For far too many years, the KLX line of bikes has been rather bland.  Imagine our surprise when Kawasaki came out with a deadly serious off-road/enduro bike.  In fact, the only serious enduro bike from the Big K was the KDX200/220, which unfortunately ceased production in 2007 due to the phase out of two strokes.
The 450s engine has been tweaked for more low and mid-range performance, delivering a wide spread of  torque and  throttle control for low-speed maneuvering.  Kawasaki engineers have combined revisions in cam lift and timing in order to boost low and mid-range torque. Adding to the special characteristics of this engine, is a heavier flywheel with double the mass of the KX450F’s unit and a wide-ratio five-speed transmission with gears that have been specifically selected for off-road competition.

Adding an electric starter in addition to its kick-starting capability gives the KLX rider more options in the event of a stall.  A high-capacity starter motor and compact, high-output battery helps insure quick and reliable starts.  A simple push of the starter button is all that’s required in the event of a stall and can often be accomplished while still moving. 
 
Kawasaki has engineered-in extra durability for the KLX450R. While the lightweight titanium intake valves from the KX remain unchanged, steel valves are used in place of the KX’s titanium exhaust valves and the radiator is fitted with a reservoir tank to provide efficient cooling during long enduros. The KLX450R also features a sealed chain.

Utilizing suspension from the KX450F, it uses Kayaba AOS inverted forks. They provide superb damping with tuning specifically optimized for light, easy handling characteristics. Oil and air are kept in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long events and low-friction seals contribute to smooth fork action.

The chassis has been specially set-up to be nimble while negotiating narrow trails. The wider seat, with slip-resistant top surface, adds both to comfort and mobility, while the 18-inch rear wheel allows for use of a taller/thicker rear tire, which is more suited to absorbing sharp-edged impacts and allows the rider to choose from a wide selection of off-road tires.

A lightweight digital instrumentation cluster includes speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer, and clock. The plastic fuel tank has a 2.1 gallon capacity and the petcock is fitted with a reserve. Illumination equipment is also kept on the light side, with the 35 watt compact headlight using a plastic lens, while the ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail lamp highlights.
 
Among the other features are: side covers shared with its motocross brother, though purposely lacking any holes so that water can’t seep in; a left-side cover made of two pieces with a special “door” that allows easy access to the air cleaner; engine guards for both sides of the engine; and a works-style aluminum skid plate. A fully-equipped KLX450R only weighs about 22 pounds more than the KX450F.

FEATURES
*   449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single with four valves
*  Improved low and mid-range power delivery for climbing hills, riding in the mud or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions
*  Linear power curve offers plenty of over-rev, for maximum flexibility in choosing shift points
*  Revised cam lift and timing boost low- and mid-range torque

SPECIFICATIONS

Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change