Monster Energy Edition
- Special Monster Energy graphics
- All-new special black plastic body work and green hubs compliment the Monster Energy graphics
All-New Fuel Injection
- Self adjusts to atmospheric changes for easier starting, sharper throttle response and optimized power, and power stability when jumping/landing
- Ultra-fine atomizing injector with 12 holes sprays particles with a droplet size of 60µ for smooth power deliver and improved engine at partial throttle
- 43mm throttle body uses a progressive throttle linkage to deliver airflow in much the same way as an FCR carburetor. Using two linked shafts, the throttle body opens more quickly after reaching the 3/8 open position
- Lightweight throttle body is approximately half the weight of a FCR carburetor, saving over one pound in weight
- Fast-idle knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase engine speed when starting a cold engine
Optimized Injector Angle
- Injector set at 45°, the optimum angle for improved mid-range power, which corresponds to the intake ports of the new head design and is an improved position compared to competing products
New ECU
- No battery needed, saving weight; the engine can be started with only three rotations of the crankshaft using the electricity generated by a single kick of the starter
- The system delivers electricity to FI system in sequence for quick starting: first the ECU, then the fuel pump, and finally the injector
- The compact, lightweight ECU, located on the front of the steering head behind the number plate, was designed specifically for motocross use. The fuel pump relay is built in to the ECU to help cope with the shocks and vibrations of motocross riding
New Lightweight Aluminum Fuel Pump
- Located in the fuel tank
- Features a rubber fuel filter cover that wraps around the inlet port and acts as a fuel trap to help ensure a stable fuel supply during vigorous motocross riding
- Fuel return hose from the pressure regulator helps ensure there is always fuel in the inlet port, preventing stalls due to fuel splashing and enabling riders to use all the fuel
- New 1.8 gallon fuel tank is lighter and formed using a rotational molding process
Improved Engine Performance
- 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single
- New piston with reshaped head increases compression ratio from 12.0 to 12.5:1 for improved low and mid range performance
- Low-friction coating on the piston skirt reduces mechanical loss
- Revised piston jet injects oil at a new angle for improved piston cooling
- Piston jet nozzle opening was improved to minimize oil gathering for a better contribution to piston cooling
- A forward lean angle of 3° puts the engine in the ideal position for maximum traction
- Tuned for a broad powerband with the torque curve set just under the wheel spin threshold
- High-acceleration cams help the engine rev quickly
- Equipped with an automatic compression release (ACR) system for quick and easy starting. The dual-weight centrifugal decompression system is fitted to the exhaust cam
- Maintenance free screw-type automatic cam chain adjuster
- Larger flap inside the airbox helps prevent the ingress of mud and water
New Top End
- Revised intake and exhaust ports for improved engine performance at all rpm
- Reduced cylinder head height from 105 to 100mm for a more compact, lighter engine
- Titanium 36mm intake and 31mm exhaust valves with aluminum spring retainers reduce reciprocating weight and cylinder height and help ensure reliable valve control at high rpm
- New high-strength material with finer metal grain for intake valves offers about a 50 percent greater resistance to fatigue
- Double valve springs allow a short cylinder head height and help ensure stable valve operation
- Dual overhead, lightweight camshafts lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
- Asymmetrical high-acceleration cams and the special coating on the intake ports yield high intake efficiency at all rpm
New Crankshaft Design
- Improved traction with increased rotational inertia via a larger diameter AC Generator rotor
- Crankshaft was reshaped with its rotational inertia unchanged to enable the balance factor to remain the same with bigger ACG rotor and provide weight savings
- Wedge-shaped crank web increases offsetting moment for high crankshaft balance factor of 60 percent –on par with Kawasaki’s factory racers
- New crankshaft large bearing with an increased load capacity, 2mm longer bearing rollers and a 40 percent improvement in durability
- Crankshaft and connecting rod received a carburizing and quenching treatment for additional rigidity
- End result is reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery and increased performance, with a noticeably snappier response at low rpm
Easier Starting
- Greater electrical output from the bigger ACG rotor provides the necessary electrical power that allows a battery-less FI system with kick starting and provides smoother engine performance
- New ACR with increased lift from 0.5 to 1.0mm, reduces kicking power necessary to start
Better Cooling
- Very slim, high-capacity Denso radiators feature tightly packed cores and a fin design that delivers superior cooling efficiency
- Radiator louvers increased from three to four and decreased in size and angle for less overlap and higher air flow
- Brace bar reinforces the radiator bracket and adds to the KX450F’s durability
