Kawasaki Announces KFX450 Sport ATV

[Admin]

Kawasaki just sent me some sneak peak photos of the new Kawasaki KFX450, which has an impressive list of features.

Kawasaki KFX450 Press Release Link (http://www.atvriders.com/atvnews/kawasakikfx450sportatv.html)

It appears to have fully adjustable front shocks with Reservoirs along with easily removable headlights to go with the list of features supplied by Kawasaki.

[TRX23rider]

thats awesome!!! i wonder how it will stack up aganist the other 450s?

[Loser450]

Aluminum frame sounds good, but I don't like the electric start or reverse.

[trx400exxracer]

looks pretty darn awsome

cant wait to see what they look like

ohh and a aluminum chassis

[Admin]

The KFX450 has an Aluminum Frame, Electronic Fuel Injection, Electric Start, and Reverse, which sounds to me like the perfect Cross Country Race ATV. I may be speculating a little too much, but Kawasaki experimented with XC several years ago with William Yokley on a Hybrid machine equipped with a KX250 engine, and I feel this machine will be targeted at the XC Market as well.

It would be great to have Kawasaki back with a GNCC ATV Support Rig in 2007.

[87250rxrider]

looks like it'll be a nice 450. i can't wait till they release the full spec list for this quad. its about time kawi stepped up their race machines.

[yellowzo3]

awesome! yeah i wonder how it will do against the other 450's also

[elchankoblanko]

07 sounds like it is going to be a sick year for new high performance sport quads. Its going to be awsome with all the big 4 companies having cometitive quads out.

[CannondaleRider]

Finally, us Cannondalers arn't alone with the aluminum frame!

Very exciting, can't wait to see how it will stack up...

[450robot]

the lights gotta go, but i like how the front fender looks, reminds me of a big trx90

i like the feature list too, should be awsome

[trx400exxracer]

you know I was gonna get the honda 2006 450r but i might have to tell my dad about this

we were getting a honda cause my local honda shop sponsors me but they are also a kawasaki dealer who knows i might have to check into it but there is more stuff out there for the Honda but only time will tell

[400exredrider]

yeah,, the headlights look cheap... like something off of a kasea or something, but aluminum frame, reverse, and electric start will have alot of people jumping on it

[hardkoratvmxr]

Originally posted by 450robot
reminds me of a big trx90



it looks like a yfz to me. and an aluminum chassis sounds awesome. the 07 year will be a huge break through for the top atv companies with this aluminum chassis being introduced in the market by one of the top companies. cant wait for full specs ad pics.

[400exrules]

wow, this is exciting. i was actually thinking the other day "i wonder if kawasaki is ever going to come out with a 450".

this could very well be my next quad, if it is xc friendly




"all new engine" -does that mean it wasnt taken from the dirtbike? i wonder how it will perform

[red2004 TRX450R]

What is the best pipe for the KFX450?













sorry I had to.

[bwamos]

I would agree with the XC assesment. From the angle of the front shocks, and the angle of the arms, it definatly looks to be made narrower and taller than the LT-R.

Hopefully their aluminum frame is at least as good as the cannondales frame if they are targeting XC racing.

[400exrules]

im glad kawasaki is doing something on their own

this will be VERY interesting to see how it performs to the other 3 450's


any news on when more info will be released, or when it is actually released itself?

[300EXrider356]

God now I'll have to wait to get a new quad:rolleyes:



Looks sick:devil:

[Ruby Soho]

i hope its better than the LT-R

kawasaki should get a turn on top for once

[shano]

OHHH I want one:)

Maybe sell the c'dale soon...

[quadwunner]

looks sick!
i want one!

[450robot]

i love how all you guys are like! looks sick! i want it! when you havent even seen all of it! or read any specs!

for all we know, it could be a motocross frame with quad plastics and wheels on it, with a efi 450 motor than has an 5:1 compression ratio and has a nut cruncher gas tank, that extend from the front, to the rear cast iron grab bar

hahaha

[jesshamner]

I hope that it is a full aluminum chassis. Yamaha claimed the raptor would have an aluminum chassis too. Instead it was just half.


