Segment:
Competition Motocross
Target Audience:
Motocross racers, enthusiasts, mechanics, and owners seeking to maintain and repair their KX450F.
Competitors 2009 2010:
Yamaha YZ450F, Honda CRF450R, Suzuki RM-Z450, KTM 450 SX-F.
Frame Design:
Perimeter frame with advanced rigidity balance for improved handling and cornering.
Engine Design:
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single cylinder with advanced DFI for optimal power delivery.
Suspension Technology:
Separate Function Front Fork (SFF) with adjustable compression and rebound damping, and a fully adjustable rear shock.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information for maintaining peak performance and executing repairs, saving on costly dealership services.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, lubrication, tuning, and component specifications.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (DFI - Digital Fuel Injection), throttle body, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, and related components.
Ignition System:
Ignition system, ECU (Engine Control Unit), ignition coil, spark plug, and timing adjustments.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, water pump, hoses, and thermostat.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe, muffler, and related hardware.
Transmission:
Clutch assembly, transmission gears, shift forks, shift drum, and lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Final drive, chain, sprockets, and lubrication.
Suspension Front:
Front fork (SFF - Separate Function Fork type), seals, oil specifications, damping adjustments, and spring rates.
Suspension Rear:
Rear shock absorber, linkage, bushings, oil specifications, and damping adjustments.
Brakes Front:
Front brake caliper, master cylinder, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, and pad replacement.
Brakes Rear:
Rear brake caliper, master cylinder, brake lines, brake fluid specifications, and pad replacement.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire pressure recommendations, and rim specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, lighting, starter motor, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting.
Bodywork:
Frame, plastics, seat, handlebars, footpegs, and fasteners.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and common problem solutions for various systems.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance procedures, including oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication, and general inspection.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for taking apart and reassembling the motorcycle and its sub-systems.
Inspection Adjustment:
Procedures for inspecting wear and tear, and making necessary adjustments to various components.
Tuning:
Engine tuning procedures, including idle speed, fuel mapping adjustments (via DFI coupler), and ignition timing checks.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and bolts.
Lubrication Points:
Identification and specifications for all lubrication points.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance and routine checks to advanced diagnostics and complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, troubleshooting of the DFI system, and electrical system faults.
Component Data:
Provides detailed measurements, tolerances, and wear limits for critical engine and chassis components.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves
Estimated Horsepower:
Approx. 55-58 HP (at crankshaft, dependent on tuning and exhaust)
Estimated Torque:
Approx. 35-37 lb-ft (at crankshaft, dependent on tuning and exhaust)
Fuel System:
DFI (Digital Fuel Injection) with 43mm Keihin throttle body
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA
Engine Oil Capacity W Filter Change:
1.0 L (1.1 US qt)
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.7 L (0.7 US qt)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5-10 hours of riding or annually.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Before every ride or after dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 10-15 hours of riding.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 5-10 hours of riding.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 15-25 hours of riding.
Coolant Type:
High-quality, ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, swingarm/linkage bearings, and fork seals due to the demanding nature of motocross.
Potential DFI Issues:
Less common, but check for injector clogging or sensor issues if performance is erratic. The manual details troubleshooting for these.
Suspension Maintenance:
Regular fork oil changes and seal inspections are crucial for maintaining optimal damping performance.
Kawasaki Motocross Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long and successful history in motocross racing, with a strong lineage of KX models known for performance and durability.
Kx450F Development:
The KX450F has undergone continuous development, with significant updates in the mid-2000s introducing fuel injection and revised chassis designs. The 2009-2010 models represent a refinement of these advancements, focusing on chassis balance and engine tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Key Design Changes 2009 2010:
While not a complete redesign, these model years saw refinements in suspension settings, engine mapping, and chassis geometry for improved handling and power delivery.