Highlights for
this year's KX450 start with a new 48mm Kayaba Pneumatic Spring Fork
(PSF) that replaces the main fork springs with compressed air. You
get 1.7 pounds of weight savings, and Kawasaki also claims provide
easier and more effective tuning, as well as improve bottoming
resistance. The 32mm internal damping cartridge are much larger than
last year's, which had 24mm pistons. DLC coating on the fork tubes
minimize sticktion, as does the internal Kashima coating. A removable
spring pressure adjustment valve is also included.
The engine receives minor updates, with
a revised piston crown for a boost in ultra-low to mid power, as well
as cam changes for better low rpm response. Other details include a new front
master cylinder with a knocker-style lever-to-piston connection for
improved feel, and returning items include the Launch Control
introduced last year, as well as the adjustable handlebar and footpeg
mounts.
2013 Kawasaki KX™450F
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke
single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head Displacement:
449cc Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm Fuel Injection: DFI® with
43mm Keihin throttle body Compression ratio: 12.5:1 Ignition:
Digital DC-CDI Transmission: Five-speed Rake / trail: 26.9
degrees / 4.4 in. Front suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted,
Kayaba PSF with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and
20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in. Rear
suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® linkage system and Kayaba shock
with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed
compression dampening, 33-position rebound dampening and fully
adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in. Front tire: 80/100-21 Rear
tire: 120/80-19 Front brake: Single rigid-mount 250mm petal
disc with dual-piston caliper Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc
with single-piston caliper Overall length: 85.8 in. Overall
width: 32.3 in. Overall height: 50.2 in. Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Ground clearance: 13.0 in. Seat height: 37.6 in. Curb
weight: 248.0 lbs. Fuel capacity: 1.64 gal. Color: Lime
Green MSRP: $8,699 Wholesale distributor: Kawasaki Motors
Corp., U.S.A. 9950 Jeronimo Road Irvine, California
92618 949-770-0400 www.kawasaki.com
2013 Kawasaki KX™250F
The new in the new 2013 KX250F starts with a
shorter stainless steel headpipe with resonator chamber for an added
low-rpm kick, and a new high volume muffler that's shorter, but with
a larger cross-section, designed to keep noise levels at 94 db while
maintaining power. Kawasaki's also using an upgraded
48mm Separate Function Fork (SFF) with new 1mm larger inner fork
tubes that allow the internal damping components to be larger, for
firmer damping response. There's also a new swingarm that features a
longer cast front section, as well as tapered hydroformed spars and
forged chain adjusters. The size of the sideplates has been reduced,
you can look for a new pushrod style configuration at the front
master cylinder, and new brake pad material. New radiator shrouds and
the aforementioned smaller side panels make things slimmer than ever. Revised goodies? The intake tract is
straighter than ever, for a more direct flow of airflow; and a
revised piston profile for better durability. The lower triple clamp
has also been opened at the back for increased rigidity and improved
fork action
2013 Kawasaki KX™250F
Specifications
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke
single with DOHC and four-valve cylinder head Displacement:
249cc Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm Fuel injection: DFI® with
43mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors Compression ratio:
13.8:1 Ignition: Digital CDI Transmission: Five-speed with wet
multi-disc manual clutch Final drive: Chain Frame: Aluminum
perimeter Rake / trail: 28.7 degrees / 5.0 in. Front
suspension / wheel travel: 48mm inverted Showa SFF telescopic fork
with 40-way spring preload
adjustability and 22 position
compression and 20 position rebound damping adjustability/ 12.4
in. Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® linkage system and
Showa shock with 9 position low-speed and stepless high-speed
compression damping, 22 position rebound damping and fully adjustable
spring preload / 12.2 in. Front tire: 80/100-21 Rear tire:
100/90-19 Front brake: Single semi-floating 250mm petal disc with
dual piston caliper Rear brake: Single 240mm petal disc with
single-piston caliper Overall length: 85.4 in. Overall width:
32.3 in. Overall height: 50.0 in. Wheelbase: 58.1 in. Ground
clearance: 13.0 in. Seat height: 37.2 in. Curb weight: 233.6
lbs. Fuel capacity: 1.61 gal. Color: Lime Green MSRP:
$7,599 Warranty: 12 Months Good Times™ Protection Plan 12,
24, 36 or 48 months Wholesale distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp.,
U.S.A. 9950 Jeronimo Road Irvine, California
92618 949-770-0400 www.kawasaki.com
WARNING: Much of the action depicted in this magazine is potentially dangerous. Virtually all of the riders seen in our photos are experienced experts or professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts that are beyond your own capabilities. Always wear the appropriate safety gear.
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