a single piston hydraulic rear caliper
Aggressive Styling and Improved Ergonomics
– NEW Aluminum perimeter frame is 6mm slimmer to help the bike feel compact and nimble, but tapers to become wider near the rider’s ankles to offer optimum grip and control
– NEW Lightweight minimalist bodywork including new number plates, shrouds, fenders, skid plate and engine water guard all featuring aggressive style
– NEW Aggressive design of new front fender adds to racy looks and saves 1.8oz in weight
– NEW The inward angle of the radiator allows the shrouds to be 1.2” slimmer than before. The minimalist shrouds were designed to be small and slim where they come into contact with the rider’s legs. The new two-piece construction and elongated design creates a smooth surface between the rider’s legs, facilitating easier movement
– NEW Flatter seat design uses urethane foam designed to retain its original shape and provide optimum durability. Flatter design unifies with bodywork to help ensure the rider can move around freely
– NEW Top of fuel tank is lower, allowing easier progression from the seat to the tank. Flatter design gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding position, allowing the rider to sit further forward
– Black triple clamps and black anodized rims – just like Kawasaki’s factory teams
– Green finish on suspension adjusters and engine plugs look like the factory race parts
– 4-way adjustable handlebar and 2-way adjustable footpegs fit a wide range of riders
– Wide 50mm footpegs can be adjusted 5mm lower than stock to lower the center of gravity and suit a range of riders
Additional Features
– NEW Skid plate made from resin material offers great protection without excess weight. Revised design has oval holes that facilitates easy mud removal and reduces weight further
– Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easy for riders to adjust clutch play on the fly
– Rear caliper guard helps protect the caliper from damage
– Ribless rear hub and butted spokes offer light weight and excellent durability
Genuine Kawasaki Accessories
– NEW Handheld Kawasaki Accessory FI Calibration Kit (sold separately) allows precise adjustment of fuel and ignition settings while eliminating the need for a laptop. The unit stores up to seven preset maps, allowing rider optimization of engine power delivery for multiple track layouts and riding conditions. Handheld device is PC-compatible
– Kawasaki Racing Software Kit allows racers to reprogram the ECU’s data maps for volume of fuel injected and ignition timing to alter engine characteristics to suit rider preference. An ECU setting is available, which can also be used as a data logger, recording up to six hours of data, including engine rpm, degree of throttle opening, engine boost, coolant temp, air temp, ignition timing, fuel adjustments, gear position and system voltage
– Other Genuine Kawasaki Accessories available for the KX450F motorcycle include graphics kit, Pro-Circuit axle blocks, billet engine plugs, billet throttle tubes, thermo strips, complete exhaust, racing chain, seat covers and more
2016 KX™450F SPECIFICATION*
Engine
4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled
Displacement
449cc
Bore x Stroke
96 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio
12.8:1
Fuel System
DFI® with 43mm Keihin throttle body
Ignition
Digital DC-CDI
Transmission
5-speed
Final Drive
Chain
Frame Type
Aluminum perimeter
Rake/Trail
28° / 4.9”
Fuel Capacity
1.66 gallons
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
49mm Inverted Showa SFF-Air TAC Separate Function front Fork with Triple Air Chamber, DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment / 12.2”
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Uni-Trak® linkage system and Showa shock, 19-position low-speed and 4-turns high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4”
Tire Size, Front
80/100-21
Tire Size, Rear
120/80-19
Brakes, Front
Single semi-floating 270mm Braking petal-style disc with dual-piston caliper
Brakes, Rear
Single 240mm Braking petal-style disc with single-piston caliper
Overall Length
86.4”
Overall Width
32.3”
Overall Height
50.8”
Ground Clearance
13.6”
Seat Height
37.8”
Curb Weight**
239.6 lb
Wheelbase
58.9”
Fuel Capacity
1.66 gallons
Color Choices
Lime Green
MSRP
$8,799
Warranty
N/A
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
N/A
*Specifications subject to change. Media please visit www.kawasaki.com for most current specifications
**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).
2016 KAWASAKI KX™ MODEL RANGE
The Kawasaki KX™ family of motocross bikes is the breeding ground for champions. The proof began in 1974,when the first KX450, KX250 and KX125 were unveiled in the US. Since then, Kawasaki has been a dominantforce in the history of supercross and motocross racing. We build the bikes that make champions.
Look no further than four-time supercross champion, Ryan Villopoto who is one of the most successfulriders of all time, and is continuing his winning ways on the world stage in the FIM Motocross WorldChampionship. Riding the KX450F, Villopoto is proof that the best way to start a championship run is on a Kawasaki.
Amateur racers who purchase a Kawasaki KX motocross bike gain access to Team Green™ – Kawasaki’s industry-leading support program that has been around since 1981 and has helped many motocross/supercross stars move through the program.
Team Green’s Trackside Support program covers more than 50 local, regional, and national amateur motocross and off-road events across the country, where Kawasaki technicians and race transporters provide emergency parts, technical assistance and racing tips to all Kawasaki riders.
