Product description
The 2010 Kawasaki KX™;450F provides an ideal platform for riders looking to win races. Its precise aluminum frame, premium suspension components and expert-tuned settings are designed to deliver superb high-speed stability, enabling racers to capitalize on its amazing engine performance. Holeshot acceleration is delivered by a strong powerband and optimized chassis geometry specifically engineered to maximize rear wheel traction. Monster Energy™ Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto used his new KX450F to win several AMA Supercross and Motocross races, during his first year on a 450.
At A Glance...More Powerful Engine
Revised Suspension Settings
Refined Fuel Injection
Still Super-Easy to Start!
Engine Overview449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single
Cylinder skirt strengthened to handle increased engine performance
Right-side crankcase reinforced at lower engine mount for increased strength and durability
A forward lean angle of 3 puts the engine in the ideal position for maximum traction
Tuned for a broad powerband with the torque curve set just under the wheel spin threshold
High-acceleration cams help the engine rev quickly
Maintenance free screw-type automatic cam chain adjuster
Large flap inside the airbox helps prevent the ingress of mud and water
New Bridged-Box Bottom PistonFirst mass-production use of a bridged-box bottom piston design
Same design as used on our factory racers, offers improved performance at all rpm
7 grams lighter than the 09 piston
6mm shorter piston skirt features a low-friction coating for reduced mechanical losses
Reinforced external ribs for strength and durability
Revised profile with fully flush internal bracing, results in a lighter, stronger piston
Shorter piston pin has a smaller inner diameter for increased strength
Cylinder HeadNew intake camshaft features a revised sprocket/shaft arrangement which advances intake valve timing by two degrees, to suit revised engine characteristics
Compact head is only 100mm tall
36mm titanium intake and 31mm exhaust valves with aluminum spring retainers minimize reciprocating weight and cylinder height to help ensure reliable valve control at high rpm
Double valve springs allow a short cylinder head height and help ensure stable valve operation
Camshafts, lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
CrankshaftNew crankshaft with a slightly higher inertial mass helps boost rear wheel traction
Wedge-shaped crank web provides enough offsetting moment for a 60 percent balance factor this is similar to the crank balance in Kawasakis factory race engines
End result is reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery and increased performance, with a noticeably snappier response at low rpm
Crankshaft and connecting rod feature a special carburizing and quenching treatment to maximize rigidity
Dgital Fuel InjectionSelf adjusts to atmospheric changes for easier starting, sharper throttle response and optimized power, and power stability when jumping/landing
Ultra-fine atomizing injector with 12 holes sprays particles with a droplet size of 60 for smooth power deliver and smooth engine response throughout the throttle range
43mm throttle body uses a progressive throttle linkage to deliver airflow in much the same way as an FCR carburetor.
Using two linked shafts, the throttle body opens more quickly after reaching the 3/8 open position
Lightweight throttle body is approximately half the weight of a FCR carburetor, saving over one pound in weight
Fast-idle knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase engine speed when starting a cold engine
Fuel injector set at 45, the optimum angle for mid-range power
New Feature: High Performance ECUNew ECU programming and revised settings offer improved response at low-mid rpm
No Battery needed; the engine can be started with only three rotations of the crankshaft using the electricity generated by a single kick of the starter
The system delivers electricity to FI system in sequence: first the ECU, then the fuel pump, and finally the injector for quick, easy starting
Starting can be accomplished in a single kick
The compact, lightweight ECU, located on the front of the steering head behind the number plate, was designed specifically for motocross use. The fuel pump relay is integrated with the ECU to help cope with the shocks and vibrations of motocross riding
Lightweight Aluminum Fuel PumpLocated in the fuel tank
Features a rubber fuel filter cover that wraps around the inlet port and acts as a fuel trap to help ensure a stable fuel supply during vigorous motocross riding
Fuel return hose from the pressure regulator helps ensure there is always fuel in the inlet port, preventing stalls due to fuel splashing and enabling riders to use all the fuel
1.8 gallon fuel tank is formed using a rotational molding process
Optional User ECU Setting ToolAllows racers to reprogram the ECUs data maps for volume of fuel injected and ignition timing to alter engine characteristics to suit rider preference it is not necessary to re-tune, no changing needle jets to suit climatic conditions like on a carbureted model
The tool can also be used as a data logger, recording up to six hours of data, including engine rpm, degree of throttle opening, engine boost, coolant temp, air temp, ignition timing, fuel adjustments, gear position and system voltage.
