Introduction
Fuel-injected perfection for demanding
riders
The 2010 Kawasaki KX™450F provides an ideal platform for
riders looking to win races. Its precise aluminum frame, premium
suspension components and expert-tuned settings are designed
to deliver superb high-speed stability, enabling racers to capitalize
on its amazing engine performance. Holeshot acceleration is delivered
by a strong powerband and optimized chassis geometry specifically
engineered to maximize rear wheel traction. Monster Energy™
Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto used his new KX450F to win several
AMA Supercross and Motocross races, during his first year on
a 450.
The KX450F features a number of engine refinements, including
the first mass-production use of a high-performance bridged-box
bottom piston that offers more power in the high and over-rev
rpm ranges. Revised cam timing and ECU settings provide better
mid-high rpm performance, while reinforcements to the cylinder
sleeve and right side crankcase increase durability.
The race-ready engine is compact and light, with a short 100mm
cylinder head and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. A wedge-shaped
crank web offsets 60% of the crankshaft's reciprocating weight,
producing an effective "counterweight" effect. This
is on par with Kawasaki's factory racers and helps reduce engine
vibration, smooth power delivery and enhance low-rpm throttle
response. A new 40mm shorter stainless steel exhaust pipe connects
to a large-volume silencer which uses long-fiber packing material
to maximize service intervals. A new rubber damping collar in
the rear silencer mount provides a boost to long-term durability.
The KX450F's Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) automatically adjusts
to suit track and climate conditions, and offers stable fuel-metering,
even when landing from jumps in tough motocross conditions. The
DFI system includes a compact and lightweight ECU, a 43 mm throttle
body, a lightweight aluminum in-tank fuel pump and an ultra-fine
atomizing injector. Set at a 45° angle for ideal mid-range
power, the 12-hole injector sprays precise, 60-micron fuel particles
for smooth power delivery and accurate engine response throughout
the rpm range.
Designed specifically for motocross, the KX450F's lightweight
DFI system doesn't require a battery; the engine can be started
within three rotations of the crankshaft, using only the electricity
generated through the initial stroke of the kickstarter. A new
ECU program with revised settings offers improved engine response
at low-mid rpm.
An optional ECU Setting Tool allows racers to select from several
different ECU data maps, or fine-tune a custom map that alters
fuel injection and ignition timing to suit different tracks and
conditions. The tool can also be used as a data logger, recording
up to six hours of data, including engine rpm, degree of throttle
opening, engine boost, coolant temp, air temp, ignition timing,
fuel adjustments, gear position and system voltage.
The engine's phenomenal power is delivered through a new clutch
that features a lighter operating plate with improved oil drainage
and new friction plates with 75% more friction material than
last year's unit. The entire assembly is designed to provide
improved clutch feel and enhanced durability. A new final drive
chain features thinner inner links and a 20 gram weight savings
to help boost acceleration.
Chassis updates focus on making the KX450F even easier to ride
fast. A new steering stem shaft and revised suspension tuning
provide lighter handling, improved suspension action, increased
comfort and greater cushioning when landing from jumps.
The 2010 KX450F's D-shaped aluminum swingarm features a revised
cross section with narrower ribs and thinner walls. It pivots
high in the aluminum frame to maximize rear wheel traction. Mounting
the arm of the Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage below the
swingarm provides a long rear suspension stroke and facilitates
precise shock tuning.
Complementing the responsive chassis with settings optimized
for experienced racers, the KX450F's suspension offers a host
of features for precise cornering and sharp handling. For 2010,
the Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) fork receives revised spring
rate and damping settings working in conjunction with a less
rigid steering stem to offer improved action and increased comfort
during the initial phase of the suspension stroke. The fork features
a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the
inner fork tubes to minimize stiction when the fork is exposed
to lateral forces that would otherwise hamper slide action. The
result is smooth and precise fork response, especially during
cornering. The overall suspension action is extremely smooth
due to a friction-reducing Kashima Coat treatment on the inside
surfaces of the outer fork tubes and the rear shock reservoir.
