Kawasaki KX450F Motorcycle Reviews on Cycle Insider (6)
Avg. Rating

This machine is unbelievable! I have owned many dirt bikes over the years but this thing is UNBELIEVABLE. The most satisfying twist of the throttle ever...but get caught napping and you will be on your head! This bike has brought more joy (and a whole lot of pain after a panic rev on a rutted double sent me to the hospital with a broken back in 5 places) than you can imagine. It is a large machine and is better suited to taller and larger riders. Being over 6 foot tall helps considerably as this bike is more than a handful even in stock trim. The fuel injection is spot on and has absolutely no lag or bog what-so-ever and when you twist the throttle, hang on because you are at Warp 9 lickety split!(hence the E.R. trip!) I have rode this on national level tracks and some local hare and hound events and it handles both with just a few clicks of the adjusters on the forks and shock. (The rear shock is a real bear to adjust by the way, an Enzo racing rear collar would solve this easily). Make sure to invest in a few items though. First of all, a TM Designworks swingarm slider should be one of your first purchases or else your next purchase will be a new swingarm as the stock slider is gone in just a few rides. Another good idea is to purchase a different radiator cap to raise the boiling point so she isn't puking coolant all over. An aftermarket sprocket is also a good idea with a tooth or two added depending on your riding preference to make the tranny more rideable. As if this thing isn't fast enough I installed a Loudmouth air intake and Pro Circuit Ti-4R exhaust to let her breath freely and this was like adding a supercharger to an already potent engine. She is already deadly fast but who can resist more horsepower? Ditch the front tire before riding it or it too will put you on your head. The new Dunlop MX51's solved the tire issue immediately and she felt like a totally different machine. Pure hookup bliss in a whole array of conditions - these tires rock. Overall I can say that Kawasaki pretty much got this thing right save a few small details that can be fixed with a trip to your local dealer and a little bit of cash. Did I say that this thing rocks?

I must say, 4-strokes have come a long way. I have always been a die hard 2-stroke rider until last year when I bought my 07 leftover. The first time I rode this bike I made up my mind. I will never own a 2-stroke ever again. This is one of the best bikes I have ever owned. It is fast with a load of power. If you want a bike for the track and/or trail riding, this is your bike.

This is by far the best bike Kawasaki has released to date. It is ready for the track as it sits on the showroom floor. It handles great and has plenty of easy to use power.

I have owned this bike for almost a full year. I ride motocross and am 42 years old. I have ridden and owned several trail bikes and mx bikes over the years and let me say WOW! This bike was more than I expected. It turns on a dime, feels light in the air and pulls so hard through the whole band that unless you are a faster that average rider (I'm not) or ride on a very long track, you will not need fourth gear too often. I have only had one issue with this bike thus far. The hot-start lever stuck. I never used it anyway. This bike always starts on the first kick. Not second, not third, but first...always. I have been so pleased with this bike that I will also purchase the 07 when it becomes available. If you are considering a 450...this is the one.

Kawasaki got it right the first time! From the factory, the suspension on this bike feels stiff, however the faster you go the better it works. Motor has plenty of power and comes on real strong. One of the things I have noticed when you whack the throttle on this is the bike really digs in and launches you forward rather than pulling the front wheel off the ground. So far, with 8 hours on it, it has performed flawlessly. This is an easy bike to kick over, cold or hot it usually starts with one kick. You deffinately will not be disappointed with this bike.

This bike is awesome, dude. I have a 30-inch inseam so I recommend a 32-inch inseam for the most comfort on it but still it fits well. It has awesome power especially coming from a mini bike.