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Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 4/8/2007 8:28 PM (GMT -8)

Kawasaki's exciting new 4-stroke off-roader is finally here. Released as an early 2008 model, we got a chance to spend a day with the KLX450R in rocky Arizona.

fazer6
Registered Member

Date Joined Jan 2004
Total Posts : 2

Posted 4/9/2007 12:02 AM (GMT -8)

So where is the dual sport version...I have waited for years for Honda to make a XL450 sized dual sport with a much lower seat height than current offerings. Looks like the 450 Kawi would be just about right with a lowering kit.

KLX_MGM
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 2

Posted 4/9/2007 5:05 PM (GMT -8)

Too bad we can't convert them to street legal in California anymore. I have a KLX300 that is street legal that I use for connecting trails or on the street legal only Forest roads and when I go to Moab. I want to upgrade - electric start particularly - but now only KTM or Husky offers street legal dirt bikes. Too bad the Japanese manufactures don't do the same - other than the compromised DR400SE. . . . Thanks for showing the tracks of the course. Do you have any favorite program that you use for downloading or creating tracks and waypoints?

Kenny
MCUSA - Editorial Director

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 460

Posted 4/11/2007 3:09 PM (GMT -8)

Kawasaki builds their first bad-ass enduro in their million year history and all you guys can do is whine that its not street legal? WHat about the stuff it can do? It romps, stomps and looks great. What about the video? Was it cool? Would you want one? Any questions for JC...come on lets get get some life into this thread.

Damn it, where'd Duke go now?

gagster
Registered Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 62

Posted 4/11/2007 5:59 PM (GMT -8)

I just happened to ride a brand new '07 KX450F today. It had less than one tank of gas run through it. I don't motocross, but it was wicked fast, so smooth running and fun. I thought that to convert it to a perfect off road machine, I would want to give it a lower 1st and taller 5th gear, add just a little flywheel weight to improve low speed rideability, about 4 gallons of gas capacity and lights. It looks like Kawasaki did some of that for the new KLX, but why did they change to steel valves and make them smaller? Adding 2/10ths of gallon of gas capacity is a joke. Why did they change the ignition and make it rev slower and undoubtedly make it a lot slower machine at the same time? One of the nicest characteristics of the KX was how quickly it revved and easily it wheelied. It always seems that the manufacturers have to kill the fun by "tuning for torque" and taking it too far. They always do it with the street bikes. Case in point---the R1 versus the FZ1.

Although this machine was way smoother, more powerful, faster and more fun than my old vibey, heavy and slow XR650L, I can't see paying 7k for something that can't even be made street legal. The dirt bikes and sport bikes today are too specialized. On one side of the coin you have a choice of a sport bike that only the Marquis de Sade could love or a narrow focus motorcrosser that you need stilts to get on and has gas capacity enough to get you about 10 miles so you can walk home or go five miles and ride home with a flashlight in your mouth after the sun goes down. The other FZ1's and XR650L's of the the world are really just cheap parts bin bikes that are 20 years out of date and full of compromises that will disappoint you on every single ride. My time on the KX just made me wish even more that Honda would update the XR at least once every thirty years or so.

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 4/12/2007 9:19 AM (GMT -8)

It sounds like Kawasaki did just about everything you wanted with the KLX - more flywheel, lower 1st and higher 5th gear and lights. The KX450F is indeed a wickedly fast machines, but in the tight, technical off-roading it becomes wicked, fast. Tuning for torque, as you put it, doesn't kill the fun in this case - instead it makes the fun last longer.

I agree that the fuel capacity is kind of wimpy. I didn't get to test mileage, but eyeballing the tank and watching the odom showed that the KLX will do between 60 and 80 miles depending on how hard you ride it. For some guys that just isn't enough, but the majority of people who are going to buy this bike probably don't ride that much in a single day - at least not without stopping by the truck for some food/water, and thus fuel. Hell, I just went for a 4-hour ride yesterday and came back with under 30 miles on the trip meter. Also, depending on where you live, I don't imagine it would be too tough to get the KLX street-approved.

