2012 Kawasaki Kx450f
2012 Kawasaki KX450F
ROUNDUP
QUICKRIDE
Kawasaki shows us what the digital era is doing for dirt
THE HEADLINE FEATURE for Kawasaki's new KX450F is Launch Control, but don't let that one item overshadow the extensive list of changes that transform this green machine into an all-new motorcycle. While Launch Control is cool, a redesigned frame, a heavily revised engine and a new electronics package are the updates that make the 2012 KX-F a better motocross bike.
Kawasaki invited Cycle World to try the new KX450F for ourselves at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan, where we learned that you can feel the changes on this bike right at startup. The KX is the easiest kick-starting 450 to date: It takes just one or two kicks to light its fire.
At the start line, Launch Control is engaged by holding down a kill-switch-type button for a couple of seconds, after which a flashing light lets the rider know that the system is activated. It works as soon as the rider drops the clutch by retarding the ignition timing to help the rear tire maintain traction on slippery surfaces (not to be confused with traction control). The system automatically shuts off when the rider shifts to
On the dirt starting pad at RedBud, using second gear with Launch Control engaged got the best results. The difference between having the system on and off is noticeable; Launch Control reduces wheelspin and won’t allow a huge wheelie.
Kawasaki was able to get more power out of the KX450F by means of new hardware and revised software. The piston, top piston ring, intake cam, throttle body and exhaust system all are new hard parts. The ECU is updated and allows the use of three pre-programmed maps: Standard, Hard (terrain) and Soft (terrain). Although these maps are built into the ECU, the rider must change out external couplers known as “wire jumpers” to activate them. Plug-and-play is simple, but a bar-mounted switch would be easier. Standard mode is actually pretty aggressive, allowing a good bottom-end hit and a strong midrange. The aggressive (Soft terrain) plug was actually too much: The power delivery is abrupt just about everywhere in the rev range. The mellower Hard setting seemed to be the best of the
three, providing power that was smooth off the bottom and had just enough grunt though the midrange.
When those three mapping options aren’t enough, an accessory ECU Setting Tool is available that allows riders to create their own personalized maps.
Our favorite aspect of the 2012 KX450F is the new frame. It’s 4mm narrower between the frame rails, and although that doesn’t sound like a lot, it is; the previous KX felt big—maybe even too big. The new bike’s narrower profile, along with a smaller 1.6-gallon gas tank, helps make the KX more compact and easier to control. But larger humans
needn’t worry: Kawasaki has given the KX-F two-positionadjustable footpegs and fourposition-adjustable handlebar clamps to accommodate a variety of rider sizes. Kawasaki claims 249 pounds fueled up and ready to ride.
Overall, the KX450F handles decently and instills rider confidence to push harder each lap. But even though the bike whips through comers with ease, the front end is vague. We lowered the fork 5mm in the triple-clamps to raise the front end which eliminated some of the high-speed sketchiness and also increased straight-line stability.
After sampling the $8399 KX450F, we’re excited at the prospects for 2012 and the beginning of the electronic era of dirtbikes.
Ryan Dudek
