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2010 Kawasaki KX450F Review |
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2010 Kawasaki KX450F Review |
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2010 Kawasaki KX450F Review By, Mark Willis  “The Green Machine” by name and by nature. With help from the local
Kawasaki Dealership in Tamworth (Westside Motorcycles), and Kawasaki
Motors Australia, we have been able to get our grubby paws on a new
2010 Kawasaki KX450 and put it through its paces to finish off
mcnews.com.au’s 2010 big bore Motocross test line up.There has been much anticipation building for me leading up to testing the new KX450 as I was fortunate enough to have a 2009 model KX450 at my disposal for the majority of 2009. After seeing what Chad Reed was able to do during competition in the 2009 Super X series aboard the new model, I was left under no illusions that the new 2010 Kawasaki was going to be a good machine, given that Kawasaki has been able to run at the front of most Motocross and Supercross championships here and abroad over the last couple of decades. Admittedly they have had the services of some pretty handy riders including Wardy, RC, Bubba, Ryan, Chad and the list goes on…… When first looking at the new 2010 model KX450, you could be forgiven for thinking that it had only come in for usual Japanese cosmetic changes. This is a pretty standard thing in today’s world as the 2009 model had some major changes including the addition of fuel injection, but on closer inspection Kawasaki has not relied on a sticker and seat colour change, it has made some big and significant updates to the 2010 model. In the engine department, the already awesome Kawasaki power plant has received a host of upgrades with the manufacturer turning to the race department and utilizing some of the key engine parts that helped keep them at the pointy end of this year’s race season. This piston is both lighter and shorter, increasing performance right through the power range to the factory set 11,300 rpm limiter and the compression ratio remains the same as 2009 (12.5:1). Also the cylinder has been redesigned with tighter tolerances to the crankcase. The crankshaft is also new and to finish off, a new camshaft has been fitted which has advanced the timing by 2 degrees. The Kawasaki engineers were chasing an engine that was going to provide better throttle to rear wheel connection which ultimately results in better rear wheel traction upon cracking the throttle. The clutch also has come in for some surgery with a redesigned clutch basket aimed at making the clutch run cooler for better operating performance. The header pipe has had a material change from Titanium to Stainless and has been shortened by nearly 2 inches. This has been aimed to boost the mid to high range performance. Stainless header pipes on production motorcycles should be compulsory in my opinion. As much as titanium looks factory, its durability leaves a little to be desired…. In this day and age, a motorcycle wouldn’t be complete without a re-programmed ignition and fuel map. These can be adjusted to suit rider and conditions with the optional Kawasaki calibration kit. Unfortunately Kawasaki will sting you a not insignificant $935 for the kit... On the chassis front, the 2010 model has also received a host of upgrades including swing arm mods, head stem stiffness mods, a new rear linkage ratio, firmer spring rates on both front and rear and modified valving to suit. As I mentioned earlier, I was fortunate enough to have a 09 KX 450 to ride throughout the year so this was going to be a fun comparison for me to see if all this changes actually equated to anything on the track, and the verdict is yes!!! Once again, as was the case with the 2009 model, starting this machine is a breeze. This particular bike started 1st kick out of the crate and there has not been a time yet where it has taken more than 3 kicks to fire. (Even after a few crashes!!). This is an added bonus for all riders from novice through to racers, as there is nothing more frustrating than being stuck, worn out and kicking the crapper out of a bike that just won’t fire!! The new KX definitely has a different spread of power with a noticeable injection of mid range HP. The top end seems to be a little tamer then the 09 model but there are not many tracks (unless you are dirt tracking or Super Moto riding) where you need that top end power. The response from throttle to rear wheel is sensational. This was a feature that I was already accustomed to with the 09 model. The injection is so smooth it’s incredible. This bike feels like it can be ridden slowly in the bush by a novice but also line up on the starting gate at national motocross round. The more throttle you dial in the more fury it unleashes. Another thing that has really impressed me with the Kawasaki engine is the overall smoothness and lack of vibes from the drivetrain. While the clutch has apparently been modified with beefed up fibres and a redesigned basket to improve feel and durability, I had no complaints with the 09 clutch and this one feels just as good. It offers superb feel and the lever ratio is light which on longer motos can make a big difference to arm fatigue. As far as the chassis improvements go, the stiffer spring ratios that come as standard are a welcome addition and the revised linkage ratio seems to have made a big improvement. The bike is notably better than the 09 model on acceleration over a series of bumps and it seems to track a lot better allowing for better acceleration. This is also the case under brakes with the bike tracking a lot better over braking bumps into corners. We played around with spring preload and in the end we wound about 4 turns on to get the sag close to right for my 72kg weight. This improved the mid corner stability and allowed the bike to hold a better line through tighter corners and ruts. This was one of my only real criticisms of the 09 model and although not perfect with the new 2010 model, it is better. Brakes are good while not being great, but none of the Japanese models can boast about this. The front offers good feel while lacking the initial bite that an oversize rotor offers once the brakes are hot. The ergonomics on the Kawasaki are good. It has different radiator shrouds for 2010 and firmer seat foam. While the Kawasaki is not the slimmest of the 450’s it does offer a good balance and great feel on board. It could do with a handlebar upgrade as it still comes with standard handle bars not pro tapers like most of its competitors come standard with now. Overall, I was impressed with the changes to the new model, it is definitely an improvement on the 2009 model and I thought that was a class above the rest in 09. Although Kawasaki probably won’t go head to head for sales supremacy with Yamaha and Honda, I think that the race track will prove to be an entirely different kettle of fish. The Kawasaki will, for sure, be tearing up tracks and winning races at all levels. - Pictorial - Kawasaki's 2010 KX450F in Images |
- Pictorial - Kawasaki's 2010 KX450F in Images
2010 Motocross Models Tested
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