Black wrap-around guards provide excellent protection for the
fork sliders.
The 2010 KX450F's Kayaba rear shock received new spring rate
and damping settings which contribute to increased stability
and improved impact performance when landing jumps. It features
a large 50mm piston and a Kashima Coat treatment on the shock
internals to help maintain a plush feel throughout the toughest
motos. Easily accessible dual compression adjusters allow high-
and low-speed damping to be tuned separately, giving mechanics
and riders the ability to easily fine-tune the suspension for
difficult track conditions.
New 10mm-thicker and 7.6mm-wider radiators feature increased
fin and tube pitch for increased strength and better resistance
to mud build-up. The extra strength of the new radiators allowed
the reinforcing brackets to be eliminated, resulting in lower
overall weight. New one-piece, dual injected, two-tone green
and black plastic shrouds accommodate larger new radiators while
still providing slim ergonomics.
A slim seat design with firm urethane foam, a non-slip top surface
and smooth sides provides good seated grip and excellent rider
mobility. The frame echoes the slim profile at the top, but widens
at the lower end by the ankles to provide the rider with better
feel and control. Completing the rider interface are wide 50mm
footpegs that offer tenacious grip and a comfortable platform.
The 2010 KX450F is available in Kawasaki lime green, with black
alumite-coated rims and aggressive graphics for a factory appearance.
Racers who ride their KX450F at designated events are eligible
to receive support from Team Green™, Kawasaki's amateur
racing support program. Each year, Team Green provides regional
support vehicles and highly trained technicians at more than
100 events throughout the United States, offering technical information
and assistance to those who race Kawasaki products. Kawasaki
also offers a comprehensive contingency program for amateur and
professional riders who place well at designated events.
 |
 |
|
|
Features
At a glance
- More Powerful Engine
- Revised Suspension Settings
- Refined Fuel Injection
- Still Super-Easy to Start!
Engine Overview
- 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single
- Cylinder skirt strengthened to handle increased engine performance
- Right-side crankcase reinforced at lower engine mount for increased
strength and durability
- A forward lean angle of 3° puts the engine in the ideal
position for maximum traction
- Tuned for a broad powerband with the torque curve set just
under the wheel spin threshold
- High-acceleration cams help the engine rev quickly
- Maintenance free screw-type automatic cam chain adjuster
- Large flap inside the airbox helps prevent the ingress of mud
and water
New Bridged-Box Bottom Piston
- First mass-production use of a bridged-box bottom piston design
- Same design as used on our factory racers, offers improved
performance at all rpm - 7 grams lighter than the '09 piston
- 6mm shorter piston skirt features a low-friction coating for
reduced mechanical losses
- Reinforced external ribs for strength and durability
- Revised profile with fully flush internal bracing, results
in a lighter, stronger piston
- Shorter piston pin has a smaller inner diameter for increased
strength
Cylinder Head
- New intake camshaft features a revised sprocket/shaft arrangement
which advances intake valve timing by two degrees, to suit revised
engine characteristics
- Compact head is only 100mm tall
- 36mm titanium intake and 31mm exhaust valves with aluminum
spring retainers minimize reciprocating weight and cylinder height
to help ensure reliable valve control at high rpm
- Double valve springs allow a short cylinder head height and
help ensure stable valve operation
- Camshafts, lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride
treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
Crankshaft
- New crankshaft with a slightly higher inertial mass helps boost
rear wheel traction
- Wedge-shaped crank web provides enough offsetting moment for
a 60 percent balance factor this is similar to the crank
balance in Kawasaki's factory race engines
- End result is reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery
and increased performance, with a noticeably snappier response
at low rpm
- Crankshaft and connecting rod feature a special carburizing
and quenching treatment to maximize rigidity
Digital Fuel Injection
- Self adjusts to atmospheric changes for easier starting, sharper
throttle response and optimized power, and power stability when
jumping/landing
- Ultra-fine atomizing injector with 12 holes sprays particles
with a droplet size of 60µ for smooth power deliver and
smooth engine response throughout the throttle range
- 43mm throttle body uses a progressive throttle linkage to deliver
airflow in much the same way as an FCR carburetor.