Easy StartingStrong 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
Better CoolingNew radiators are 10mm taller and 7.6mm wider, with increased fin and tube pitch to provide a extra strength and better resistance to mud build-up
High-capacity Denso radiators feature tightly packed cores and a fin design that delivers superior cooling efficiency
Because the new radiators are stronger, reinforcing brackets could be eliminated, resulting in lower overall weight
New shrouds feature a slightly slimmer design that is fine-tuned to accommodate the new radiators
Radiator louvers feature four small blades set at a shallow angle, for minimum overlap and maximum air flow
Improved ClutchNew clutch provides a more direct feel and increased control
Material trimmed from the spring holders and outer surface of the plate, to optimize rigidity and improve oil drainage, contributing to more direct feel
Friction plates feature approximately 75% more friction material, contributing to a more direct feel
Operating plate pusher features an increased outer diameter, to reduce the clearance between the pusher and the input shaft hole, improving clutch operation
Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission5-Speed transmission and low-rpm engine response combination offers riders more gear options for traversing rough sections or getting into the rhythm of a course easily so they can focus more on racing
New chain with thinner inner links offers 20g weight savings
Sprocket-style chain drive roller reduces the effect of driveline lash, helping smooth engine braking and facilitating additional corner entry control
ExhaustOne-piece stainless steel exhaust pipe is 40mm shorter than the 09 unit, contributing to improved mid-high rpm performance
Optimized exhaust routing contributes to improved ergonomics
High volume silencer body helps meet noise regulations
currently 99dB
Right side panel has special passageway to help cool the silencer
Powerful Disc BrakesRevised rear brake pad material offers stronger braking performance
Powerful twin piston hydraulic front caliper
Lightweight semi-floating 250mm petal type front brake rotor
Single piston hydraulic rear caliper squeezes lightweight 240mm petal type rotor
Light, Slim ChassisNew steering stem shaft with lower rigidity contributes to lighter handling
Main frame spars are 68mm tall and 24mm wide, to provide an ideal balance between stiffness and compliance
Weight saving features include a slim head pipe, narrow cross section and a down tube that is now formed with a swaging (squeezing and hammering) process
Swingarm pivot is located high in the frame to maximize rear wheel traction
Aluminum SwingarmRevised cross-section contributes to lighter handling
Tapered D shape swingarm provides ideal rigidity for excellent stability, and is lighter than a comparable box-section unit
Alloy swingarm features a cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters
Revised Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage ratio increases rear traction performance
Suspension arm is mounted below the swingarm, to allow a longer rear suspension stroke and more precise tuning
Front ForkRace-oriented suspension settings offer maximum over-all performance
Revised spring rate and damping settings work with the less rigid steering stem to offer improved action and increased comfort during the initial phase of the suspension stroke
Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos. Low-friction fork seals contribute to smooth action
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes offers minimum stiction when the fork is exposed to lateral forces that would usually hamper slide action. The result is improved fork response, especially during cornering
Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork outer tubes contributes to smooth suspension action (especially at the initial part of the stroke) and a superb ride feel
Wrap around black fork tube guards offer effective protection for the inner fork tubes
Rear ShockNew spring rate and damping settings contribute to increased stability and improved impact performance when landing jumps
Rear suspension settings and linkage ratios derived from extensive rider testing
Kayaba rear shock features a large 50mm piston
Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
Also features Kashima Coat treatment on the cylinder for reduced friction and smoother suspension action
Easy adjuster access for track-side suspension tuning
Rider Interface and StylingDual injected 2-tone, one-piece plastic shrouds and side number plates
Optimized exhaust routing contributes to improved ergonomics
Right side panel has special passageway to help cool the silencer
Black plastic covers, triple clamps, engine covers, and black alumite coated rims just like Kawasakis factory teams
Wide 50mm foot pegs provide excellent feel and a comfortable platform
Frame is wider at the ankles to offer optimum grip, narrows below the seat to allow a slim riding position
Slim seat design uses firmer urethane foam which keeps its original shape longer for the best possible ergonomics and feel
Seat has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Additional FeaturesSkid plate made of resin material offers great protection without excess weight
Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easy for riders to adjust play in the clutch cable while on the fly
Rear caliper guard helps protect the caliper from damage
Ribless rear hub and butted spokes offer light weight and excellent durability
SpecificationsEngine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with DOHC and four valves
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel Injection: 43mm Keihin Throttle body
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
Transmission: Five-speed
Rake / trail: 26.7 degrees / 4.6 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression dampening, 22-position rebound dampening and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.
Front tire: 90/100-21
Rear tire: 120/80-19
Front brake: Single semi-floating 250mm petal disc with dual piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 86.0 in.
Overall width: 32.3 in.
Overall height: 50.4 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground clearance: 13.4 in
Seat height: 38.0 in.
Curb weight: 250.4 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.9 gal.
Color: Lime Green
MODEL YEAR: 2010