KAWASAKI 450 KXF test

A motocross bike gone electric
Kawasaki has pulled out all the stops to show off its revolutionary new motocross machine. Or to be more precise – the arrival of injection power on its 450 range for 2009. It’s over to Gallarate in Italy to find out more.





The latest Kawasaki is a totally redesigned bike.

New plastics are there for the looks.

The seat is narrower, as is the aluminium frame, which is also lighter than before. The foot positioning is a little bit wider to give better stability, with the foot rests growing from 46 to 50mm. It’s all done with the aim of providing a more efficient riding position.

The engine cover is now synthetic rather than aluminium. It’s larger to offer better protection, but doesn’t add to the weight of the bike.

The 450 gets Kayab anti-friction forks.

And it’s all topped off with Renthal handlebars to provide a ‘standard’ riding position.

The larger silencer meets European noise standards at 94dB.

It seems that a huge amount of work has been done to incorporate the new injection system. It’s a project that Kawasaki has been working on for two years, with a year of testing in the Japanese championship, and two months of testing in Europe with Sébastien Pourcel.


It’s a change that will force mechanics to learn all over again. The project’s manager explains the principals behind it.

If changing the setup seems simple, it’s not actually recommended. For standard use, the map has been carefully designed to suit the majority of riders and can adapt itself to a variety of conditions. Changing the injection mapping only really becomes important after changing a key part like the exhaust.

It seems unlikely that motocross riders will all leap to abandon their toolkit in favour of a laptop. But it’s a market that could open up for specialist preparers, because the possibilities are huge.

It can also be used to record data, for example about how the engine is running or the angle of the fuel entry.

The result on the track is stunning.

There is no more delay in acceleration. Power arrives immediately. The power is so progressive that a 450 becomes simple and even enjoyable to ride.

The new Kawasaki 450 KXF will clearly seduce some buyers. At launch, the 2009 model is just slightly more expensive, at 7895 euros.

Being this easy to ride, it is a real pleasure. You won’t be disappointed.