2022 Kawasaki KX450
Kawasaki’s flagship motocross model, the KX450 has arrived in Australian dealers in 2022 form for $12,399 RRP plus dealer delivery costs.
Featuring a powerful liquid-cooled 449 cc four-stroke single-cylinder powerplant, electric start and a standard lithium-ion battery and weighing just 110.2 kg fueled and ready to ride, the KX450 is Kawasaki’s ultimate competition machine.
Last significantly updated in 2019, the KX450 improved top end power, torque and performance significantly, running large diameter valves and aggressive cams, a downdraft intake and redcued friction losses.
Features include launch control, switchable maps for optimised feedback and performance, a hydraulic clutch for better feel and engagement and full KYB suspension. Tuning can be further fine tuned with the addition of the KX FI Calibration kit available as an accessory.
Forks are 49 mm inverted coil-spring units with a Kashima Coat, alongside a KYB shock unit, with the forks boasting compression and rebound adjustability, while the shock can be adjusted for high and low speed compression, as well as rebound and preload. Travel is 305 mm at the front and 307 mm at the rear.
Brakes are a single semi-floating 270 mm petal rotor at the front, with dual piston caliper, while the rear runs a 250 mm rotor and single-piston caliper.
Wheels are based on those from the factory race teams, running black alumite coating with a larger 22 mm front axle for better traction.
Controls are adjustable with two handlebar mounting slots on the upper triple, with bodywork specially designed to facilitate rider movement on the bike. This includes flush seams between bodywork, and a flat tank design.
The seat is 955 mm in height and features a slip resistant surface up top, with smooth sides further easing movement. The lightweight aluminium perimeter frame is also wider at the ankles for better grip. Foot pegs also offer two positions to further tailor the ergonomics.
Other features include Renthal Fatbars as standard fitment.
The 2022 Kawasaki KX450 is available now in Australian dealers for $12,399 RRP plus dealer delivery costs.
2022 Kawasaki KX450 Specifications
| 2022 Kawasaki KX450 Specifications | |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single |
| Valve system | DOHC, 4 valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0 x 62.1 mm |
| Displacement | 449 cm3 |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel supply | Fuel injection (ø44 x 1) |
| Lubrication system | Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition system | Digital DC-CDI |
| Driving system | Chain |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return |
| Gear ratios: 1st | 1.750 (28/16) |
| 2nd | 1.412 (24/17) |
| 3rd | 1.188 (19/16) |
| 4th | 1.000 (19/19) |
| 5th | 0.875 (21/24) |
| Primary reduction ratio | 2.727 (60/22) |
| Final reduction ratio | 3.846 (50/13) |
| Clutch type (Primary) | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Frame | Perimeter, aluminium, Tubular, Semi-Double Cradle |
| Suspension Front | ø49 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable compression, and rebound damping |
| Rear | Uni Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload |
| Wheel travel Front | 305 mm |
| Rear | 307 mm |
| Caster (Rake angle) | 27.6o |
| Trail | 122 mm |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 42o/42o |
| Tyre Front | 80/100-21 51M |
| Rear | 120/80-19 63M |
| Brake Front | Single semi- floating ø270 mm petal disc |
| Caliper | Dual-piston |
| Rear Type | Single ø250 mm petal disc |
| Caliper | Single-piston |
| Overall length | 2185 mm |
| Overall width | 820 mm |
| Overall height | 1265 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1485 mm |
| Road clearance | 340 mm |
| Seat height | 955 mm |
| Curb mass | 110.2 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 6.2 litres |
Source: MCNews.com.au