in 2016 changed all that and
now the KX450F carves and
lays over in corners better than
ever, at least on par with many
other machines in the 450 class.
The subtle changes to the triple
clamps, fork settings and shock
linkage have further improved the
KX450s handling for 2017. The
suspension is plusher, especially
over the small bumps and chop.
This helps front wheel traction by
allowing the wheel to stay more
connected to the ground.
The lower stock fork pressure
settings also help the front end
drop and settle through corners.
The Showa TAC air fork offers
up a wide range of adjustment,
which is good and bad. Between
three air chambers, 22 compres-
sion settings and 20 rebound
settings, the opportunity to really
mess up the fork action is end-
less. Add in the fact the three air
chambers have to be checked
at the beginning of each ride day
and you have a recipe for disas-
ter, so consistency is key when
setting pressure. The stock pres-
sure settings for 2017 are 152 psi
in the inner chamber, 16.7 psi in
the outer chamber, and 174 psi in
the balance chamber.
We found 105mm of sag to
be an overall great setting for the
shock and can't complain about
the performance. The rear end
settles nicely under acceleration
and stays in a straight line under
braking bumps and through chop.
2017 KAWASAKI KX450F
FIRST RIDE
P104
Like last year,
the KX450F feels
slim and trim,
and even light.
