2012 KX™450F highlights begin with the Supercross winning DNA of last year’s bike. The advanced design of the aluminum perimeter frame and dominating motor received a host of refinements to create a more compact and mass-centralized chassis propelled by more useable power than ever. Headlining the technological charge, the KX450F features an all new Launch Control Mode, which is tuned to maximize traction out of the starting gate. This is accomplished without sacrificing any of the mid-range grunt or straight-line speed that made the KX450F famous.

Specifications

Features

All

• Additional Features - Clutch cable boot features a large quick adjuster, making it easy for riders to adjust play in the clutch cable on the fly
• Additional Features - Rear caliper guard helps protect the caliper from damage
• Additional Features - Ribless rear hub and butted spokes offer light weight and excellent durability
• Additional Features - Skid plate made of resin material offers great protection without excess weight
• Aluminum Swingarm - Alloy swingarm features a cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain adjusters
• Aluminum Swingarm - Cross-section design contributes to light handling
• Aluminum Swingarm - Suspension arm is mounted below the swingarm to allow a longer rear suspension stroke and more precise tuning
• Aluminum Swingarm - Tapered “D” shape swingarm provides ideal rigidity for excellent stability, and is lighter than a comparable box-section unit
• Aluminum Swingarm - Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage altered for improved traction, utilizing a revised tie-rod unit which is less rigid
• AOS Front Fork - Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the outer surface of the inner fork tubes offers minimum stiction when the fork is exposed to lateral forces that would usually hamper slide action. The result is improved fork response, especially during cornering
• AOS Front Fork - Friction-reducing Kashima Coat on the inside of the fork’s outer tubes contributes to smooth suspension action (especially at the initial part of the stroke) and a superb ride feel
• AOS 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
• AOS Front Fork - Race-oriented suspension settings offer maximum overall performance
• AOS Front Fork - Revised lower triple clamp locates the clamp opening in the rear as opposed to the side for increased rigidity and improved fork action
• AOS Front Fork - Wrap-around fork tube guards offer effective protection for the sliders
• At a glance... - 48mm AOS forks with DLC coated inner fork tubes
• At a glance... - All-new Launch Control Mode increases the chance of nailing the holeshot
• At a glance... - Black Alumite coated rims
• At a glance... - New adjustable bar and footpeg positions
• At a glance... - New pipe and silencer help centralize mass
• At a glance... - New pre-programmed ignition maps, interchangeable trackside, no PC required
• At a glance... - New slimmer frame and minimalist bodywork
• At a glance... - Upgraded engine with more top-end thrust and a wider powerband
• At a glance... - Upgraded transmission for easy, reliable shifting
• Bridged-Box Bottom Piston - Lighter and more durable than traditional piston designs
• Bridged-Box Bottom Piston - Reinforced external ribs enhance strength and durability
• Bridged-Box Bottom Piston - Same design as used on our factory racers; offers optimum performance at all rpm
• Bridged-Box Bottom Piston - Short piston skirt features low-friction coating to minimize mechanical losses
• Bridged-Box Bottom Piston - Thinner top ring and revised surface treatment of oil ring reduce friction
• 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
• Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission - New polyurethane resin drive chain roller reduces weight
• Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission - New shift lever moves the pedal 3mm farther from the footpeg and offers greater durability
• Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission - Revised number of gear dogs (3 dogs/3 holes to 4 dogs/4 holes) improve shift feel
• Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission - Shorter shift fork (5.3mm to 4.4mm) reduces the shift force necessary to change gears
• Close-Ratio 5-Speed Transmission - Thicker first gear offers greater durability for launching off the line
• Crankshaft - Crankshaft and connecting rod feature a special carburizing and quenching treatment to maximize rigidity
• Crankshaft - Crankshaft with high inertial mass helps maximize rear wheel traction
• Crankshaft - Net result is reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery and increased performance, with a noticeably snappier response at low rpm
• Crankshaft - Wedge-shaped crank web provides enough offsetting moment for a 60 percent balance factor – and is similar to the crank balance in Kawasaki’s factory race engines
• Cylinder Head - 36mm titanium intake and 31mm exhaust valves with aluminum spring retainers minimize reciprocating weight and cylinder height to help ensure reliable valve control at high rpm
• Cylinder Head - Camshafts, lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
• Cylinder Head - Compact head is only 100mm tall
• Cylinder Head - Double valve springs allow a short cylinder head height and help ensure stable valve operation
• Cylinder Head - Intake camshaft profile revised to increase intake for better low and mid-range power
• Digital Fuel Injection - 43mm throttle body uses a progressive throttle linkage to deliver airflow in much the same way as an FCR carburetor
• Digital Fuel Injection - Fast-idle knob on the throttle body allows riders to increase engine speed when starting a cold engine
• Digital Fuel Injection - Fuel injector set at 45°, the optimum angle for mid-range power
• Digital Fuel Injection - It is not necessary to re-tune, or change any jets to suit climatic conditions like on a carbureted model
• Digital Fuel Injection - Self-adjusts to atmospheric changes for easier starting, sharper throttle response and optimized power and stability when jumping/landing
• Digital Fuel Injection - Ultra-fine atomizing injector with 12 holes sprays particles with a droplet size of 60µ for smooth power delivery and engine response throughout the throttle range
