In motocross racing, getting a good start is critical. A few tenths of a second can make the difference between getting the holeshot or getting buried in the pack. In slippery conditions, getting the maximum drive from a motocross bike requires
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine.
4-stroke, 1-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled
449cc
96.0 x 62.1mm
12.8:1
DFI® w/43mm Keihin throttle body
Digital DC-CDI
5-speed, return shift
Inverted Showa SFF-Air TAC fork with Triple Air Chamber, DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustment/12.0 in
Uni-Trak® linkage system and Showa shock, 19-position low-speed and 4-turns high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload/12.0 in
80/100-21
120/80-19
28.2°/5.0 in
13.2 in
58.9 in
86.4 in
32.3 in
50.4 in
37.4 in
239.8 lbs**
1.66 gal
Chain
Aluminum perimeter
Lime Green
Not Available
Single semi-floating 270mm Braking® petal disc with dual-piston caliper
Single 240mm Braking® petal disc with single-piston caliper
Not Available
**Curb weight includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90 percent capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
Specifications subject to change
KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read Owner’s Manual and all on-product warnings. Professional rider shown on a closed course. ©2020 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
In motocross racing, getting a good start is critical. A few tenths of a second can make the difference between getting the holeshot or getting buried in the pack. In slippery conditions, getting the maximum drive from a motocross bike requires precise control of both the clutch and throttle.
Launch Control Mode helps riders get out of the gate quickly by complementing high-level technique with engine management. Featured on a mass-production motocross bike for the first time on Kawasaki's KX™450F, the system activates a separate engine map designed to get a more efficient start off the line. The system is designed to the same specifications as that used by Kawasaki Factory racers competing in the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross championships.
Launch Control Mode is activated simply by pressing a button on the handlebar. The Launch Control map slightly slows down the ignition timing to help tame the engine's strong torque and reduce wheel-spin off the start. Launch Control Mode is only active in the first two gears off the start, disengaging and returning to the standard engine map automatically once the rider shifts into third gear. The system gives riders a great advantage out of the gate and puts them in a better position to control the race.
Proper fit is key for rider comfort and control. However, the ideal fit varies from rider to rider, depending on their physical dimensions and riding style.
ERGO-FIT is an interface system designed to allow riders to find their ideal riding position. Various points of the chassis interface (the handlebar, footpegs and seat, etc) can be adjusted through a combination of interchangeable parts and parts with adjustable positions. This enables a wide range of riders to find a riding position that offers both comfort and control. Feeling at one with their machine, they will be able to experience how Kawasaki machines are fun and rewarding to ride.
*Adjustable parts and their range of adjustability vary by model.