KLX_MGM
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 2

Posted 4/12/2007 9:54 AM (GMT -8)

I live in California so getting it street legal is not possible. I ride the desert in the winter/spring where street legal doesn't matter. But in the summer/fall I ride the forests where if you aren't street legal your options are severly restricted. Now they are proposing making the forest roads in Northern CA, Plumas, Tahoe, etc. street legal only. It will be impossible get to the single track without going on the forest roads. While the new bike appears to be everything else I want, if I can't ride it where I want what good is it. For now I am stuck with my street legal KLX300 - or the KTM or Husky options. My only point previously was if KTM/Husky can do it, why not the Japanese?

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 4/12/2007 9:57 AM (GMT -8)

That's a good point - and I think/hope they will.

ontopofit
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 2

Posted 4/24/2007 11:59 AM (GMT -8)

The 2008 Kawasaki KLX450 weighs in dry at 253 pounds and is called light, responsive, nimble, agile, etc. The 00-07 Honda XR650R weighs in at 277 pounds dry and is called a pig, fat, heavy, waterbuffalo, tank, etc. This is 24 pounds folks. Not alot of difference. I own this Honda and have never noticed the "weight" and do not have trouble picking it up once I drop it. I also don't have trouble kicking it over flooded or when I am tired, etc. My point is that e-start and 24 pounds is WAY too over-rated for the semi-serious couple-of-weekends per month trail rider.

It likely makes all the difference on a motocross track but these aren't motocross bikes and I don't ride tracks!!!

A hard-core, power hungry trail rider can pick up a gently used XR650R for $4,000 less than MSRP of the KLX. I have money to burn if necessary but am not compelled to plunk it down on this. A CRF450X or WR450F? Maybe; but their used resale values are still too high. Dollar per smile I think most will come out ahead on the XR650R.

Tros
Global Moderator

Date Joined Apr 2004
Total Posts : 7309

Posted 4/24/2007 12:16 PM (GMT -8)

KLX_MGM said...
I live in California so getting it street legal is not possible. I ride the desert in the winter/spring where street legal doesn't matter. But in the summer/fall I ride the forests where if you aren't street legal your options are severly restricted. Now they are proposing making the forest roads in Northern CA, Plumas, Tahoe, etc. street legal only. It will be impossible get to the single track without going on the forest roads. While the new bike appears to be everything else I want, if I can't ride it where I want what good is it. For now I am stuck with my street legal KLX300 - or the KTM or Husky options. My only point previously was if KTM/Husky can do it, why not the Japanese?

I used to get upset because I couldn't get a top-of-the-line dirtbike and make it street legal here; any more, with more places closing down, or only allowing street legal vehicles, I have a higher hope that more companies will make top-of-the-line offroad focused dual sports.

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 4/25/2007 9:09 AM (GMT -8)

First, Tros, I agree that there is a consumer demand for performance dual-sports, and hopefully the trend started with Husky, KTM, etc. will continue to grow. I think that market is only going to get stronger with increasing land issues.

Second, Ontopofit, what are you talking about? Comparing a Honda XR650 to the KLX450 is crazy, insane... inane. However, the fact that you can easily lift a fallen XR when exhausted and proceed to kick it's flooded ass to life with a smile on your face indicates that this is exactly how your brain works - and that you are very strong. For the "couple-of-weekends per month" guy, I think e-start is actually more important, yet at the same time, I find it hard to believe that any "hard-core, power hungry" trail rider would opt for an XR.

Tros
Global Moderator

Date Joined Apr 2004
Total Posts : 7309

Posted 4/25/2007 11:45 AM (GMT -8)

I can't comment on trail riding, but for high-speed offroad riding, the XR650R is still pretty sweet (after some mods, of course). I still want to get one of these hi-performance 450's and run them over my ol' stomping grounds to compare.

With that said, I will gladly take a bike with E start over kick starting. It's one thing to muscle a motorcycle out of the mud; it's another thing to kick the sucker to life!

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

ontopofit
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 2

Posted 4/25/2007 1:06 PM (GMT -8)

Yep, I can pickup a fallen 277 pound dirt bike; it ain't easy but it's not that big of a deal. Beware that this is only 24 pounds heavier than the KLX450R if it were ever to fall. 24 pounds. What man can't handle the 24 lbs.??

I am sure the KLX450R is a great bike but it just aint THAT light compared to my heavy "piggy" XR650R. For only being 35 years old, I guess I am old school regarding the kick start. It's so motorcycle-ish. E-start to me seems like a utility ATV.

Now, if we had accurate measurements of fuel economy on the KLX450R it may warrant further consideration. My "piggy" drinks the fuel unfortunately.

dirt-man1
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2006
Total Posts : 9

Posted 4/25/2007 1:14 PM (GMT -8)

When you put it that way, 24 pounds doesn't seem like much, but it sure feels a lot different on the bikes. I haven't been on a KLX yet, but I've ridden the CRF450X and it's pretty comparable in weight i think. I know it's a wimpy way out, but I like that e-start too. Dirt biking isn't supposed to be easy i guess but it sure makes riding so much easier.

Kenny
MCUSA - Editorial Director

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 460

Posted 4/25/2007 2:21 PM (GMT -8)

Alright, I can't avoid chiming in here. Sure ontopofit, the XR is noted for being a big pig. Our own Precision Concepts XR650R has been a grizzled warthog with its mondo-motor, sick suspension and all the trick goodies that go with the Baja bruiser like this. After thousands of miles on that bad-boy I must confess that I am not good at starting it after a fall. I can pick it up, but it is without a doubt heavier. Every little bit takes a toll on you too when you go down. In stock trim or even in lightly modded trim it doesnt have the snap or snort of a 450 - but the XR has unstoppable bottom end that make it actually do well in mud, steep climbs and stuff like that. Remember, just because one bike works for one person doesnt mean its the best for another. Its the old issue we always face during comparison tests when we pick a winner that folks dont agree with. But its cool baby. Just keep kicking that beast and I bet it will be running long after the less durable 450s start falling apart in a decade or so. But between now and then there is no escaping the fact that the 450 is lighter, usually more snappy throttle and a bit less agressive height/weight combo that make it tough for normal humans to ride in the woods or on trails. Get them all out there in the desert held WFO for 30-40 miles and watch as the 450s disappear into the dust though. Each one has its place. But I really do hope we get to ride a 450 in the Baja 1000 this year because personally, I really would like the electric start for those cases when you wake up after a short dirt nap in a silt bed and realize that Robby Gordon is going to run over you and your leg is mangled and its impossible to start that godforsaken XR since JC broke the decompression lever off - pick it up and just thumb the button and ski-daddle. That is good stuff right there.

Damn it, where'd Duke go now?

InsaneMXer
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2007
Total Posts : 12

Posted 5/15/2007 7:53 PM (GMT -8)

I would love to ride the KLX450R.

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 5/16/2007 7:35 AM (GMT -8)

So would I, more that is, so I asked Kawi to let me borrow one for another month of woods/dyno/weight/sound testing here in Oregon. I just went on my first ride with it yesterday afternoon and it was an eye opener to get that baby out of the desert. Stay tuned...

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 5/16/2007 9:33 AM (GMT -8)

gagster said...
I just happened to ride a brand new '07 KX450F today. It had less than one tank of gas run through it. I don't motocross, but it was wicked fast, so smooth running and fun. I thought that to convert it to a perfect off road machine, I would want to give it a lower 1st and taller 5th gear, add just a little flywheel weight to improve low speed rideability, about 4 gallons of gas capacity and lights. It looks like Kawasaki did some of that for the new KLX, but why did they change to steel valves and make them smaller? Adding 2/10ths of gallon of gas capacity is a joke. Why did they change the ignition and make it rev slower and undoubtedly make it a lot slower machine at the same time? One of the nicest characteristics of the KX was how quickly it revved and easily it wheelied. It always seems that the manufacturers have to kill the fun by "tuning for torque" and taking it too far. They always do it with the street bikes. Case in point---the R1 versus the FZ1.

Although this machine was way smoother, more powerful, faster and more fun than my old vibey, heavy and slow XR650L, I can't see paying 7k for something that can't even be made street legal. The dirt bikes and sport bikes today are too specialized. On one side of the coin you have a choice of a sport bike that only the Marquis de Sade could love or a narrow focus motorcrosser that you need stilts to get on and has gas capacity enough to get you about 10 miles so you can walk home or go five miles and ride home with a flashlight in your mouth after the sun goes down. The other FZ1's and XR650L's of the the world are really just cheap parts bin bikes that are 20 years out of date and full of compromises that will disappoint you on every single ride. My time on the KX just made me wish even more that Honda would update the XR at least once every thirty years or so.

All of that is very valid, Gagster,
But the "tuning for torque" is just marketing double speak (or just call it and out right lie)
They can't come right out and say, "we are neutering this bitch because the people that buy it, don't know how to ride, and can't use the race model power or appreciate the features, and we can make the neutered version way cheaper, and both sell at a price that un-appreciative people will pay, plus make max profit on". So they say "tuned for torque" that sounds so much better, like your actually getting something.

The manufactures could do all the things (like gearing and fuel capacity and carry something) that your talking about, but the lame market won't step up to the plate (in sufficent numbers) and buy it. So You have to do it (build from the best starting point) yourself, at this time.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 5/16/2007 9:41 AM (GMT -8)

Hilde44 said...
So would I, more that is, so I asked Kawi to let me borrow one for another month of woods/dyno/weight/sound testing here in Oregon. I just went on my first ride with it yesterday afternoon and it was an eye opener to get that baby out of the desert. Stay tuned...

You Mean out in the desert, don't you? Hello Milican Valley & Prineville reservor area. (I'm sure you know the place, 20 miles East of Bend, out hwy 20)

Or did you actually mean out of the desert and into the mountains, logging roads and trails cut by dirt bikes? And if so, where exactly?

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Post Edited (louemc) : 5/16/2007 5:45:56 PM GMT

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 5/16/2007 9:46 AM (GMT -8)

No, actually, I did mean "out" of the desert. We spent all of our time during the first ride in Arizona's dusty terrain, so I wanted to see how the bike performs in different environments. Controlling this brute on wooded single-track takes a finer right-hand touch, as I'm discovering...

Richard M
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2007
Total Posts : 2

Posted 6/8/2007 10:13 PM (GMT -8)

Just bought a 2008 KLX450R today! Owned a 2005 450X I did not like it, had the low end power of a XR, not enough power for me without some work and a few $ in mods and the bike also felt heavy. And it's not how much the bike weighs it's how heavy it feels when riding it that matters. I was looking for the low end power of a 250 2 stoke or 450R. But the power band of the 2 stroke is a bit to much on tight trails and they need more top end for the long open trails. The 450Rs need alot of maint. and are hard to start, KTM has the only 450 full race electric start bike. No one at the dealer had been on the back of a KLX450 so they couldn't tell me if it was going to be the right bike for me, but with them selling it to me for 6900.00 OTD, I took the chance. The bike is perfect for me an x motocross racer, it has more they enough bottom end power, when you matt the throttle hard it will spin the back tire or wheely the front tire. It will also putt in 1st gear. Without stalling, and in the sand which I hate it it very stable. I noticed the speedo at 43 in eather 3rd or 4th gear at half throttle. This bike feels like the same weight as my 05 Yamaha YZ 250, which was around 220lbs. I owed a 2002 Yamaha 426F {I could never start the thing when hot} and I never seen the top end so it's safe to say I will never see this bikes top end, unless I come across a XR 650 LOL. I am 45 and unless I wear this bike out, it will be my last. Im sure Honda will take the 450X and refine it to compete with the KLX 450R out of the box next year, but my money is already spent. O and theres nothing like trying to start a high compression 4 stroke while on the side of a mountain trail in Tenn to remember the days before E starts!

Ferrit
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2006
Total Posts : 213

Posted 6/9/2007 6:58 AM (GMT -8)

So Kenny--You guys are working on your Baja 1000 ride already? Isn't it a bit early? I thought you guys worked better under pressure, like deciding you're going to run it 2-3 weeks before the event?

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 6/22/2007 4:19 PM (GMT -8)

Glad you like the KLX, Richard. Keep your eyes open for our secondary review coming on Monday. We spend a whole month with the 450 and got to know it a little better. We also snapped a few cool photos and put together a better video while we were at it.

jimmihaffa
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 217

Posted 6/25/2007 11:21 AM (GMT -8)

Will be interesting to see a square-off with the new 08 Yamaha 450. Yamaha has seemed to go all out with their rendition of a big enduro...the frame in particular looks really trick.

Hilde44
MotoUSA - Dirt Guy

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 469

Posted 6/25/2007 3:34 PM (GMT -8)

Has everyone seen our second go-around with the KLX? We hooked it up to all kinds of diagnostic equipment, plus we rode the crap out of it around our oregon HQ. Read the updated test, and don't miss the new photo gallery and video.

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