I'm glad to see the Kawasaki. Its nice to have options!

[rollie]

Looks like it will be cool, deff. an XC quad though:ermm: , i also wonder how much they will weigh do to elecrtic start AND reverse, that first picture reminds me of a Jet ski.

[mx428]

FAKE!

wel here are my predictions it could be real or it couldnt:D

[400exredrider]

its no longer april

[Mxjunkie]

Thank god I didnt buy a 450 yet :devil:

[willow2679]

Kawi allways made very good motors and bikes hope this one is another too
I remember that 250 hybrid it was an awsome quad and it was the only one (team green) in that toime to have full support but it was a long ago, they were expirimenting untill today ???? or what

MMMMMMMMM how sweet would that be seeing natalie JR on a kawi

[CHEVYZ]

I am very happy to see Kawasaki come out with a sweet (From the details) new quad, and not totally copy off of Suzuki for this one (Partnership has ended somewhat, right?). They have always been a favorite company of mine along with Honda. Cannot wait to see it when it comes out and get the real scoop on it. Hell, if I hadn't just gotten my 450r not too long ago, I would have probably seriously considered it! I must admit though, I can see a few things on it that would have to be changed.... like that brownish color on the covers, YUCK!

[Holsh]

I can't wait to see one in person:eek2: If I like them as much as my kfx I might just have to get one:D
I have been waiting for this a while now and have been talkin about it with my friends and now it is here soon.
What do you think they will cost?

I cant wait to see the rest of this thing. I'm actully pretty excited about this, even tho its gonna be a XC quad its going to be nice to see some green.

[CannondaleRider]

I find it hilarious, that when the LT-R came out, everyone was complaining "OMG, a pure MX quad, wtf, what about the XC guys?"....continuous *****ing about that subject.

Now I see a turn, "OMG a pure XC quad, why?...what about the MX guys?"

Also, I'm expecting 8 pages of "It's photoshopped" "It's fake" "No way its real"...just like the original LT-R thread.....then yet again, people will be shut down when they realize it is actually real.

[stalefish_132]

did any one notice that on kawi's sit there is no listing for the 07 KFX400. i see a replacement in the near future.... can any one say KFX450?;)

[Holsh]

I am goin to get one if I have the money and the price is right. I wish it was here already.

[YFZ450Ridr]

Originally posted by stalefish_132
did any one notice that on kawi's sit there is no listing for the 07 KFX400. i see a replacement in the near future.... can any one say KFX450?;)

ya i noticed that too. i guess because suzuki and kawaski split up they no longer are making it any more.

[trx440]

Of course it's real.

My Kawi dealer emailed me some info today on the 07 KXF450 with a 5 speed tranny.

You think the Boss would have put it in the News-Flash on the Home page if he hadn't received it straight from Kawasaki???

Finally, all the catchy options in one package, a first for the race class. Let's see how she sells.

Congrats Kawasaki, welcome to the party.

.

[trx400exxracer]

Originally posted by CannondaleRider
I find it hilarious, that when the LT-R came out, everyone was complaining "OMG, a pure MX quad, wtf, what about the XC guys?"....continuous *****ing about that subject.

Now I see a turn, "OMG a pure XC quad, why?...what about the MX guys?"

Also, I'm expecting 8 pages of "It's photoshopped" "It's fake" "No way its real"...just like the original LT-R thread.....then yet again, people will be shut down when they realize it is actually real.

there were like 22 pages about if it was photoshoped or not about the ltr450 I was reading it and it was so funny I bet some of those people feel dum know that they said there is no way thats it and it is photo shopped and alll

[TheFontMaster]

Finaly!! I been waiting for Kawi to relese a new one. Hopefully thier EFI is a better setup than Suziki's. I don't like how there is so many wires. Just not my thing, but we'll see.

