2021 Kawasaki KX450X

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Kawasaki KX450X (Kawasaki/)

Ups

• New model in its class
• Specific suspension setting ready for off-road competition
• Off-road-ready and durable Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires
• Great price

Downs

• Motocross-size fuel tank limits ride length on a single fill-up
• Gearing makes it difficult to set up for both tight trails and high-speed sections
• EFI couplers are becoming long in the tooth

Verdict

A bike that shares so many similarities with Dirt Rider’s 2019, 2020, and 2021 450 Motocross Shootout winner and has minor tweaks for off-road racing is inevitably going to be a solid option.

2021 Kawasaki KX450X (Kawasaki/)

Overview

A new model to Kawasaki’s lineup for 2021, the KX450X is Team Green’s flagship cross-country motorcycle. Intended to slalom through the trees of GNCC and power across the more wide-open terrain of the WORCS series, the KX450X is designed to tackle just about anything you can throw at it in terms of off-road riding and has plenty of motocross prowess in its DNA as well.

Updates for 2021

Being that 2021 is the first year the KX450X has appeared on the market, it is a new model, but it shares many of the same components as the KX450. Some of the differences between the KX450X and its motocross-focused counterpart are that it has softer spring rates and different valving in the Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Showa shock, an 18-inch rear wheel, one-tooth-larger rear sprocket, and a kickstand.

Pricing and Variants

At $9,599, the Kawasaki KX450X is the least expensive 450 cross-country model on the market and as much as $1,200 under the pricier options like the KTM 450 XC-F and Husqvarna FX 450.

2021 Kawasaki KX450X (Kawasaki/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 449cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine is housed inside the KX450X’s aluminum perimeter frame. Although we haven’t run the KX450X on our dyno, the KX450 motocrosser, which shares an identical engine, churned out 52.4 hp at 9,600 rpm and 32.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. Dirt Rider test rider Allan Brown is a fan of the KX450X’s powerplant, stating it is “user-friendly and enjoyable to ride. It comes on nice with a reasonable amount of hit, has good midrange grunt, and runs out just long enough so that you don’t have to shift before the next corner.”

2021 Kawasaki KX450X (Kawasaki/)

Handling

The KX450X’s neutral-handling chassis is complemented by its peppy engine character, which makes the entire bike feel lively, while its softer suspension setting gives it a more planted feel than its motocross sibling.

Brakes

Although it has off-road-specific front brake pads, the KX450X’s braking feel and power is unsurprisingly similar to the KX450. The Nissin units on the green machine work well, but aren’t as powerful as the Brembo components on the KTM and Husqvarna or as progressive as the Nissin brakes on the Yamaha.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

Claimed or measured mpg information is not available, but we can say that if you want to go on a considerable trail ride (30 miles or longer), you’ll either want to carry gas or purchase a larger-capacity aftermarket fuel tank from a company like IMS Products because the KX450X’s 1.6-gallon unit is the same one that comes on the motocross model and is in no way sufficient for lengthier rides.

2021 Kawasaki KX450X (Kawasaki/)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

A slim radiator shroud area, narrow midsection, flat seat, and excellent rider triangle give the KX450X some of the best ergonomics of any bike on the market. Kawasaki’s flagship cross-country model also offers the most ergonomic adjustability in the class with its adjustable footpeg and handlebar position.

Electronics

Kawasaki is the only one of the Big Six manufacturers in the 450 cross-country dirt bike market not offering a handlebar-mounted electronics suite to adjust the EFI mapping. Instead, Team Green has three color-coded EFI couplers—black (mellow), green (standard), and white (aggressive). The couplers make a noticeable difference and can be tuned using the KX FI Calibration Controller, which is available for purchase as an accessory for $699.95.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A warranty is not available for the 2021 Kawasaki KX450X.

Quality

The plastics on Kawasaki’s motocross and cross-country models look a bit more weathered after about 20 hours of use compared to other bikes in the class and the small bolts like those used for the plastics and number plates are a little flimsy by comparison to the competition as well. Aside from that, the fit and finish of the KX models is solid. Also, reliability on the models has improved this year with Kawasaki’s new coned disc-spring clutch, which increases the component’s service life.

2021 Kawasaki KX450X (Kawasaki/)

2021 Kawasaki KX450X Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$9,599
Engine:	449cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Bore x Stroke:	96.0 x 62.1mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, hydraulic actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:	Digital DC-CDI
Frame:	Aluminum perimeter
Front Suspension:	49mm Showa coil-spring USD fork, fully adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, fully adjustable; 12.1 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked wheels w/ aluminum rims
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax AT81; 80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Trail:	27.6 ̊/4.8 in.
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.2 in.
Seat Height:	37.4 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Wet Weight:	246 lb.
Contact:	kawasaki.com

Source

[Pedro]

Is this actually a bike test with no actual bike testing or real pictures of a real bike?

Bots need a dislike button.

[Tym]

Pretty lame wasnt it... 

[Pedro]

49 minutes ago, Tym said:

Pretty lame wasnt it... 

I think I'll post a review on what I think riding a World Superbike is, mainly that time Ducati could have asked to go and show Troy Corser how to cope with a fast bike.