2008 Kawasaki KFX 450R
It appears that Kawasaki's all new KFX®450R is a high performance machine that won't require an extensive amount of modifications to make it race-ready.
The KFX450R ATV uses a powerplant based on Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed KX™450F motocross engine. "With the addition of an efficient and highly-responsive 32-bit digital fuel injection system, the KFX450R’s engine produces more torque in the low and medium rpm ranges for outstanding hole-shot acceleration", says Kawasaki personel. The use of fuel injection helps ensure that the engine’s performance remains consistent and is virtually unaffected by changes in temperature or altitude. "This ATV’s ability to find traction is superb, and its four-stroke torque helps keep the wheels hooked-up for improved handling and higher corner speeds", adds Kawasaki. Other race-ready features include a lightweight titanium exhaust header pipe and a durable forged piston.
The KFX450R offers the full benefits of an all-aluminium frame, combining exceptionally light weight with the extreme stiffness needed to win races. The front suspension design incorporates extremely long lower A-arms mounted to a single box-section lower frame tube. With this, Kawasaki boasts outstanding response from the front-end. At the rear is a cast aluminium swingarm. The high-tech chassis also features a very low center of gravity and is said to aid in less side to side roll.
The new KFX450R is the only high performace sport 450 with a reverse gear. Kawasaki claims a lightweight reverse gear is necessary to allow riders to quickly extricate themselves from first turn chaos or dead-end trails. "This important feature means on-track incidents (like getting nosed-into a wall) no longer result in an early retirement from the race", says Kawasaki.
Kawasaki says the new KFX450R is very easy to work on. The two-piece front and rear “lapped” fenders make it possible to replace sections separately if they get damaged. Even the headlight assembly is quickly detachable for closed-course races, and the compactdesign means that the ATV looks just as aggressive with or without headlights.
The KFX450R was developed concurrently with a full line of accessories. Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers or they can be purchased on the Internet at kawasaki.com.
Race Inspired Engineering
* Race-winning performance right from the crate
* Rigid, light-weight all-aluminum frame is a class exclusive
* Racing-style chassis with single box tube lower frame
* Closer lower A-arm pivot points help reduce bump steer and lengthen suspension travel
* Competition-oriented reverse gear is a class exclusive
* Keihin fuel-injection with 42mm throttle body
* Plenty of low-mid range torque for higher cornering speeds and unbeatable handling
* Front and rear fenders feature two-piece construction for easy replacement
* Easily detachable front headlights
* Petal rear brake rotor for more efficient braking performance
* Renthal FAT-BAR is held by a clamp that can accommodate other MX handlebar designs
Key Features and Benefits
449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, four-stroke single
* Based on the engine from the World Championship winning KX 450F
* A lightweight forged piston reduces reciprocating weight
* Triple piston rings and a 21mm diameter piston pin help increase durability and reduce necessary maintenance
* The intake ports feature a special coating. The extremely smooth surfaces improve intake efficiency at all rpm
* Lightweight titanium valves and aluminum valve spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight and boost high-rpm reliability
* Lightweight high-performance titanium exhaust header contributes to low and mid-range throttle response
* Electric starting facilitates quicker stall recovery and lowers rider fatigue
* Large-volume airbox contributes to both intake efficiency and the sharp engine response. An air duct fashioned from polyethylene (known for its ability to resist deformation caused by intake pulses) helps ensure stable engine performance
* Torque delivery is tuned to match the rear tires’ ability to deliver traction, making it easier to accelerate without excessive wheelspin. Efforts were made to achieve the widest possible torque curve, so that traction can be maximised through a greater part of the rev range
* Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams yield high intake efficiency
Digital Fuel Injection
* 32-bit digital fuel injection system uses a 42mm throttle body. This system measures coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure, engine speed and throttle position, then automatically delivers the ideal amount of fuel to optimize power delivery
* Crisp engine response is especially advantageous for instant acceleration after landing jumps