[QUADROOKIE]

Smiley's new ride??????:eek:


I want one! I dont care what it turns out like- I want one!!!:D

[coolex]

it looks exacly like the kfx 50 and kfx90 that they just came out with (pictures and story on new 50 and 90 are on home page) same lights and plastics as far as i can see

[400exrules]

Originally posted by QUADROOKIE
Smiley's new ride??????:eek:


I want one! I dont care what it turns out like- I want one!!!:D

he's on a honda






it would be really nice to have reverse sometimes on the trail tho:o :D. this is perfect, they're supposedly putting in a kawasaki dealership ride down the road from me too

[Plante400]

honda honda honda

[Punk'd]

Kawasaki has had all this time to make their 450 better than all of the others.. Lets hope they didnt mess up:blah:

[JHF219]

Admin,

Is there an OFFICIAL release date?

[Dale512]

Yeah, we want better pics & specs!!!

[Punk'd]

Originally posted by JHForman250R
Admin,

Is there an OFFICIAL release date?

:)

Three-cylinder 750 with 105 hp!!! TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!

[Pappy]

Kawasaki has its dealer show in september I believe, it will be released after that I am pretty sure.


I wish they had released more pics and hope they fire the guy who thought a brown side cover was trick:eek2:

[CHEVYZ]

Originally posted by Punk'd
Kawasaki has had all this time to make their 450 better than all of the others.. Lets hope they didnt mess up:blah: Haha, my thoughts exactly.:cool:

[Rootar]

Originally posted by Pappy
Kawasaki has its dealer show in september I believe, it will be released after that I am pretty sure.


I wish they had released more pics and hope they fire the guy who thought a brown side cover was trick:eek2:

just think pappy youll prolly be seeoing alot of those covers this winter when people builod up their bikes for next years race season :o so quit ur complaining you lil girl lol:p

btw its about freakin one of the factories went with an aluminum frame, the cannondale/atk frames were/are definetly the strongest stock frame made on a sport quad maybe kawi built theirs strong enough to surpass where the first aluminum frame left off and be fully ready to last a whole season on a Pro ride wiht no gusseting (not replace the frames every 4-5 races like all the "other guys" running stock frames)

[rbgnwa45]

This thing has nice specs. I'll put it on my to-buy list.

[jthunder31]

Kawasaki did a bang-up job on their '06 KX450F dirt bike. They stalked the Hondas & Yamahas, built and refined and then released a superior machine! I imagine they did the same with this quad. I wonder how wide they'll go. I'm waiting for one of the manufacturers to offer a machine in several widths to fit everyone's needs. I see Honda, Yamaha or possibly this new Kawasaki breaking ground in this area! An XC or MX model choice is the next step.

Before someone lips off; I realize Cannondale already did this. They priced themselves waaaaayyy out of everyone's leauge (including themselves)!

Suzuki should be applauded for offering a virtually race-ready ATV to the masses.

BTW the brown side covers look a little lighter in person and are kinda trick!

These are the best times EVER to be an ATV enthusiast!:D

[Punk'd]

You think sooner or later they will come out with a 400? Since suzuki is not teamed with them anymore?

[trx440]

Originally posted by jthunder31
Kawasaki did a bang-up job on their '06 KX450F dirt bike. They stalked the Hondas & Yamahas, built and refined and then released a superior machine! I imagine they did the same with this quad. I wonder how wide they'll go. I'm waiting for one of the manufacturers to offer a machine in several widths to fit everyone's needs. I see Honda, Yamaha or possibly this new Kawasaki breaking ground in this area! An XC or MX model choice is the next step.

Before someone lips off; I realize Cannondale already did this. They priced themselves waaaaayyy out of everyone's leauge (including themselves)!

Suzuki should be applauded for offering a virtually race-ready ATV to the masses.

BTW the brown side covers look a little lighter in person and are kinda trick!

These are the best times EVER to be an ATV enthusiast!:D


Seen it in person have you???

Give us a description of what the rest looks like.

.

