2006 Kawasaki KX450F

If you are serious about racing, then we believe that you will find the KX450F is a highly competitive package that will give you an edge on the track. Mid- to high-level riders will be the ones best able to fully appreciate the KX450F's potential.

Neck and neck, you come out of the turn and snap the throttle wide open. Revs climbing higher, your rival starts to fade. By the time you hit the next turn, you're a couple bike lengths ahead...

We are confident that you will be pleased with the KX450F's engine. There is more than ample power available right across the rev range. We made the powerband as wide as possible, the torquey response enabling you get on the gas and go even from low rpm.

To further increase the overall racing performance of the engine, we paid a lot of attention to small details in order to reduce engine weight, and increase reliability of its parts and systems.

When the gate drops your bike catapults forward with the horde of highly tuned machines. Jostling for position going into the first corner usually an experience just short of an all-out brawl, a quick glance shows that you're alone.

The secret to traction is the combination of usable torque and a good rear suspension set-up. We tuned the engine so that the torque curve follows the limit of running resistance for as long as possible. (Unchecked, engine torque can exceed this limit, resulting in wheel spin, which does nothing to help your forward momentum.) When we first started developing the new aluminium perimeter frame, we set the centre of gravity and key chassis dimensions (swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations) so that the rear tyre would drive the bike forward (instead of causing it to squat). The engine itself has a very upright orientation, which helps with mass centralisation.

Then, with the help of extensive rider feedback, we determined the rear suspension settings (link ratios and rear shock absorber tuning) that would best complement the aluminium frame's rigidity balance.

Flying over the back triple you land next to another rider. But while his bike seems to "freeze" for an instant as if collecting its wits on impact, you're already shooting forward.

With years of experience designing high-tensile steel perimeter frames for our KX racers, for the KX450F we combined this know-how with the latest technology to design an all-new aluminium perimeter frame: a slim frame composed of a combination of forged, extruded and cast parts. Once we determined the best balance of torsional and longitudinal rigidity for high-level riding, we added complementary front and rear suspension. The handling characteristics from the basic chassis and the settings we have chosen are targeted to allow fast riders ride faster.

But we did not stop there. We added a number of works-style components, like high-performance petal disc brakes, a Renthal handlebar and an aluminium skid plate. Then we went over the whole bike, scrutinising each piece (no matter how small) to find ways to trim weight. Even the bodywork is purpose-built to put the rider in a position to ride fast - not just in bursts, but for the entire race distance.

The KX450F's key sales features can be summarised as follows:

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets.