Cycle News

Cycle News 2020 Issue 30 July 30

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1273286

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2021 KAWASAKI KX450 R I D E R E V I E W P84 Good Memories On the track, the new KX feels much as it did before—the chassis is nimble yet neutral; by that, I mean, while it turns well, it also is very stable and balanced. The bike doesn't pitch excessively when under braking or accelera- tion, it remains stable in chop and doesn't over react when encountering a hidden or ill-placed bump on the track. The KX's suspension is, in my opinion, one of the best out there. I've always been a big fan of the KX's legs. Its Showa suspension is termed "A-Kit technol- ogy," meaning it's very similar to the suspen- sion systems used by top-level race teams for years. While the A-Kit-inspired suspen- sion might not be the exact $10,000-plus units on Adam Cianciarulo's or Eli Tomac's KX450s, the stocker does share many of the same design features as theirs. I like the KX's 49mm coil-spring fork because it is plush, yet still holds up very well when pushed through the stroke. In fact, I made only minor changes from the set baseline that we started out the day with, eventually settling on two clicks slower rebound and two clicks stiffer com- pression as the track got rougher. The Showa A-Kit shock is equally as versatile and impres- sive. With just a few minor adjustments, I got the back end to track well over acceleration chop and firmly planted while exiting corners. Otherwise, the KX450's engine is the same as before, except for a new anti- friction coating for the piston. The KX's hydraulically- actuated clutch is completely redesigned. It's larger in diameter, friction plates are new, and the five coil springs are gone in favor of a single "coned" disc spring. The result? Improved control, feel, consistency and durability.

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