Cycle News Staff | July 7, 2020
2021 Kawasaki KX450 First Look: For 2021, the Kawasaki KX450 sees few changes, but one of them is significant–a coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch.
2021 Kawasaki KX450
From Kawasaki:
2021 Kawasaki KX450 First Look
2021 Kawasaki KX450 MSRP: $9,399
- NEW Dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt
- NEW Coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch for improved clutch performance
- NEW Larger-diameter clutch plates and revised friction material
- NEW Factory-style 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar handlebar
The Kawasaki KX450 motorcycle returns as the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX lineup for 2021 and boasts several new updates to maintain its edge as the leader in its class. Tuned to best suit race-experienced riders, the 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with improved engine power, slim aluminum perimeter frame, Showa A-KIT technology suspension, redesigned hydraulic clutch, and electric start are the ultimate combination of a championship-winning package.
The KX450 is built with race-winning components to help Kawasaki riders get to the top step of the podium. For 2021 the KX450 receives engine updates for increased performance, a new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch, and a new 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar handlebar. From the showroom to the racetrack, the performance of Kawasaki’s KX family of motorcycles is proof of its engineering pedigree. It truly is The Bike That Builds Champions.
2021 Kawasaki KX450 First Look
ENGINE
- NEW Dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt
- NEW Larger diameter clutch plates and revised friction material
- NEW Coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch for improved clutch performance
The four-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled 449cc lightweight engine package utilizes input derived directly from the Monster Energy® Kawasaki race team, producing peak power and a torque curve that makes it easy to get on the gas early. The potent KX450 engine features an electric start, which is activated by the push of a button and powered by a compact Li-ion battery.
Kawasaki utilizes top-level road racing technology in the KX450 valve train, using designs from Kawasaki World Superbike engineers. It uses finger-follower valve actuation, enabling larger-diameter valves and more aggressive cam profiles. The intake and exhaust valves are formed from lightweight titanium, while a bridged-box piston uses the same design as the race team’s factory motorcycles. A new dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall, contributing to increased performance.
A close-ratio five-speed transmission features lightweight gears and shafts to keep weight down, yet retain strength, while contributing to the motorcycle’s winning performance. The transmission is paired with a new high-capacity coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch for 2021. The clutch’s coil springs have been replaced with a coned disk-spring, resulting in lighter clutch actuation when the lever is pulled in, and a wider clutch engagement range to help facilitate control. Larger diameter clutch plates and revised friction material is designed to provide a consistent feeling through minimal change in play as the clutch heats up during heavy use. The friction plates feature offset segments to help promote clean separation of the discs and reduce drag when the clutch is pulled in.
CHASSIS
An industry-leading slim aluminum perimeter frame provides precise cornering through excellent front-end feel and agility when riding at high speeds. The frame’s lightweight construction is composed of forged, extruded and cast parts, while the engine is used as a stressed member and adds to the frames rigidity balance. A lightweight alloy swingarm is constructed of a cast front section and twin tapered hydro-formed spars in a raw aluminum finish, complementing the frame. Engineers carefully placed the dimension of the swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations, helping to focus on the center of gravity and balanced handling.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
High-performance Showa 49 mm coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology can be found up front, featuring large diameter inner tubes that are the same size as those found on the machines of Kawasaki’s factory racing team (KRT). The forks enable the use of large damping pistons for smooth action and firm damping.
In the rear, a new Uni-Trak linkage system is designed to work in conjunction with the Showa shock, aluminum frame and swingarm. The linkage, which is mounted below the swingarm, allows for a longer rear suspension stroke and more precise rear suspension tuning. The Showa Compact Design rear shock boasts A-KIT technology with large diameter compression adjusters, improving on the high-frequency movements found on today’s motocross tracks.
An oversized 270mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking, is fitted to perfectly complement the powerful engine of the KX450. The rear is equipped with a 250 mm petal-shaped Braking rotor that matches the large front disc.
ERGONOMICS & ERGO-FIT ADJUSTABILITY
- NEW Factory-style 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar handlebar
New for the 2021 KX450 is a factory-style aluminum Renthal Fatbar handlebar that helps to reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider through the thicker 1-1/8” handlebar. The new handlebar grip position is lower and closer to the rider, making it easier for the rider to weight the front wheel.
Kawasaki continues its unmatched commitment towards providing riders with class-leading ERGO-FIT comfort thanks to its adjustable handlebar mounting system and footpegs to fit a variety of riders and riding styles. The handlebars feature four-way adjustable mounts. The multi-position handlebars offer two mounting holes with 35 mm of adjustability, and the 180-degree offset clamps boast four individual settings to suit different size riders. The footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position that reduces the standard setting by an additional 5 mm. The lower position effectively lowers the center of gravity when standing, and reduces knee angle when taller riders are seated.
BODYWORK & SEAT
Complementing the championship proven technology, the 2021 KX450 features aggressive styling along with in-mold graphics on the radiator shrouds that result in an ultra-smooth surface and racy look needed to finish at the top of its class. The sleek bodywork has been molded to match the V-mounted radiators and narrow chassis design. Each piece of the bodywork has been designed to help facilitate riders’ movement with long, smooth surfaces that make it easy to slide back and forth.
Kawasaki Team Green Racer Rewards
Kawasaki Team Green Racer Rewards return for the 2021 racing season with more than seven million dollars in contingency available for eligible KX riders. Team Green’s Racer Rewards program will be available at more than 240 events across the nation. Motocross racers will have more than $5.4 million up for grabs, while off-road riders will also be rewarded with more than $2.2 million available.
KAWASAKI KX450
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $9,399
Availability: Now