• Digital Fuel Injection - Using two linked shafts, the throttle body opens more quickly after reaching the 3/8 open position
• Easy Starting - Compression release features 1.0mm of valve lift, to minimize the required kicking power
• Easy Starting - 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
• Easy Starting - Revised shape of kickstart ratchet enables lever to return to start position more smoothly
• Easy Starting - Strong output from the large ACG rotor provides enough electrical power for the battery-less FI system to enable true one-kick starting without using a battery
• Efficient Cooling - Changed left side radiator upper pipe angle for new shroud design
• Efficient Cooling - High-capacity Denso radiators feature tightly packed cores and a fin design that deliver superior cooling efficiency
• Efficient Cooling - New shroud shape features a slimmer profile and larger cooling outlet hole
• Efficient Cooling - Radiator louvers feature four small blades set at a shallow angle for minimum overlap and maximum air flow
• Engine Overview - 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single
• Engine Overview - A forward lean angle of 3° puts the engine in the ideal position for maximum traction
• Engine Overview - Highly balanced crankshaft, on par with Villopoto’s factory racer, creates minimal vibration
• Engine Overview - Large airbox flap helps prevent mud and water from entering
• Engine Overview - Maintenance-free automatic cam chain adjuster
• Engine Overview - Revised intake cam and all-new exhaust result in wider powerband
• Engine Overview - Works-based Bridged-box Bottom piston has revised rigidity for improved high-rpm power
• Exhaust - New silencer is 60mm shorter, but thanks to a new cross-section, features same overall volume as ’11 model to help meet current 94dB noise regulations
• Exhaust - New tapered header pipe is shorter in length and features a smaller overall diameter
• Exhaust - Tapered mid-piece is new for 2012 KX450F
• High Performance ECU - Maps are now easily selectable via DFI wire coupler caps, no computer necessary
• High Performance ECU - New ECU programming offers three preprogrammed maps: Standard, Hard (conditions) and Soft (conditions)
• High Performance ECU - No battery needed; the engine can be started with only three rotations of the crankshaft using the electricity generated by a single kick of the starter
• High Performance ECU - 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 integrated with the ECU to help cope with the shocks and vibrations of motocross riding
• High Performance ECU - The system delivers electricity to FI system in sequence: first the ECU, then the fuel pump, and finally the injector for quick, easy starting
• Launch Control Mode - Factory-style launch control system increases chance of getting a good start by maximizing traction on a slippery surface
• Launch Control Mode - Launch Control can be activated in neutral, first or second gear
• Launch Control Mode - Push-button activation of the Launch Control Mode retards ignition timing in first and second gears, giving the greatest effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch
• Launch Control Mode - Shifting into third gear deactivates Launch Control Mode and returns the ignition to normal mapping
• Launch Control Mode - System is designed to same specifications as factory Kawasaki AMA machines
• Light, Slim Chassis - Increased rigidity in the swingarm bracket area helps increase rear wheel traction and provide a more solid feel when landing jumps
• Light, Slim Chassis - New main frame spars are 4mm slimmer to help reduce overall width at the rider’s knees
• Lightweight Aluminum Fuel Pump - Features a plastic (formerly 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
• Lightweight Aluminum Fuel Pump - Fuel pump now features a one-piece filter cover and body, eliminating the need for fuel return tube from pressure regulator and contributing to weight reduction
• Lightweight Aluminum Fuel Pump - New 1.6-gallon fuel tank is formed using a blow molding process
• Powerful Disc Brakes - Lightweight rigid-mounted front disc reduces unsprung weight by 80 grams
• Powerful Disc Brakes - New front disc features an aggressive petal design
• Powerful Disc Brakes - Powerful twin piston hydraulic front caliper squeezes 250mm rotor
• Powerful Disc Brakes - Single piston hydraulic rear caliper squeezes lightweight 240mm petal-type rotor
• Rear Shock - Also features Kashima Coat treatment on the cylinder for reduced friction and smoother suspension action
• Rear Shock - Easy adjuster access for track-side suspension tuning
• Rear Shock - Kayaba rear shock features a large 50mm piston
• Rear Shock - Rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
• Rear Shock - Rear suspension settings and linkage ratios derived from extensive rider testing
• Rider Interface and Styling - Black plastic covers, triple clamps, engine covers, and black alumite-coated rims – just like Kawasaki’s factory teams
• Rider Interface and Styling - Blue alumite finish on suspension adjusters and engine plugs match new graphics accents
• Rider Interface and Styling - Dual injected 2-tone, one-piece plastic shrouds and side number plates minimized for mass centralization and rider comfort
• Rider Interface and Styling - Frame is wider at the ankles to offer optimum grip, narrows below the seat to allow a slim riding position
• Rider Interface and Styling - Lower-capacity fuel tank is shorter and narrower, creating a straighter line from the seat
• Rider Interface and Styling - Slim seat design uses new urethane foam designed to retain its original shape longer
• Rider Interface and Styling - Upgrades bodywork features more flush seams for easier rider movement
• Rider Interface and Styling - Wide 50mm footpegs can be adjusted to alternate position, 5mm lower than stock
• Strong and Durable Clutch - Clutch assembly provides a direct feel and superb control
• Strong and Durable Clutch - Excellent oil drainage contributes to more direct feel
• Strong and Durable Clutch - Friction plates with substantial friction material contribute to a direct feel
• Strong and Durable Clutch - Heavier clutch springs give a more positive feel to the rider
• Strong and Durable Clutch - New clutch case cover features embossed logo, designed to be revealed as rider’s boot wears away black paint

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