2009 Kawasaki KFX® 450R
Track-ready performance, woods-ready maneuverability
Riders looking for a race-ready, high performance ATV equipped with class-leading performance and technology straight out of the crate need look no further than the Kawasaki KFX®450R. Every component was chosen to maximize performance on the track or in the woods and put riders at the head of the pack with minimal fuss.
The KFX450R ATV uses a powerplant based on Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed KX™450F motocross engine. An efficient and highly-responsive 32-bit digital fuel injection (DFI) system automatically compensates for temperature or altitude. DFI also enhances the engine’s ability to generate torque in the low and medium rpm ranges for outstanding holeshot acceleration. This ATV’s ability to find traction is superb, and its four-stroke power delivery translates into hooked-up wheels for improved handling and higher corner speeds.
Other race-ready features include a lightweight titanium exhaust header pipe and a durable forged piston. The fast and reliable KFX450R was also the first competition-oriented ATV to include a reverse gear. Previously unheard of in racing, the KFX450R’s lightweight reverse system lets riders quickly extricate themselves from first turn chaos, dead-end trails or any other on-track incident.
Winning races requires a chassis that’s built to handle tough racing conditions. The all-aluminium frame provides light weight and incredible stiffness without sacrificing strength. The front suspension design utilizes long lower A-arms mounted to a single box-section lower frame tube. This results in outstanding suspension action from the frontend. At the rear, a cast aluminium swingarm provides the ideal balance of flexibility and rigidity. The high-tech chassis also features a low center of gravity and excellent roll resistance. Regardless of changing conditions or rough track surfaces, this race-oriented chassis makes the KFX450R a potent weapon in the battle for ATV supremacy.
The KFX450R is easy to work on, so riders can concentrate on winning instead of wrenching. The two-piece front and rear “lapped” fenders make it possible to customize the size of the fenders or replace damaged sections separately. Even the headlight assembly is quickly detachable for closed-course races, and the compact design means this ATV looks just as aggressive with or without headlights. These features leave little doubt that the new KFX450R was designed to get its rider on track and winning races as quickly as possible.
The KFX450R was developed concurrently with a full line of Authentic Kawasaki Accessories that are available through Kawasaki dealers.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
Additional Features
Two-tone seat features a smooth top surface for excellent rider mobility and slip-resistant sides for good grip when hanging off in corners
Seat, tank and side covers are shaped to allow excellent rider mobility and to provide support when hanging off in corners.
Tapered Renthal Fatbar offers both strength and light weight
Handlebar mount is designed to accommodate other MX-type handlebars, enabling riders to select from numerous after-market styles
Specially designed rear wheels feature reinforcing plates for the rims. Located on the axle side of the rims, these plates reinforce the rims where strength is most needed while minimizing weight
Wide front bumper, can be gripped with two hands to push/pull the ATV
Two-piece “lapped” front and rear fenders can be replaced separately in the event they are damaged
Detachable front headlight assembly can easily be removed for racing
Optional kick-start system is available for MX-style (GNC) races where light weight is a priority
Brakes
Dual front hydraulic disc brakes offer strong, consistent stopping performance
Petal-type rear brake rotors reduce unsprung weight and help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
Integrated rear parking brake is designed to be easily engaged and released while wearing gloves. When engaged, the parking brake lever also prevents the clutch lever from being actuated
Chassis/Suspension
The aluminum frame’s high torsional rigidity enhances stability in corners and allows the suspension to be easily set up to suit course conditions
Highly rigid frame contributes to the KFX’s excellent handling and traction
Designed for high corner speeds, the KFX450R sits low to the ground, helping to reduce roll tendencies
Mounting the battery and coolant tank ahead of the engine lowers the center of gravity, and helps weight the front wheels for increased traction
Single box-tube lower frame contains the front A-arm attachment points. This narrower design enables the use of longer lower A-arms
Dual-rate front springs deliver progressive suspension travel for excellent rough-terrain handling
Extra-long lower front A-arms minimize camber variations through the suspension stroke, maximize front wheel traction and boost stability
Rear shock features both low- and high-speed compression adjustability and adjustable rebound damping
The curved lines and rounded edges of the cast aluminum rear swingarm help disperse stress, which along with its varied wall thicknesses equal a design that is both light and strong
The swingarm’s high torsional rigidity contributes to excellent rear wheel traction
The rear axle is tapered for less unsprung weight
Engine
449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, four-stroke single
A lightweight forged piston reduces reciprocating weight
Triple piston rings and a 21mm diameter piston pin help increase durability and reduce necessary maintenance
Lightweight titanium valves and aluminum valve spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight and boost high-rpm reliability
Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams yield high intake efficiency
Lightweight high-performance titanium exhaust header contributes to low and mid-range throttle response
Electric starting facilitates quicker stall recovery and lowers rider fatigue
Large-volume airbox contributes to both intake efficiency and sharp engine response. An air duct fashioned from polyethylene resists deformation caused by intake pulses and helps ensure stable engine performance
Advanced engine tuning provides a broad torque curve and an optimized power delivery for quick acceleration without excessive wheelspin
Fuel Injection
32-bit digital fuel injection system with a 42mm throttle body
System measures coolant temperature, air intake temperature, air intake pressure, engine speed and throttle position, then automatically delivers the ideal amount of fuel to optimize power delivery
Crisp engine response is especially advantageous for instant acceleration after landing from jumps
Promotes trouble-free starting –a great benefit in races with engine off starts
Fuel injection allows the use of a lighter throttle return spring, which reduce rider fatigue
Transmission
The five-speed (one-down, four-up) manual transmission locates the reverse gear below first
Actuating the reverse-lock release lever when in first gear allows you to shift “down” into reverse
Compact reverse-lock release lever can be activated with the right thumb, allowing the reverse gear to be engaged while still keeping the front brake lever depressed
The combined weight of the reverse gear system and the lightweight aluminum chassis is no heavier than using a steel frame without reverse
2009 Kawasaki KFX® 450R
Specifications
Engine
- Engine
- Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
- Displacement
- 449cc
- Bore x Stroke
- 96 x 62.1mm
- Fuel Injection
- 32-bit digital, with 42mm Keihin throttle body
- Starting System
- Electric
- Fuel Capacity
- 2.6 gal
Transmission
- Transmission
- Five-speed with reverse
- Final Drive
- Two-wheel drive, chain
Chassis
- Suspension Front
- Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks
- Wheel Travel, Front
- 8.5 in.
- Suspension Rear
- Swingarm with piggy-back reservoir shock, dual-rate spring
- Wheel Travel, Rear
- 10.0 in.
- Tires Front
- AT21x7-10
- Tires Rear
- AT20x10-9
- Brake Front
- Dual 163mm discs with two-piston calipers
- Brake Rear
- 200mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Dimensions
- Length
- 71.1 in
- Width
- 46.1 in
- Height
- 41.9 in
- Seat Height
- 30.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 49.4 in
- Ground Clearance
- 4.3 in
- Dry Weight
- 394.7 lbs
General Information
- Warranty
- 12 Months
- Footpegs
- Sport-style serrated
- Lighting
- Dual removable headlights
- Frame
- Aluminum double cradle, racing type
Colors
- Colors
- Lime Green
Sunbeam Red
Photos