* Fuel injection also provides trouble-free starting – a great benefit in races where riders line up with their engines off and need to start their engines before being able to blast away from the starting line
* Fuel injection allows the use of a lighter throttle return spring. This helps reduce rider fatigue, because less pressure is required at the throttle lever
Transmission
* The five-speed (one-down, four-up) manual transmission locates the reverse gear below first. Actuating the reverse-lock release lever when in first gear allows you to shift “down” into reverse
* Compact reverse-lock release lever can be activated with the right thumb, allowing the reverse gear to be engaged while still keeping the front brake lever depressed
* The combined weight of the reverse gear system and the lightweight aluminium chassis is no heavier than using a steel frame without reverse
Aluminum Chassis
* Highly rigid aluminum frame contributes to the KFX’s excellent handling and traction. The frame’s high torsional rigidity enhances stability in corners and allows the suspension to be easily set up to suit course conditions
* Designed for high corner speeds, the KFX ATV sits low to the ground, helping to reduce roll tendencies
* Mounting the battery and coolant tank in front of the engine lowers the center of gravity, and helps weight the front wheels for increased traction when cornering
* Single box-tube lower frame contains the front A-arm attachment points. This design is narrower than the competition’s frames and enables the use of longer lower A-arms
Advanced Suspension Design
* Positive and negative suspension travel enhances the front wheels’ ability to stay in constant contact with the ground. This helps maintain traction and steering authority during hard acceleration and in situations where the ground drops away
* Dual-rate front springs help deliver progressive suspension travel to provide excellent rough-surface handling
* Extra-long lower front A-arms help minimize camber variations through the suspension stroke, to maximize front wheel traction and boost stability
* Motocross style rear shock features both high and low-speed compression adjustability as well as adjustable rebound damping
* Cast aluminum rear swingarm features curved lines and rounded edges to help disperse stress, as well as different wall thickness for each surface, resulting in a design that is both light and strong
* The swingarm’s high torsional rigidity contributes to excellent rear wheel traction
* The rear axle is tapered for reduced unsprung weight
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
* Dual front hydraulic disc brakes offer consistently strong stopping performance
* Petal-type rear brake rotor reduces unsprung weight and helps clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance in difficult conditions
* Integrated rear parking brake is designed to be easily engaged and released while wearing gloves. When engaged, the parking brake lever also prevents the clutch lever from being
actuated
Additional Features
* Two-tone seat features a smooth top surface for excellent rider mobility and slip-resistant sides for good grip when hanging off in corners
* Seat, tank and side covers are shaped to allow excellent rider mobility and to provide support when hanging off in corners.
* Tapered Renthal Fatbar offers both strength and light weight
* Handlebar mount designed to accommodate other MX-type handlebars, enabling riders to select from numerous after-market styles
* Specially designed rear wheels feature reinforcing plates for the rims. Located on the axle side of the rims, these plates reinforce the rims where strength is most needed while minimizing weight
* Wide front bumper, can be gripped with two hands to push/pull the ATV
* Two-piece “lapped” front and rear fenders can be replaced separately in the event they are damaged
* Detachable front headlight assembly can easily be removed to reduce weight when racing
* Optional kick-start system is available for MX-style (GNC) races where light weight is a priority
Specs
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single, SOHC, four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: TBA
Fuel Injection: 32-bit digital, with 42mm Keihin throttle body
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI
Transmission: Five-speed with reverse
Final drive: Chain
Frame: Aluminum double cradle, racing type
Suspension front / wheel travel: Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks / TBA
Suspension rear / wheel travel: Swingarm dual-rate reservoir shock / TBA
Front tire: AT21x7-10
Rear tire: AT20x10-9
Front brakes: Dual 163mm discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: 200mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Overall length: TBA
Overall width: TBA
Wheelbase: TBA
Ground clearance: TBA
Fuel capacity: TBA
Lighting:. Dual removable headlights
Dry weight: TBA
Color choices: Lime Green / Super Black, Bright White / Super Black
MSRP: TBD
