Kawasaki reveals brand new motocrosser KX450F with an electric start

Michelle Liew

June 13, 2018

In case you missed out, Kawasaki just unveiled its new 2019 KX450F that comes with a redesigned motor, electric start, a hydraulic clutch and coil-spring Showa Fork. The hydraulic clutch on the new KX450F is the first to be seen on a production Japanese bike.

According to the Kawasaki PR department, “The Kawasaki lineup has an unmatched history of success and has paved the path to championships for the motocross heroes of today, while continuing to serve as the ultimate tool for the future stars of tomorrow. The KX family is the most dominant motocross and supercross brand of motorcycle available today, led by its flagship model the KX™450.”

“The all-new 2019 KX450 weighs in at 232.4 lbs without fuel while boasting a powerful engine, nimble handling, and technologically advanced features that are derived directly from the motorcycles used by Kawasaki’s factory race team. All-new features for 2019 include a new lightweight, more powerful engine, new slimmer aluminum frame, new Showa coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology, new hydraulic clutch and new electric start system.”

Notorious for championship dominance, Kawasaki racers will receive the benefit of the industry-leading Team Green™ support network that can be found trackside at events across the nation.

Regarding the engine, the bike has new features, including the hydraulic clutch, finger-follower valve train desgined by Kawaski’s World Superbike engineers, aggresive cam profiles, larger intake and exhaust valves, lightweight bridged-box piston, thinner air cleaner element, downdraft-style intake routing, longer exhaust header pipe, larger 44mm throttle body, change drum and shift fork reduce weight, plain bearings for the connecting rod big-end and a compact fuel pump.

The digital fuel injection system of the KX450 has a coupler package that has set the industry standard. Each bike comes with three different couplers, allowing riders to select pre-programmed fuel injection and ignition mapping to suit their riding style of track conditions. The four-pin DFI couplers opt for maps that are designed or hard or soft terrain settings. THe Kawasaki Genuine Accessory provides access to the fully programmable ECU.  For 2019, maps can now be changed while the engine is running by changing couplers, without the need to shut off the engine.

The push-button activation slows down ignition timing in first and second gear, allowing it to maximize traction and put the bike’s potent power to the ground. Once the rider shifts into third gear, normal ignition mapping immediately resumes and full power is restored. Not to mention, the chassis now includes a slimmer aluminum perimeter frame, a new engine used as a stressed member for rigidity balance and a new swingarm with revised rigidity to match the main frame.

The bike also dons a bodywork newly designed to facilitate rider movement and has slimmer single piece radiator shrouds. It also comes with new flatter and lower fuel tank and new smooth engine covers. It comes in a striking lime green hue and seems to be one of the most anticipated bike in throughout the 2019 lineup of all brands.