Electric starter kit for KX450F

[alan]

I would love to have a 2012 KX450F, But I really want to have Electric Starter!  At 66 I have just about worn out my right hip kicking monster dirt bikes for the past 50 years!
I keep hoping Kawasaki will come out with a 450 like the WR450. It seems that Kawasaki is always lagging behind the curve! So I was wondering if any has come up with a kit to retrofit a electric starter?

Alan

[weymouth399]

You can still buy 08-09 KLX450s as left overs pretty cheap. It's Kawi's step into the 4 smoke with a button bikes. Then hotrod that if you want more.
Trying to get the jetting on mine dialed in now, the ice season is soon.

Bob W

[ID KX500]

Yes Alan, I agree Kawasaki is way behind. I see where they have a KLX450R for Australia for 2012, but not here in the U.S.. I believe they could have sold more KLXs if they were more cutting edge such as being the first to offer EFI. I think Suzuki had the first EFI in the 450 off-road market now I see Yamaha with it in the new WR and I really like the looks of it in the new frame.

CRF450X seems to dominate this market of the Asian companies. The underpowered KLX250 dual sport seems to be their only commitment right now.

Have you kicked a KX450? It aint bad, I can start my 09 with a tennis shoe. Might fit you better than you think.

                                    http://www.bikesales.com.au/new/kawasaki/klx450r/2012/

[alan]

Thanks! I was reading on the Kawasaki site, that some of the changes for 2012 are related to easier starting!

? Revis? Revised shape of kickstart ratchet enables lever to return to start position more smoothly
? 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 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking power

 Anyone have both KX5 and KX450, I would like to know how they compare starting both hot and cold?

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

The KLX wasnt a hot seller here, thats why theres tons of leftovers. Ive seen them for as little as 3995! The RMX450 was released then held back because of some dumb emmisions related crap from the EPA. Some dealers never got them, especially here on the East Coast. Ive seen them for sale on CraigsList though. It seems that the WR450 and CRF450X sell ok. The KTM450EXC sell better due to them being essentially a "barely" street legal race bike that is taggable from the factory. I dont think the 9 grand price is worth it though. I would think a leftover KLX450 would fit the bill quite nicely especially at a great price.

[ID KX500]

Thanks! I was reading on the Kawasaki site, that some of the changes for 2012 are related to easier starting!

? Revis? Revised shape of kickstart ratchet enables lever to return to start position more smoothly
? 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 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking power

 Anyone have both KX5 and KX450, I would like to know how they compare starting both hot and cold?

I have both and the KX5 is harder to kick hot or cold.

[don46]

Thanks! I was reading on the Kawasaki site, that some of the changes for 2012 are related to easier starting!

? Revis? Revised shape of kickstart ratchet enables lever to return to start position more smoothly
? 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 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking power

 Anyone have both KX5 and KX450, I would like to know how they compare starting both hot and cold?

I have both as well, the K5 has a compression release, even so the 450 is loads easier to start, I have both a 2011 and a 2012, both start easy and kick over easy. I think the 12 has more over rev than the 11 but not appreciable.

[alan]

Thanks Guys!

Santa may bring me a 12 450F for Xmas..............................

[don46]

Thanks Guys!

Santa may bring me a 12 450F for Xmas..............................

You will love it, my next purchase is going to be  pro moto billet kickstand

[don46]

Installed the Pro Moto billett kickstand, fits like a glove, these things are expensive but man are they nice. They tuck out of the way, you don't even know they are there.

Alan

You should seriously consider replacing the chain guide and slider rather quickly, they wear out almost immediately, at least the 11, 10 and 09 did. I used the TM designs chainguide and slider they last like iron

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

PMB kickstand and TM chainguides are definately top notch. Have them both on my 250s and 500. Just put a Trail Tech stand on my wifes 03 KX250, nice piece but requires a slight elongation of the lower mount hole.

[ThrottleJunky]

KX450F = start with tennis shoes

KX500 = start with boots ONLY !!!!!

[alward25]

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=vXDVzyiV5oA

Or tennis shoe

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=GZ1RSiDeULM

Or flip flop

Compression release mod might be a must!

[Motorrad]

I start my 14:1.  200psi monster all the time in tennis shoes... Thanks to Larry Wiechman .

[ID KX500]

Did Santa make it?