2011 Kawasaki KX450F | Features Video

suspension settings

shifting performance

seat

settings

injection calibration system access

to start

bottom piston design offers optimal engine performance

crankcase is strong and durable

lean angle of 3 degrees puts the engine in the ideal position for

maximum traction

broad powerband with the torque curve set just under the wheelspin

threshold

High-acceleration cams help the engine rev quickly

Maintenance-free automatic cam chain adjuster

airbox flap helps prevent mud and water from entering

performance at all rpm

more durable than traditional piston designs

piston skirt features low-friction coating for reduced mechanical losses

external ribs for strength and durability

profile with fully flush internal bracing results in a lighter, stronger

piston

piston pin offers increased strength

titanium intake and 31mm exhaust valves with aluminum spring retainers

minimize reciprocating weight and cylinder height to help ensure

reliable valve control at high rpm

valve springs allow a short cylinder head height and help ensure stable

valve operation

lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride treatment for long wear

and high-rpm reliability

traction

Wedge-shaped crank web provides enough offsetting moment for a 60

percent balance factor – and is similar to the crank balance in

Kawasaki’s factory race engines, resulting in reduced engine vibration,

smoother power delivery and increased performance, with a noticeably

snappier response at low rpm

and connecting rod feature a special carburizing and quenching treatment

to maximize rigidity

sharper throttle response and optimized power and stability when

jumping/landing

necessary to re-tune, or change any jets to suit climatic conditions

like on a carbureted model

atomizing injector with 10 holes sprays particles with a droplet size of

60 microns for smooth power delivery and engine response throughout the

throttle range

throttle body uses a progressive throttle linkage to deliver airflow in

much the same way as an FCR carburetor

linked shafts, the throttle body opens more quickly after reaching the

3/8 open position

throttle body is approximately half the weight of a FCR carburetor,

saving over one pound in weight

knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase engine speed when

starting a cold engine

injector set at 45 degrees, the optimum angle for mid-range power

response at low-to-mid rpm

needed; the engine can be started with only three rotations of the

crankshaft using the electricity generated by a single kick of the

starter

delivers electricity to FI system in sequence: first the ECU, then the

fuel pump, and finally the injector for quick, easy starting

can be accomplished in a single kick

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 motocross riding

fuel injected and ignition timing to alter engine characteristics to

suit rider preferences

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

damage in extremely rough riding conditions

rubber 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

riding

fuel tank is formed using a rotational molding process

electrical power for the battery-less FI system to enable true one-kick

starting without using a battery

with an automatic compression release (ACR) system for quick and easy

starting. The dual-weight centrifugal decompression system is fitted to

the exhaust cam

release features 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking

power

a fin design that delivers superior cooling efficiency

don’t need reinforcing brackets, which results in lower overall weight

feature a slim design that melds with the radiators’ design

louvers feature four small blades set at a shallow angle for minimum

overlap and maximum air flow

oil drainage contributes to more direct feel

plates with substantial friction material contribute to a more direct

feel

operating plate pusher reduces the clearance between the pusher and the

input shaft hole, improving clutch operation

offers riders more gear options for traversing rough sections or getting

into the rhythm of a course easily so they can focus more on racing

inner-link chain is light and strong

Sprocket-style chain drive roller reduces the effect of driveline lash,

helping smooth engine braking and facilitating additional corner entry

control

optimum mid-high rpm performance

exhaust routing contributes to improved ergonomics

silencer helps meet noise regulations

panel has special passageway to help cool the silencer

twin-piston hydraulic front caliper

semi-floating 250mm petal-type front brake rotor

piston hydraulic rear caliper squeezes lightweight 240mm petal-type

rotor

better handling

steering stem shaft contributes to light, nimble handling

spars are 68mm tall and 24mm wide to provide an ideal balance between

stiffness and compliance

Weight-saving features include a slim head pipe, narrow cross-section

and a downtube formed with a swaging (squeezing and hammering) process

pivot is located high in the frame to maximize rear wheel traction

shape swingarm provides ideal rigidity for excellent stability, and is

lighter than a comparable box-section unit

swingarm features a cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and

forged chain adjusters

rear suspension linkage ratio maximizes rear traction performance

arm is mounted below the swingarm to allow a longer rear suspension

stroke and more precise tuning

performance

damping settings offer improved action and increased comfort during the

initial phase of the suspension stroke

Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for

stable damping performance during long motos. Low-friction fork seals

contribute to smooth action

Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the inner fork

tubes offers minimum stiction when the fork is exposed to lateral

forces that would usually hamper slide action. The result is improved

fork response, especially during cornering

Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork’s outer tubes

contributes to smooth suspension action (especially at the initial part

of the stroke) and a superb ride feel

fork tube guards offer effective protection for the sliders

improved impact performance when landing from jumps

suspension settings and linkage ratios derived from extensive rider

testing

shock features a large 50mm piston

features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and

low-speed damping to be tuned separately

features Kashima Coat treatment on the cylinder for reduced friction and

smoother suspension action

adjuster access for track-side suspension tuning

number plates

exhaust routing contributes to improved ergonomics

panel has special passageway to help cool the silencer

plastic covers, triple clamps, engine covers, and black alumite-coated

rims – just like Kawasaki’s factory teams

footpegs provide excellent feel and a comfortable platform

wider at the ankles to offer optimum grip, narrows below the seat to

allow a slim riding position

design uses firmer urethane foam that keeps its original shape longer

for the best possible ergonomics and feel

slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and a new material

along the sides for extra grip when standing

without excess weight

cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easy for riders to

adjust play in the clutch cable on the fly

front axle collar diameter transmits more feedback from the contact

patch to the rider

rear hub and butted spokes offer light weight and excellent durability

caliper guard helps protect the caliper from damage