ighlighting Kawasaki's KX
line for 2006 is the brandnew KX450F four-stroker
and the significantly changed
KX250F.
The 450's liquid-cooled 449cc motor
features double-overhead cams, four
titanium valves, a Keihin FCR40 carburetor, high-capacity Denso radiators, a titanium exhaust pipe and a four-speed
H
transmission.
The motor is now carried in a new aluminum perimeter frame, comprised of
forged, extruded and cast aluminum parts.
The new frame also allows the engine to sit
in a more upright position.
Suspensionwise, the front end is handled
40 JULY 20,2005 • CYCLE NEWS
by a new 48mm Kayaba AOS (air-oilseparate) fork, and the back end features a
fully adjustable Kayaba shock that rides on
new linkages.
The bike also comes with Renthal aluminum handlebars, titanium footpegs and a
slip-resistant seat cover.
Ina addition, the 250F features the new
aluminum perimeter frame. It, however, is
fitted with Showa suspension components,
including a twin-chamber fork up front.
Kawasaki claims that the 2S0F has a
"harder-hitting powerband, especially
from mid to high rpm," thanks to many
internal changes. Kawasaki also claims that
changes to the decompression system
improve starting.