[trx440]

Originally posted by Pappy
Kawasaki has its dealer show in september I believe, it will be released after that I am pretty sure.


I wish they had released more pics and hope they fire the guy who thought a brown side cover was trick:eek2:

Pappy,

Are those covers magnesium? All the old Works bikes were like that.


If so, can you Candy apple green, magnesium????

.

Originally posted by trx440
Seen it in person have you???

Give us a description of what the rest looks like.

.

I doubt hes seen it in person. Im pretty sure the KXF's have the brown side cover, so hes talking about how that looks.

[mx428]

Originally posted by nofearrider1
I doubt hes seen it in person. Im pretty sure the KXF's have the brown side cover, so hes talking about how that looks. All their 4 stroke dirtbikes have them.

[trx440]

Actually, they have much smaller covers only. They are nowhere as large as the quads.

.

[rpyfz450]

Originally posted by jesshamner
I hope that it is a full aluminum chassis. Yamaha claimed the raptor would have an aluminum chassis too. Instead it was just half.

Actually, I think the "half-aluminum" is a good idea. I suspect it's pretty expensive to build a chassis like Cannondale did. I would think the steel tubing would hold up better to abrasions and abuse too.

From the looks of that picture, I'd guess the Kawi has a tube steel frame in the front and aluminum spars at the rear, exactly like the 700R does.

[hasbeenttduner]

A little bigger pics are now up at atv scene.

[jesshamner]

Originally posted by rpyfz450
Actually, I think the "half-aluminum" is a good idea. I suspect it's pretty expensive to build a chassis like Cannondale did. I would think the steel tubing would hold up better to abrasions and abuse too.

From the looks of that picture, I'd guess the Kawi has a tube steel frame in the front and aluminum spars at the rear, exactly like the 700R does.

Actually I don't think the big cost of cannondale was in the all aluminum chassis. You could get a Cannibal for about 7000...maybe even cheaper. The moto and Blaze are were the expensive ones with over priced average aftermarket stuff.

[Pappy]

looks like an aluminum frame, ofcourse i have seen pictures of more then whats posted on the net:devil:

[Holsh]

ofcourse i have seen pictures of more then whats posted on the net show them plez:eek2:

[Atkins]

Originally posted by 400exredrider
yeah,, the headlights look cheap... like something off of a kasea or something, but aluminum frame, reverse, and electric start will have alot of people jumping on it

who cares, itll bring the MSRP down and everyone will toss 'em in the trash.

Looks like Kawi had their thinking caps on with this rig.:macho

looks ugly :P

[Dan_Guetter]

I think they're long lost cousins....let's just hope the new kawi is equiped with a lazer gun

[mx428]

It looks like they have ghey looking black nerfs on them with intergrated heel guards. But also removable fender extensions so the racers/freestylers will like that.

i love how atvriders brands all of kawi's photos xD

[400exrules]

wow, look at that weld behind the bumper, thats the crappiest lookin weld lmfao......

[Punk'd]

Originally posted by Shift_DVS
I think they're long lost cousins....let's just hope the new kawi is equiped with a lazer gun

Maybe a little mantus in between? lol

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4174/f0me.png

[jthunder31]

Hi

I was referring to the Kawasaki dirt bikes in my earlier post!

Now, I'll bash a bit.

Side covers DO look kind of trick in the brown finish.

The bodywork in the LARGER picture (Pappy's post) looks pretty sh#%ty like an Arctic Scrap DVX 400!

God, please no modular fenders. Fronts are OK, but the quick release rear is just begging for some poor guy to get his leg sucked in!

The bug lights seem OK

The heelguards look like they still had the chance to steal a few Suzuki parts before they took a final inventory in the SUZUKASAKI combined factory warehouse:p

The engine WILL be a mean motorscooter, though! Seeing the KFX 450 MX bike almost made me go back to 2 wheels! Hopefully the engine snorts even better than the KFX 450 I built! I would think so by these early specs! Kawi should be able to beat a redneck in his garage by the light of a dim lightbulb...Drop 30 lbs off of my machine and it would be IDEAL. I love the "Ditch Pickle", but she's on the porky side.

