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A simple push of the starter button is all that’s required to light off the 449 cc four-stroke engine. In addition to push-button electric starting, the KLX rider also has the option of using the kick-starter. However, a high-capacity starter motor and compact, high-output battery helps ensure quick and reliable starts under just about any condition a rider might face.
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A long lasting, trouble-free engine is the heart of any successful off-road racing platform. These extra durability traits were engineered into the KLX450R’s engine via steel exhaust valves and a reservoir tank equipped radiator to provide efficient cooling during long rides.
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The KLX450R’s cam lift and timing, and beefy flywheel are designed to produce good low and mid-range performance. Harnessed to this engine is a wide-ratio five-speed transmission with gears specifically selected for the demands of off-road competition. The overall result is a gutsy response, ideal for hill climbing, mud holes, or other poor-traction challenge.
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Avoiding rider fatigue, whether during a race, or a long weekend of back country exploration, was another top-priority for Kawasaki’s engineers. To minimize bothersome rider-taxing effects, the KLX450R’s nimble chassis utilizes top-of-the-line suspension components. Up front its Kayaba AOS inverted fork provides superb damping and more precise steering with tuning specifically optimized for light, easy handling characteristics. Oil and air are kept in separate chambers for sustained and stable damping performance during long events and low-friction seals for smooth fork action. Matching the fork is an equally capable Uni-Trak® rear suspension system. Its shock features both high-speed and low-speed compression damping with the suspension arm mounts below the swingarm for a longer rear suspension stroke.
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Further enhancing rider comfort is a wider seat with slip-resistant top surface and smooth sides for enhanced mobility. The KLX450R’s 18-inch rear wheel is well suited to absorbing sharp-edged impacts and allows the rider to choose from a wide selection of off-road tires. Among the other off-road features are a two-piece, left-side cover that allows easy access to the air cleaner; engine guards for both sides of the engine; and a works-style aluminum skid plate.
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A lightweight digital instrument cluster includes speedometer, dual tripmeter, odometer, and clock. The plastic fuel tank, which meets all environmental regulations, has a 2.1 gallon capacity and a reserve-enabled petcock. Lightweight illumination equipment includes a compact 35-watt headlight with a plastic lens to show the way to the podium and an ultra-compact and energy efficient LED taillight to highlight the part of the KLX450R that competitors are most-likely to see.
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449 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single with 4 valves
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Features superb low and mid-range power delivery
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Linear power curve offers plenty of over-rev, for maximum flexibility in choosing shift points
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Cam lift and timing boost low and mid-range torque
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Camshaft lobes and tappets feature a soft-nitride surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
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Hand-finished surfaces of the polished intake ports improve intake efficiency at all rpm
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Lightweight 36 mm titanium intake valves and aluminum valve retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high rpm
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30 mm steel exhaust valves for improved durability
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Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation
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Screw-type automatic cam chain tensioner with oil pressure spring
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Low-friction coating on piston skirt
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Extra flywheel mass provides ultra-smooth engine power delivery
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Crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered for additional rigidity
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Crankshaft, rotor mass centralization, oil circulation, and ignition timing designed for ideal engine braking characteristics
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Large 41 mm titanium exhaust header for maximum power
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Tapered exhaust pipe joint helps increase ultra-low rpm power
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Titanium exhaust pipe heat shield
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Silencer uses long-fiber packing for lower maintenance
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High-capacity Denso radiators deliver superior cooling efficiency
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A reservoir tank is fitted to the radiator, for efficient cooling during long enduros
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Slim radiators feature tightly packed cores and fins designed to enhanced heat dispersion
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The radiator shroud design is optimized for a seated position
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High-capacity starter motor is compact, yet offers high-output to help ensure quick and reliable starts under all conditions
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Lightweight battery is located under the seat and behind the airbox for optimum mass centralization
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Having both electric and kick starters means the KLX450R can be quickly restarted if the engine stalls during an event
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Features highly reliable auto-decompression system; the dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam eases starting, and its simple construction helps to ensure reliability
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Features ratios selected specially for off-road racing
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The transmission’s gears are designed for high durability
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Ball bearing shift lever for smoother shifting
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Ratchet-type shift mechanism for smoother shifting and a more positive feel
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Lightweight all-aluminum perimeter frame is a composite structure comprising forged, extruded, and cast components
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Slim frame profile, two-piece radiator shrouds, and careful bodywork design make the KLX450R feel light and narrow beneath the rider
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Aluminum skid plate
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Fork tuning is optimized for light, easy handling characteristics
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Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long rides
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Large front fork damper cartridges offer a more progressive and plush action
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Low-friction fork seals help reduce friction
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Uni-Trak® rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke
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Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
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Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum frame
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Sprocket style chain roller reduces drive lash
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Petal brake discs front and rear, help reduce unsprung weight and clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
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Durable 18 inch rear wheel allows fitment of a wide selection of off-road tires
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Renthal aluminum handlebars are standard
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Lightweight short-length grips feature a special pattern to reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider
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Seat is wider than the KX450F’s for additional comfort during long enduros
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Seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
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Lightweight digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer, and clock
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Lightweight 2.1 gallon fuel tank is constructed to meet strict U.S. environmental regulations
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Gas tank petcock is fitted with a reserve pickup
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Compact lighting package includes a 35W headlight with lightweight plastic lens
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Ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail light
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Two-piece construction of the left-side cover with a special “door” for easy access to the air filter
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Engine guards protect both sides of the engine
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Includes an aluminum skid plate for added protection from rocks and ledges
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Sealed chain and a side stand are fitted as standard equipment
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California models feature a secondary air system to enable them to meet strict emissions regulations
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