Smooth-Shifting, Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission
- 5-Speed transmission and low-rpm engine response combination offers riders more gear options for traversing rough sections or getting into the rhythm of a course easily so they can focus more on racing
- Sprocket-style chain drive roller reduces the effect of driveline lash, helping smooth engine braking and facilitating additional corner entry control
New Titanium Exhaust Pipe
- One-piece titanium exhaust pipe with revised length and diameter improves low-mid range performance as well as contributing to improved ergonomics
- New silencer body has increased volume to meet future noise regulations - currently 99dB
Lighter, slimmer chassis
- New main spars with a smaller cross-section down from 70mm tall and 27mm wide to 68mm and 24mm, respectively for a slimmer overall width main spars shape - narrowing near the bend below the seat for a riding position, then widening at the ankles to offer better grip
- Slimmer head pipe, new cross section and a down tube that is formed with a swaging (squeezing and hammering) process and has a smaller cast bracket add up to more weight savings
- Parts revisions combine for about a 1.8 pound lighter new aluminum perimeter frame that offers increased riding stability and traction through a better rigidity balance
- Revised chassis dimensions contribute to improved handling
- Swingarm pivot is located 3mm higher in the frame for improved rear wheel traction
- New sub-frame is lighter via larger diameter tubing with thinner walls, yet still provides a secure mounting for the new silencer
New Aluminum Swingarm
- New tapered “D” shape, vice rectangle design that is 5mm taller at the front (74 to 79mm) and 2mm shorter at the rear (60 to 58mm)
- New cross bracket design for enhanced rigidity
- Alloy swingarm uses a cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters
- New swingarm design is approximately 0.4 lbs lighter and improves stability, rigidity and rear wheel traction
- Uni-Trak® rear suspension system with the suspension arm mounted below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke and more precise tuning
New Front Fork
- Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos. Low-friction fork seals contribute to smooth action
- New Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes offers a 15 percent reduction in stiction from ‘08 KX450F when the fork is exposed to lateral forces that would usually hamper slide action. The result is improved fork response, especially during cornering
- Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork outer tubes contributes to smoother suspension action (especially at the initial part of the stroke) and a better ride feel
- Revising the frame’s rigidity balance, amending the suspension settings, and reducing the fork offset from 24mm to 23mm gives the KX450F lighter handling and increased front wheel traction
- Optimized rigidity balance via increased rigidity in the reshaped upper triple clamp and decreased rigidity in the new outer fork tubes
- Enlarged, wrap around black fork tube guards provide greater protection for the inner tubes
- Revised race-oriented suspension settings offer improved over-all performance
New Rear Shock
- Kayaba rear shock has a new cylinder body design and a larger 50mm piston (previously 46mm)
- Improved response, damping and bottoming performance result in better ride feel and terrain following capability
- Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
- Also features Kashima Coat treatment on the cylinder for reduced friction and smoother suspension action
- Easier accessibility for tuning
- Revised rear suspension settings and ideal linkage ratios derived from extensive rider testing produce an over-all improved and race-oriented performance
Improved Rider Interface and Styling
- All-new body work and graphics
- New dual injected 2-tone, one-piece plastic shrouds and side number plates
- Right side panel has an added passageway to aid in cooling the silencer
- Black plastic covers, triple clamps, engine covers, and black alumite coated rims –just like the factory racers
- Foot peg width (front to rear) increased from 46mm on previous model to 50mm for improved feel
- New seat design that’s slimmer with firmer urethane for improved ergonomics and feel
- Seat has a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
New Chain Guide
- Slimmer and compact, down from 42.7 to 34mm wide, with 2mm thicker wear pad
- Reduced weight and longer wear
Additional Features
- New skid plate made of resin material offers greater protection without a weight increase
- Larger front brake lever boot offers increased protection against dust
- Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, for easy clutch cable play adjustment on the fly
- Throttle grip has a one-piece collar that provides additional stability during throttle operation
- Lightweight short-length grips feature a pattern designed to provide excellent grip
- Rear caliper guard protects the caliper from damage
- Ribless rear hub and butted spokes reduced unsprung weight
Optional ECU Setting Tool Available
- Allows racers to reprogram the ECU’s data maps for volume of fuel injected and ignition timing to alter engine characteristics to suit rider preference
- The tool can also be used as a data logger, recording up to six hours of data for engine rpm, angle of throttle opening, etc.
ATVs