I can't wait to see this thing! Please be W I D E.:chinese:

BTW: I'm parting out my current green monster-check it out in the classified section! I still have some high-quality items :scary:

[jthunder31]

It does look alot like Johnny 5!

[indygncc]

Great to see they are back in the action. I am sure they have done their homework properly.

[400exc]

WOW are they nice, but...... what about the price? I bet these things won't be cheap.

[400exrules]

i doubt the covers are magnesium, since suzuki has already shown what happens when you make the side covers magnesium

[Ralph]

i like the brown, cool colorscheme

[hasbeenttduner]

Originally posted by 400exrules
i doubt the covers are magnesium, since suzuki has already shown what happens when you make the side covers magnesium

All the man. have been using mag. for years and years and years.

[swwaltw]

maybe the "all new motor"means it will be 450cc and not 449 like the bike is. If they sell it with a kick start it would be sold. The happy button is ok but my leg will last longer than a battery.

[swwaltw]

some 20" tires on the back would be nice too and a softer seat. the ltr450 is like sitting on a 2x4

[hasbeenttduner]

More photos.With credit going to atv illustrated and Jeff Henson.

[zack221]

Originally posted by hasbeenttduner
More photos.With credit going to atv illustrated and Jeff Henson.

that thing is sweet even though im not to big on kawasaki

[jacobw]

Originally posted by Rootar
just think pappy youll prolly be seeoing alot of those covers this winter when people builod up their bikes for next years race season :o so quit ur complaining you lil girl lol:p

btw its about freakin one of the factories went with an aluminum frame, the cannondale/atk frames were/are definetly the strongest stock frame made on a sport quad maybe kawi built theirs strong enough to surpass where the first aluminum frame left off and be fully ready to last a whole season on a Pro ride wiht no gusseting (not replace the frames every 4-5 races like all the "other guys" running stock frames)

I never knew the cannondale was a sport quad the cannondale was THE first outta the box race quad you didnt have to add nerfs kill swtich etc these new quads are not race ready and never will be, they cant make them fully race ready like the cannondale moto too much liability for them

[jacobw]

Originally posted by jthunder31
Kawasaki did a bang-up job on their '06 KX450F dirt bike. They stalked the Hondas & Yamahas, built and refined and then released a superior machine! I imagine they did the same with this quad. I wonder how wide they'll go. I'm waiting for one of the manufacturers to offer a machine in several widths to fit everyone's needs. I see Honda, Yamaha or possibly this new Kawasaki breaking ground in this area! An XC or MX model choice is the next step.

Before someone lips off; I realize Cannondale already did this. They priced themselves waaaaayyy out of everyone's leauge (including themselves)!

Suzuki should be applauded for offering a virtually race-ready ATV to the masses.

BTW the brown side covers look a little lighter in person and are kinda trick!

These are the best times EVER to be an ATV enthusiast!:D


How is aobut 12k outta league you cant build a full race ready quad for that that you dont have to gusett the frame and will not come with top of the line ohlins like cannondale or a adjustable steering damper from ohlins, tag bars, nerf bars, pingle kill switch, magura clutch, Beadlock ITP wheels, ITP tires, gripper seat, fully race ready you could add nothing to make it more rac ready, I dont think you can build one for that will top of the line parts like cannondale had if you can let me know I will build 5 or 6 of them

:D :D :D :D

[Mxjunkie]

Joshie want's! :macho

[jacobw]

I hear that may have to get one they look sweet!

[trx440]

Intentional leak, good marketing.
Well placed branch to cover the front end on the first 2 pix.

Wish it would've had the fender extensions on it. Same general lines as the 400 triplets.

[coolex]

Originally posted by trx440
Intentional leak, good marketing.
Well placed branch to cover the front end on the first 2 pix.