- Using two linked shafts, the throttle body opens more quickly
after reaching the 3/8 open position
- Lightweight throttle body is approximately half the weight
of a FCR carburetor, saving over one pound in weight
- Fast-idle knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase
engine speed when starting a cold engine
- Fuel injector set at 45°, the optimum angle for mid-range
power
High performance ECU
- New ECU programming and revised settings offer improved response
at low-mid rpm
- No Battery needed; the engine can be started with only three
rotations of the crankshaft using the electricity generated by
a single kick of the starter
- The system delivers electricity to FI system in sequence: first
the ECU, then the fuel pump, and finally the injector for quick,
easy starting
- Starting can be accomplished in a single kick
- The compact, lightweight ECU, located on the front of the steering
head behind the number plate, was designed specifically for motocross
use. The fuel pump relay is integrated with the ECU to help cope
with the shocks and vibrations of motocross riding
Lightweight Aluminum Fuel Pump
- Located in the fuel tank
- Features a rubber fuel filter cover that wraps around the inlet
port and acts as a fuel trap to help ensure a stable fuel supply
during vigorous motocross riding
- Fuel return hose from the pressure regulator helps ensure there
is always fuel in the inlet port, preventing stalls due to fuel
splashing and enabling riders to use all the fuel
- 1.8 gallon fuel tank is formed using a rotational molding process
Optional User ECU Setting Tool
- Allows racers to reprogram the ECU's data maps for volume of
fuel injected and ignition timing to alter engine characteristics
to suit rider preference it is not necessary to re-tune,
no changing needle jets to suit climatic conditions like on a
carbureted model
- The tool can also be used as a data logger, recording up to
six hours of data, including engine rpm, degree of throttle opening,
engine boost, coolant temp, air temp, ignition timing, fuel adjustments,
gear position and system voltage.
Easy Starting
- Strong output from the large ACG rotor provides enough electrical
power for the battery-less FI system to enable true one-kick
starting, without using a battery
- Equipped with an automatic compression release (ACR) system
for quick and easy starting. The dual-weight centrifugal decompression
system is fitted to the exhaust cam
- Compression release features 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize
the required kicking power
Better Cooling
- New radiators are 10mm taller and 7.6mm wider, with increased
fin and tube pitch to provide a extra strength and better resistance
to mud build-up
- High-capacity Denso radiators feature tightly packed cores
and a fin design that delivers superior cooling efficiency
- Because the new radiators are stronger, reinforcing brackets
could be eliminated, resulting in lower overall weight
- New shrouds feature a slightly slimmer design that is fine-tuned
to accommodate the new radiators
- Radiator louvers feature four small blades set at a shallow
angle, for minimum overlap and maximum air flow
Improved Clutch
- New clutch provides a more direct feel and increased control
- Material trimmed from the spring holders and outer surface
of the plate, to optimize rigidity and improve oil drainage,
contributing to more direct feel
- Friction plates feature approximately 75% more friction material,
contributing to a more direct feel
- Operating plate pusher features an increased outer diameter,
to reduce the clearance between the pusher and the input shaft
hole, improving clutch operation
Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission
- 5-Speed transmission and low-rpm engine response combination
offers riders more gear options for traversing rough sections
or getting into the rhythm of a course easily so they can focus
more on racing
- New chain with thinner inner links offers 20g weight savings
- Sprocket-style chain drive roller reduces the effect of driveline
lash, helping smooth engine braking and facilitating additional
corner entry control
Exhaust
- One-piece stainless steel exhaust pipe is 40mm shorter than
the '09 unit, contributing to improved mid-high rpm performance
- Optimized exhaust routing contributes to improved ergonomics
- High volume silencer body helps meet noise regulations - currently
99dB
- Right side panel has special passageway to help cool the silencer
Powerful Disc Brakes
- Revised rear brake pad material offers stronger braking performance
- Powerful twin piston hydraulic front caliper
- Lightweight semi-floating 250mm petal type front brake rotor
- Single piston hydraulic rear caliper squeezes lightweight 240mm
petal type rotor
