Kawasaki has taken the wraps off its brand new 2016 model KX450F overnight, revealing a lightweight MX1 class contender that is designed to “put mid-level to expert riders on the top step of the podium”.

Significant weight reduction to engine and chassis for 2016 makes the KX450F the lightest KX450F ever made. The result of sharper handling is complemented by a slimmer chassis and an even more powerful engine.

Key features

– New 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with battery-less fuel injection: Fuel-injected engine offers hard-hitting power across the rev-range while ensuring stable fuel-metering in all conditions. Changes to the intake ports, intake valves and a new offset cylinder deliver even more power.

– Rear intakes: Intake ducts added below the rear of the seat contribute to improved response.

– Factory-inspired tuning: Works-base bridged-box bottom piston (unique Kawasaki feature used for the first time on a mass-production motocrosser on the 2010 KX450F) is just one of many features inspired by factory racers.

– Setting-adjustable motocross ECU: Lightweight ECU was designed specifically to withstand the rigors of motocross racing. ECU contains three engine maps (plus a fourth for Launch Control Mode). Settings for the three maps can be reprogrammed with the optional KX FI Calibration Kit.

– KX FI Calibration Kit (accessory): KX FI Calibration Controller, a portable handheld calibration tool, enables riders to make changes to engine maps by plugging into the ECU without needing a PC or battery. Comes equipped with seven preset map settings.

– Launch Control Mode: Factory-style launch control system increases the chance of getting a good start by helping riders maximise traction when starting on a slippery surface.

– DFI Setting Data Selection: Using the provided DFI couplers, riders can quickly and easily access their choice of three maps (standard, hard, soft) provided in the ECU.

– Adjustable handlebar position: A choice of four positions allows riders to tailor their riding position. Factory-style Renthal handlebar and pad come standard.

– Adjustable footpeg position: Riders can choose from two positions to suit body size and preference.

– Slimmer, lighter aluminium perimeter frame: Narrower across the main beams, considerably lighter, and features revised rigidity contributing to greater front-end feel.

– SFF-Air TAC (Triple Air Chamber) fork: Factory-racer-style SFF-Air TAC front fork locates its damping assembly in the left fork tube and a pneumatic spring, comprised of three pressurised air chambers, in the right. Light weight, low friction, easy adjustability, a wide setting range and precise settings are some of the advantages.

– Race-ready front suspension: Super-hard titanium coating protects the fork from wear abrasion. Self-lubricating alumite coating creates a hard, low-friction surface on the outer tube, protecting the aluminium surface and further reducing friction to promote smooth fork action.

– Uni-Trak rear suspension: Linkage mounts below the swingarm for more precise suspension tuning. Dual compression adjustability offers a wide range of tuning options. Self-lubricating alumite coating on the tank cylinder improves wear resistance and shock action.

– Significantly reduced weight: Weighing in at 108.7kg, the new KX450F is over three kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The weight reduction comes care of a thorough re-evaluation of both engine and chassis components.

– Slimmer, flatter rider interface: All-new minimalist bodywork includes even slimmer radiator shrouds thanks to re-oriented radiators, a flatter seat and tank, and smooth seamless design that make it easier for riders to move around.

– Large-diameter brake discs: Oversized 270mm front disc delivers strong stopping power and excellent controllability. The factory-style front and rear petal brake discs also contribute to high-quality sporty looks.

– Factory styling: Aggressive new bodywork makes the bike look more compact and is complemented by factory-style design and graphics. Black rims, black fork guards, and green highlights help create a distinctive Kawasaki identity. Green finish on the suspension adjusters and green finish on some of the engine trim add to the KX450F’s high-performance image.

Engine highlights

Fuel-injected 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single delivers hard-hitting power from low- through high-rpm. The broad powerband and responsive throttle offer a broad spread of torquey response that enables racers to get on the gas and go even from down low. Race-inspired tuning and parts like the high-performance bridged-box bottom piston ensure top-level performance right out of the box. For 2016, an offset cylinder and numerous changes to the intake system offer even more power, the new exhaust system is quieter, and a new accessory KX FI Controller enables map calibration without a PC. Like the chassis, the engine benefits from significant weight savings, with the engine group components weighing almost two kilograms less!

Chassis highlights

For 2016, a slimmer new frame is one of the many components contributing to the new KX450F’s trimmer form. Weighing over three kilograms less than its predecessor, the new model is quicker both in the straights and through the corners. Settings of the high-spec SFF-Air TAC front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension were both adjusted to suit the bike’s lighter weight. A slimmer, flatter rider interface further improves the adjustable racer-friendly ergonomics, helping racers to rider even faster. A thorough revision of engine and chassis components yielded 3.4kg in weight savings, bringing the weight of the KX450F down to a trim 108.7kg. The lighter weight contributes to quicker turn-in and sharper overall handling. The smaller fuel tank has a lower top, which lowers the bike’s centre of gravity, further contributing to the sharper handling.

Revised for rigidity, the KX450F’s new frame features a slimmer design and lighter overall weight. Previously an extruded part, the redesigned down tube is now a combination forged/cast piece (front part is forged; rear part is cast). The new piece, along with a revised head pipe and brace tubes, contributes to greater front-end feel. Width across the main frames is approximately six millimetres slimmer. This facilitates position changes, making it easier for riders to slide forward and backward. Ridigity of the swingarm was also revised. The cast front portion is taller with thinner walls, and the wall thickness of the spars was idealised, with thinner side walls and thicker top/bottom walls. Plus, thicker walls for the sub-frame offer increased strength.

The KX450F’s slimmer new frame and new radiator orientation allowed the minimalist bodywork to be redesigned. The new rider position is slimmer, and – thanks to a redesigned seat and tank – flatter, making the ergonomics even more racer-friendly. Complemented by adjustable handle and footpeg positions, the natural riding position makes it easy for racers to go fast. Inward-angled orientation of the radiators (turned in 10 degrees) allows the shrouds to be even slimmer than before (total of 32.4mm narrower at their widest point). The minimalist shrouds were designed to be small and are slim where they come in contact with the rider’s legs. Now a two-piece construction, their elongated design creates a smooth surface been the rider’s legs, facilitating rider movement. Minimalist side covers were also made as small as possible.

Complete information on the model, available in Australian dealerships now for $11,199, can be found at www.kawasaki.com.au.