Wish it would've had the fender extensions on it. Same general lines as the 400 triplets.


i also feel it was an intentional leak

[jthunder31]

Originally posted by jacobw
How is aobut 12k outta league you cant build a full race ready quad for that that you dont have to gusett the frame and will not come with top of the line ohlins like cannondale or a adjustable steering damper from ohlins, tag bars, nerf bars, pingle kill switch, magura clutch, Beadlock ITP wheels, ITP tires, gripper seat, fully race ready you could add nothing to make it more rac ready, I dont think you can build one for that will top of the line parts like cannondale had if you can let me know I will build 5 or 6 of them

:D :D :D :D

12K for something that doesn't exist anymore. $6000.00 into a YFZ, TRX, LTR or KFX 450 makes a damn fine race machine! All the components are hand picked by the consumer and a current race machine is custom made to taste. The PARTS were nice on the Cannondale machines, but the package was not worth 12K up front to the consumer.

I do not have to prove my point much further, because Cannondale lost all their money trying!

Lots of parts were plain copied from the good 'ol TRX250R. Well, so is everything else!

The Ohlins shocks on the 'dales left alot to be desired. 100% main bearing failure is not a great figure either.

I also have some "loyalists" im my area that drug these things along long after the chips fell on Cannondale. Maybe I can introduce you! I love to watch his sit on the battery charger while we are racing!

Yes, you may have bought half a dozen of those for $4500.00 or something...enjoy!

:devil:

The purpose of this thread is to pay homage and share information about the KFX450. :macho

[trx440]

Was the Moto440 worth 12k? No.

Would the Moto440 been worth 11k [ wasn't msrp $10,995] with the 450 update that ATK performs and the new revamped Ohlins that many top racers are running. Yes, especially when your other choice was a modded 400ex or an aftermarket 250R.


I'm all over the new Tecate, hopefully it will be out by Thanksgiving. Glamis time.

[Prey]

on another note....

2007 could be the best year for quads we have ever seen, in addition to the 3 current 450s, and can am stepping up the ute class with the outlander 800

now we get to look forward to the release of the KFX 450, can am 450 along with the renegade, and confirmed 2007 quads from KTM

[trx440]

Could you imagine the 2007 shootout?

TRX vs. LTR vs. YFZ vs. KFX vs. ATK vs. GasGas vs. CanAm vs. KTM-Polaris vs. Artic Cat vs. Aprilia vs. Dinli.

I'll take a W-Tec Evo with a KTM 525 electric start thank you very much.

[erniej]

My first post.... HI ALL!!!

From what I see on the pictures it looks like the center of the gravity is rather high- it has engine mounted high in the frame.

And did you noticed the fuel tank? It is probably placed above the rear axle (big black thing with a warning sticker) so it will probably lower the center of gravity.... but .... I don't know if I like this.

[rooster400ex]

the black thing is prob the air box and the gas tank is in the normal place cuz u can see him pouring gas there

[erniej]

yeah, but the inlet is strangely lowered so they could put just a pipe that leads to this black box- it's too big for a airbox- they could put the airboh above the engine - just like in kfx700. I think they did dhis. And they think it's cool :p

[Dale512]

That black box is the AIRBOX, and it probably has a huge filter in it to keep dirt out of the expensive Throttlebody and injectors. It makes sense to have the airbox up top on the V-Force because of how the cylinders are arranged, but the 450 has a normal cylinder arrangment and it would require some goofy, power robbing bends to put the filter up high like that.

[erniej]

you are right- I checked KX bike pictures, the gas tanks are positioned in the same way. The black box in KFX looks twice as big as in KX, probably airbox is sharing a compartment with battery or something...

[Dale512]

Battery's in the Greenbox....

[atvRiDa400ex]

...Makes me want one really bad!

[prepracing]

so does anybody know who will officially be riding these this year in GNC and GNCC ??? heard a rumor that Yokely may be on one ?

[rpyfz450]

Originally posted by Prey
2007 quads from KTM

There's nothing on their US or internation website to support that statement.