The Kawasaki KX450F is to become the jack of all trades in the world of dirt bike. KX450F were on the podium in Pro Motocross, Supercross, WORCS, GNCC, enduro cross and track events, flat and homogeneous. The KX450F's success has always revolved around two main features: an enormous power and capacity to perform well enough about it.
Although he won the races, the KX is a great rider ergonomics, too heavy for a while (some would say rude), low-power delivery and less cornering behavior of a net has traditionally been the KX450F winning popularity contests. When we drove across the frozen lakes of the 2011 version and the motocross track cross-country level, we have more or less understood the wheel. When we learned about the changes to the Kawasaki KX450F 2012, we could not wait to try it by pressing the start of the famous Red Bud Track Buchanan, MI.
Although he won the races, the KX is a great rider ergonomics, too heavy for a while (some would say rude), low-power delivery and less cornering behavior of a net has traditionally been the KX450F winning popularity contests. When we drove across the frozen lakes of the 2011 version and the motocross track cross-country level, we have more or less understood the wheel. When we learned about the changes to the Kawasaki KX450F 2012, we could not wait to try it by pressing the start of the famous Red Bud Track Buchanan, MI.
Kawasaki complained too great in a variety of ways. First, there is a new frame thinner, but the most important of the handlebars can be adjusted to four different configurations, with new triple clamps, while the footrest can be raised or lowered to accommodate personal preferences. If the KX450F still feels a little big, there is a link suspension option that reduces the seat height of 6 mm. The end result is more ergonomic adjustable motocross bike in recent history.
Red Bud is a wonderful creation of motocross, the earth well maintained motocross track and a world-class. Obviously you can not do a bike test "real world" in a perfectly groomed national motocross track with factory technicians on his shoulder. We tried to find a variety of driving conditions, in addition to the motocross track, but not yield a "first impression" as a test of the bike properly. Our first impression after having spent so long in 2011 and KX450F 2010, was how the 2012 model felt much smaller and lighter than their predecessors.
Despite some major changes in the chassis remains vague as momentum KX450F in a row. It's a big heavy bike that likes to be controlled with the accelerator. When mounted aggressive it revolves around the power faster, but it does not eliminate the line inside. In 2012 KX450F Sharp, but you have to work on it and the bike does not wander more than we want.
2012 suspension KX450Fs not beat a small effect on the track lumber. It 'was difficult to get an electric shock preload back off enough to get the 95-100mm compressed with 160 pound rider. The heavier riders do not complain much, but it would be nice if equipped with a Kawasaki 450 forks with adjustable preload a SFF to use, it is 250F. Kawasaki modified the link shaken this year to improve the traction of the rear wheel. Please note the beginning of the establishment was essential, and when we retreated to soak up the pressure to split wheel jumping harder. Without touching the bottom of the resistance has always been excellent, and although the bottom of the suspension the effect is never too difficult.
Kawasaki technicians told us that they forget to worry about using the perfect starting techniques, adding that the system rewards Launch Control novice drivers are not professionals. That's how it works. Mounted on the door and press the launch control button until it flashes. Select second gear, the pin and release the clutch when the gate drops. The ignition timing is delayed a bit by the launch control system until the rider approaches the third speed, improving traction.
Kawasaki Launch Control system does not work begins in third gear, which is a shame, because testers found it easier and easier to leave port for the third. Kawasaki has a lot of torque and power to a strong third gear starts, as you can see here.
The KX-F is really a fun bike. Please do not find mountains and turn every piece of land from a jump. With a low speed first, the clutch smooth and long wheelbase of the KX450F feel stands up to the top of the hills with knots, but the suspension is too sharp face deviates success and makes it difficult to maintain the line. Moto last year took over roads garbage acceptable pace, but 2012 is more severe. This could be due to the foam of the new headquarters for the 2012 or the suspension of new joints or the new image. In any case, we are not sure why yet. The fuel capacity will be lower in 2012 than in 2011, the narrowest and flat sitting position reduces the gas tank capacity 1.9 to 1.6 liters. The new exhaust system was very quiet at first, but becomes too strong by a score of six hours.
Thank you to USA Kawasaki KX450F 2012 to invite the press release, Red Bud to deliver the test facility and amazing Jim Carver to help provide input test.
