2019 KX450F

[umberto]

Doldguy was spot on in catching the hydraulic clutch.  I don't think anyone else caught that.  With extensive work on the frame and engine, the weight is only up 2 pounds even with electric start, spring forks, and the new clutch.  Great job by Kawasaki keeping the weight down, while adding all the things that KTM has.

https://motocrossactionmag.com/2019-kawasaki-kx450f/

McGrath walks you around the new bike in this video: https://motocrossactionmag.com/jeremy-mcgrath-walks-you-through-the-2019-kawasaki-kx450f/

[umberto]

It even has a side access air filter.

[umberto]

I read on Dirt Bike that Kawasaki has decided to drop the F from the 450, because "We don't make two strokes anymore". 

(Takes Deep Calming Breath, But Still Goes on Clark Griswold Style Rant)YOU STUPID IDIOTS, MOST PEOPLE DON'T WANT THESE FREAKING OVER-COMPLICATED, HEAVY, EXPENSIVE, TURDS THAT THEY CAN'T WORK ON!  AND I'M SURE THE 125 DREAM RACE AND TWO STROKE RACES POPPING UP EVERYWHERE ARE JUST A FAD!  PEOPLE WILL SURELY FORGET ABOUT A SUPERIOR PRODUCT THAT IS MORE POWERFUL BY CC, CHEAPER TO WORK ON, AND MORE FUN TO RIDE! HOLY S*@T, WHERE'S THE TYLENOL?! (Goes Back to Working on His Four Stroke to Two Stroke Conversion)

(KTM Executive Sitting Behind Desk Nods Approvingly, Beta and TM Executives High Five, Sherco and Gas Gas Executives Do Poorly Executed Chest Bump)

[umberto]

Now that I've calmed down a bit  , here are the first ride impressions from Dirt Bike and MXA:

Dirt Bike:

https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2019-first-ride-kawasaki-kx450-the-19s-video-series/

MXA:

https://motocrossactionmag.com/2019-kawasaki-kx450f-mxa-first-ride-video/

[KXDINO]

i agree with you and love kawi to have one big 2 stroke avaliable , we have 12 dirt bike in my family alone 5,  4 strokes 7, 2 strokes plus we work on bikes for a second job , i say the kxf 250 and 450 are one of the best 4 stroke to work on compared to other brands and have been very reliable, and the young fella will sell he 18 model 450 and get the 19 as soon as they get to australia, i hope they make the chain guide to last longer . and the forks sound promising.

[umberto]

i agree with you and love kawi to have one big 2 stroke avaliable , we have 12 dirt bike in my family alone 5,  4 strokes 7, 2 strokes plus we work on bikes for a second job , i say the kxf 250 and 450 are one of the best 4 stroke to work on compared to other brands and have been very reliable, and the young fella will sell he 18 model 450 and get the 19 as soon as they get to australia, i hope they make the chain guide to last longer . and the forks sound promising.

Could you imagine that chassis with a two stroke in it?  I'd line up for one.  That's what's so frustrating: It's really not that hard to put a two stroke engine in these bikes, and it would be even easier with their resources.  No need to do a new bike, just modify the one you already produce.  Let the consumer decide if the market wants a new Kawasaki two stroke.  It sure seems like the guys selling updated two strokes are selling the heck out of them.  Do you think KTM regrets putting all that money in their lineup?  I imagine they are like Kenny Powers when they think of their smokers.

[sandblaster]

What is blinding Kawasaki and others to the 2T market?
Go to any local track, GP, or desert race...
It's a swarm of orange oil burners...

[KXDINO]

i dont think the japs want to spend the money , course they could bring out a new 2 stroke if they want , but there politics behind this as well , we dont know the half of it,they want to be seen to do the right thing by the enviroment, :?remember the late 70 to late 80s they were changing whole design every 2 to 3 years they were the days plus kawi had plenty of models to choose from,as for the 2 stroke engine in alloy frame it half ok ,it was a supply and cost factor is why they changed materials, cant beat cromoly steel as i saw a article were they put the 125 engine in 250f frame and did not like it , ended back in the orignal frame as the guy liked the way the frame flexed,i love me 2 strokes , and would buy a new kawi 250 2t or bigger tomorrow if they made them, but them 4 strokes are so easy to ride it makes squids look half good.at the moment i have 7 2 stroke bikes , 5 are kx of all sizes and 2 ktm , love to have a kx350 khi.

[umberto]

but there politics behind this as well , we dont know the half of it,they want to be seen to do the right thing by the enviroment,

I think this has to be part of it.  That and the fact they make a lot of money on parts and service on the four strokes.  Of course when you sell 1/10 of the motorcycles you used to sell, you need that revenue to stay afloat.  Unless you are KTM and sell a ton of bikes of all sizes, but I think I've done enough ranting for this week.   

[Heniz]

Think I will wait a year for the issues to rear their heads and buy one. Looking forward to test riding one in a few weeks.

[KXDINO]

i use to think like that to about the first model wrongs , it the risk you take but in hind sight we had the 16 450 when they come out and all it did was wear guides out quick , and tm design had the solution. it when they bring out a model like the kx250 05,6,7,8 and change the head angle and dont even bother to change the off set to suit the new head angle or even change the linkage length , that what annoys me , and they would of know with the feed back they had , but didnt change a thing in them years to make it better. must of have heaps of the same triple clamps they had to use up.

[umberto]

This video is a new part breakdown by one of Kawasaki's Brand Managers.  It's kind of interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJHj3j-Ii4

[KXDINO]

big effort on khi on 450 , 250f get it big work over for 20 . hopefully they up grade kx 65 , 85 ,100 2 strokes for 20 . i think i for get about khi doing a bigger 2 stroke , wont need one any way got 2 500 s getting greedy, but i will be putting the 19 450 against my std k5 with just a fmf pipe which only just beat the 16 450 at our private track , if this new 19 gained heaps of power it could gain the crown.

[umberto]

Dirt Bike revealed the 450 shootout winner, and surprise, surprise, a green bike was the big winner.



https://dirtbikemagazine.com/amp/450-shootout-winner-and-dyno-results-the-wrap/