For the 2016 Model Year, the KX450F is an all-new model and can be reviewed separately in its own press release. Below is a look at the details and highlights of the rest of the Kawasaki KX family.
KAWASAKI KX™ 250F
Receiving several upgrades for Model Year 2016, the KX250F motorcycle continues to be a popular choice for amateur riders as well as the professionals – with more riders winning races on a Kawasaki KX250F than anyother 250cc four-stroke in its class.
It comes with a host of technology to help the rider succeed, including a Launch Control mode thatenhances traction off the line by temporarily retarding ignition to help riders get the holeshot. The system features dual injectors for the Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®), with a downstream injector for smooth response and the upstream injector for hard-hitting power. The rider can be tune the system using one of three supplied DFI couplers. Each creates a different power delivery to suit different tracks. And these can be further tuned with the optional handheld Kawasaki KX FI Calibration Kit that is new for the 2016 Model Year. This device allowsusers to create engine maps, or use the stored maps, allowing the rider to find the best setting for their favorite tracks.
To exploit the powerful engine, the KX250F motorcycle has a 48mm Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF), which utilizes the left fork tube to carry the damping assembly, with the spring contained in the right tube. This combination allows a balance of precision movement, smooth action and firm damping to deal with small bumps or giant jumps. The design provides easily adjustable preload to tune the front-end feel. Additionally, the KX250F uses an oversized 270mm petal-shape front brake rotor, giving the rider powerful but controllable braking.
As an industry first in the 250 class, the KX250F has two-position, adjustable footpeg brackets that allow the rider to lower the position by 5mm, thereby lowering the center of gravity. It also has a four-way adjustable upper triple clamp with two mounting holes for the 180-degree rotatable handlebar clamps. These offer the rider the choice of four bar positions, including 25mm forward, 15mm forward, standard or 10mm back. The result is the ultimate ergonomic adjustment for riders of many sizes and styles.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $7,599
Availability: Now
For a full spec sheet on the 2016 Kawasaki KX250F, visit www.kawasaki.com.
To download high-resolution images or to view the full length 2015 press release, log on or register for the Kawasaki media site at http://kawasakimedia.com
KAWASAKI KX™ 100
Don’t be fooled by its small stature, the powerful 99cc two-stroke engine in the KX100 has “big bike” lookscapable of turning heads and winning races with ease. It has the same heritage as Kawasaki’s bigger motocross bikes and is able to get it done on the track thanks to handlebar adjustment to ensure the rider is in the best position to win. Therefore, it is the natural step from smaller dirt bike before the rider is ready to move onto a full-size motocross bike.
The single-cylinder engine has a Nikasil-coated cylinder and two-piece KIPS® (Kawasaki Integrated Powervalve System) valve among its arsenal of power-producing parts. It also has a large-capacity radiator to keep things cool in the heat of a race.
As you’d expect from the Kawasaki KX family, the chassis is highly competitive, using race-style petal-shaped brake rotors front and rear. It also has a 36mm inverted front fork with 20-way adjustable compression damping and 10.8” of travel. The rear suspension uses Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak® linkage for enhanced operation. The rear shock has 24-way compression and 21-way rebound damping, plus adjustable spring preload and the same 10.8” of travel.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,599
Availability: Now
For a full spec sheet on the 2016 Kawasaki KX100, visit www.kawasaki.com.
To download high-resolution images or to view the full length 2015 press release, log on or register for the Kawasaki media site at http://kawasakimedia.com
KAWASAKI KX™ 85
Designed for the young rider who wants an unfair advantage over the competition, the KX85 is a “big bike” in a small package. It boasts many of Kawasaki’s winning technologies to get the rider onto the podium, and looks the part with its factory race-inspired styling.
It all starts with ensuring the rider is comfortable and in control, providing efficient damping at both ends to keep the tires tracking. The rider can easily reposition on the flat and narrow seat, helping to set up the bike for corners and jumps alike. It also has an adjustable handlebar to help with overall comfort and rider position.
The two-stroke, single-cylinder 85cc engine receives the advanced KIPS powervalve system for a widepowerband and ultimate reliability to keep the rider in the winner’s circle.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $4,349
Availability: Now
For a full spec sheet on the 2016 Kawasaki KX85, visit www.kawasaki.com.
To download high-resolution images or to view the full length 2015 press release, log on or register for the Kawasaki media site at http://kawasakimedia.com
KAWASAKI KX™ 65
Any aspiring motocross champion will want to consider the KX65 as their first choice for an entry-levelmotocross racer. This is where it gets real, with a six-speed transmission, plenty of get-up and go, solid stopping power and great handling.
The liquid-cooled, two-stroke 65cc engine means the KX65 has power to get the rider out of the corners and down the straights to the checkered flag. It can soak up the bumps with its 33mm fork with four-way rebound damping adjustment, while the rear features Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak single-shock system with adjustablerebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $3,699
Availability: Now
For a full spec sheet on the 2016 Kawasaki KX65, visit www.kawasaki.com.
To download high-resolution images or to view the full length 2015 press release, log on or register for the Kawasaki media site at http://kawasakimedia.com
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