Light, Slim Chassis
- New steering stem shaft with lower rigidity contributes to
lighter handling
- Main frame spars are 68mm tall and 24mm wide, to provide an
ideal balance between stiffness and compliance
- Weight saving features include a slim head pipe, narrow cross
section and a down tube that is now formed with a swaging (squeezing
and hammering) process
- Swingarm pivot is located high in the frame to maximize rear
wheel traction
Aluminum Swingarm
- Revised cross-section contributes to lighter handling
- Tapered "D" shape swingarm provides ideal rigidity
for excellent stability, and is lighter than a comparable box-section
unit
- Alloy swingarm features a cast front section, tapered hydroformed
spars and forged chain adjusters
- Revised Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage ratio increases
rear traction performance
- Suspension arm is mounted below the swingarm, to allow a longer
rear suspension stroke and more precise tuning
Front Fork
- Race-oriented suspension settings offer maximum over-all performance
- Revised spring rate and damping settings work with the less
rigid steering stem to offer improved action and increased comfort
during the initial phase of the suspension stroke
- Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) fork keeps oil and air in separate
chambers for stable damping performance during long motos. Low-friction
fork seals contribute to smooth action
- Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the
inner fork tubes offers minimum stiction when the fork is exposed
to lateral forces that would usually hamper slide action. The
result is improved fork response, especially during cornering
- Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork outer
tubes contributes to smooth suspension action (especially at
the initial part of the stroke) and a superb ride feel
- Wrap around black fork tube guards offer effective protection
for the inner fork tubes
Rear Shock
- New spring rate and damping settings contribute to increased
stability and improved impact performance when landing jumps
- Rear suspension settings and linkage ratios derived from extensive
rider testing
- Kayaba rear shock features a large 50mm piston
- Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing
high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
- Also features Kashima Coat treatment on the cylinder for reduced
friction and smoother suspension action
- Easy adjuster access for track-side suspension tuning
Rider Interface and Styling
- Dual injected 2-tone, one-piece plastic shrouds and side number
plates
- Optimized exhaust routing contributes to improved ergonomics
- Right side panel has special passageway to help cool the silencer
- Black plastic covers, triple clamps, engine covers, and black
alumite coated rims just like Kawasaki's factory teams
- Wide 50mm foot pegs provide excellent feel and a comfortable
platform
- Frame is wider at the ankles to offer optimum grip, narrows
below the seat to allow a slim riding position
- Slim seat design uses firmer urethane foam which keeps its
original shape longer for the best possible ergonomics and feel
- Seat has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated
and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Additional Features
- Skid plate made of resin material offers great protection without
excess weight
- Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it
easy for riders to adjust play in the clutch cable while on the
fly
- Rear caliper guard helps protect the caliper from damage
- Ribless rear hub and butted spokes offer light weight and excellent
durability
|
|
|
Technical Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke
single with DOHC and four valve cylinder head
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel Injection: 43mm Keihin Throttle body
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
Transmission: Five-speed
Rake / trail: 26.7 degrees / 4.6 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with
DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound
dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® linkage system
and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and
stepless high-speed compression dampening, 22-position rebound
dampening and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.
Front tire: 90/100-21
Rear tire: 120/80-19
Front brake: Single semi-floating 250mm petal disc with dual
piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 86.0 in.
Overall width: 32.3 in.
Overall height: 50.4 in.
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground clearance: 13.4 in.
Seat height: 38.0 in.
Curb weight: 250.4 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.9 gal.
Color: Lime Green
MSRP: $8,049
|
|
|
|
