First Ride: 2016 Kawasaki KX450F

Transmoto’s USA-based colleague, RacerX’s Jordan Roberts, threw a leg over the completely overhauled 2016 KX450F at High Point Raceway to file this ride impression.

Leading into the press launch for the 2016 Kawasaki KX450F here in the USA, we had a pretty good idea of what the major selling point was going to be for this new model: weight reduction. The engineers at Kawasaki managed to trim 7.5lbs (that’s 3.4kg for you Aussies) off of the ’16 model and implemented a number of redesigns across the board in the process. The most notable – and noticeable – changes at first glance were the bodywork and chassis. Even though the new KX450F isn’t the lightest bike in the 450 class, the additional weight isn’t apparent once you hit the track. I’ve had the opportunity to ride both, and the Kawasaki isn’t lacking in agility and handling.

There’s a laundry list of revisions that contribute to the 2016 bike’s improved handling characteristics: slimmer frame, angled radiators, slimmer and elongated shrouds, lowered gas tank, and a flatter seat. Together, they all affect the overall feel, but the shrouds and seat were the obvious components I noticed right away. No matter whether I was diving into corners or constantly repositioning over gradual rollers, moving from the back to the front of the bike was always an effortless transition. As far as some of the sharp, rutted corners go, getting a foot out front was so easy that I was practically kicking the fender without even trying. The ruts we encountered during the intro weren’t exactly treacherous, but the KX450F was ready for any occasion.

The all-new ergos make for an effortless transition back and forth on the bike, while the weight savings have noticeably improved agility and handling.

With the redesign of the chassis, the Showa SFF-Air TAC fork and rear shock were re-valved and got an overall change in settings to help balance the bike out and ensure proper tracking. I’m no expert when it comes to pneumatic suspension and nor will I pretend to be, so let’s keep this brief. As a traditional spring fork guy, I was somewhat apprehensive about the negative stigma that has been coupled with the fairly new-to-moto technology, but I’m assuming those kinks have been smoothed out over the past few years. I didn’t notice any significant differences between a stock spring fork and the stock air fork. Then again, conditions were about as rough as the first practice session at your local track. Kawasaki also supplies a digital air pump with the purchase of each bike (unfortunately, this does not apply to bikes sold in Australia).

As far as the engine goes, the general consensus among most of the test riders was that it characteristics haven’t changed too much from the 2015 model. It still comes with the three DFI couplers that are designed for soft, standard, and hard terrain, but Kawasaki now offers a new FI Calibration Kit that allows the rider to create custom maps without the use of a laptop. The handheld device is sold separately and is fairly user friendly. We talked to Kawasaki’s EFI/ECU Data Specialist, Theo Lockwood, about the device and asked him about the parameters of the FI Calibration Kit. To paraphrase, the device allows for an exceptionally wide variety of custom maps, and seven different maps can be stored at a time, but it doesn’t permit settings so extreme that you’ll need an engine rebuild as part of the learning curve! Combine that with the four-position handlebar mounts and two-position footpeg mounts and you’re left with one of the most versatile and adaptable 450s on the market.

KX450F – 2016 UPDATES

ENGINE

• Lighter, more powerful engine with new engine cases.
• Revised bridged-box bottom piston, based on AMA factory race bikes.
• Revised intake port to improve performance in mid-to-high RPM range.
• Revised intake valve shape increases air volume.
• New inlet camshaft is lighter and has revised timing for better low-mid RPM response.
• New high-flow airbox with rear intake channels improve flow and reduce noise.
• New exhaust header with integrated resonator chamber for crisp throttle response.
• New mass-centralising exhaust muffler to reduce sound and weight.
• Plug and play DFI® couplers allow easy engine map changes. 

CHASSIS

• New slimmer, lighter perimeter frame and swingarm improve rider feel.
• Launch control based on factory race bike system.
• Revised settings in both the Showa SFF-Air TAC fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension.
• New aggressive factory styling and flatter seat for easier rider movement.
• Four-way adjustable handlebar and two-way adjustable footpegs to fit a wide range of riders.
• Overall weight reduction from 2015 of 7.5lb (3.4kg).

For a behind-the-scenes insight into the American press launch for the 2016 KX450F, check out RacerX’s online video edit or this snapshot of what a cross-section of American moto-journos and testers had to say about the bike.