First Thoughts - 2019 Kawasaki KX450

ML512
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ML512
Edited Date/Time 6/15/2018 1:10am
Here ya all be, in the link is our video from the press intro of the 2019 KX450 and below the video I dropped in a 30 minute audio file to go more in-depth on my thoughts.

https://www.vitalmx.com/product/guide/Bikes,6/Kawasaki/KX450,16360#prod…


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grunkster
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grunkster 6/14/2018 9:55am
6/14/2018 9:55am
how is the seat height? Never heard that mentioned
grunkster
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grunkster 6/14/2018 9:59am
6/14/2018 9:59am
oh and what tires...only gives the size in the specs....
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 6/14/2018 10:01am
6/14/2018 10:01am
Thanks for the QUICK reporting ML512. Scoop again! Holeshot!

Did you know that 512 is the Austin area code? You aren't one of those guys tagging with spray paint around here are you? Woohoo

You stole the show with that Shift gear set, really clean look. You just need to spray paint those bootsTongue
ML512
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ML512 6/14/2018 10:03am
6/14/2018 10:03am
grunkster wrote:
oh and what tires...only gives the size in the specs....
Dunlop MX3S.

The Shop

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RbR
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RbR 6/14/2018 3:47pm
6/14/2018 3:47pm
Mr. Lindsay, well done, as always.
MK128
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MK128 6/14/2018 3:53pm
6/14/2018 3:53pm
grunkster wrote:
oh and what tires...only gives the size in the specs....
ML512 wrote:
Dunlop MX3S.
What about hardware quality? I had a 14 & a 15, and had nothing but issues with their "soft" metals, and hardware.
ML512
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ML512 6/14/2018 3:56pm
6/14/2018 3:56pm
grunkster wrote:
oh and what tires...only gives the size in the specs....
ML512 wrote:
Dunlop MX3S.
MK128 wrote:
What about hardware quality? I had a 14 & a 15, and had nothing but issues with their "soft" metals, and hardware.
Well, I didn’t turn any wrenches on it for the first day so...
MK128
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MK128 6/14/2018 4:00pm
6/14/2018 4:00pm
ML512 wrote:
Well, I didn’t turn any wrenches on it for the first day so...
Just curious if it was mentioned in any of their "all new" discussion, that's all. It was always a frustrating thing with the Kawis.
mxb2
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mxb2 6/14/2018 4:02pm
6/14/2018 4:02pm
Nice, good review as always.
tempura
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tempura 6/14/2018 4:18pm
6/14/2018 4:18pm
Well put together. Reporting on new bikes is definitely your forte.
jake721
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jake721 6/14/2018 4:28pm
6/14/2018 4:28pm
ML- Are these the same forks as the Honda, but with coatings?
nascarnate326 6/14/2018 5:02pm
6/14/2018 5:02pm
ML512 wrote:
Well, I didn’t turn any wrenches on it for the first day so...
MK128 wrote:
Just curious if it was mentioned in any of their "all new" discussion, that's all. It was always a frustrating thing with the Kawis.
Dude just expect to replace some bolts. Its pretty much standard practice on Green, Yellow and Blue bikes.

Honestly my husky doesn't seem to have the highest of quality either. Hondas bolts/ fit and finish is top notch for sure.
PJRAUS
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PJRAUS 6/14/2018 5:27pm
6/14/2018 5:27pm
They seem to have made quite a leap foward with this new bike!
ML512
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ML512 6/14/2018 5:37pm
6/14/2018 5:37pm
jake721 wrote:
ML- Are these the same forks as the Honda, but with coatings?
Basically, they have their own settings and valving, different coatings and a different fork lug.
mxdevon
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mxdevon 6/14/2018 5:47pm
6/14/2018 5:47pm
Seems to be pretty well loved initial impression across all of the media outlets. Nice work Mr Kawasaki!
Squirrelings 6/14/2018 6:19pm
6/14/2018 6:19pm
MK128 wrote:
Just curious if it was mentioned in any of their "all new" discussion, that's all. It was always a frustrating thing with the Kawis.
I'm curious what issues you had with the bolts? I've ridden Kawi the last six years and lost a single front fender bolt. No stripping or breaking of bolts anywhere.
2WheelJocky 6/14/2018 8:44pm
6/14/2018 8:44pm



At field days in New Zealand.... look what was on show... no pricing yet.... just got in country. Likely high 14 thousands... NZD...
ledger
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ledger 6/14/2018 9:14pm
6/14/2018 9:14pm
Took a bit to get use to the new look and I really like it, but the small part of the shroud not aligning with the frame, well, I'd just have to perform a little plastic surgery...it's a disease.

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Moto_Geek
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Moto_Geek 6/14/2018 9:17pm
6/14/2018 9:17pm
So basically going for the 2 stroke characteristics on a 4 stroke platform. Hydra clutch and litho battery + starter. I'm interested.. It did look like you were able to move around on the bike more and power delivery looked smooth from the videos. Good work!
YellowZonker 6/14/2018 9:17pm
6/14/2018 9:17pm
ledger wrote:
Took a bit to get use to the new look and I really like it, but the small part of the shroud not aligning with the...
Took a bit to get use to the new look and I really like it, but the small part of the shroud not aligning with the frame, well, I'd just have to perform a little plastic surgery...it's a disease.
I can't get past that either. Also, the side number plates not being symmetrical annoys me but those are minor issues.
Idp57
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Idp57 6/14/2018 9:33pm
6/14/2018 9:33pm
I really like what everybody is saying about the bike,but am I the only one that can see that the plastics are little bit off compared to the frame.Cosmeting thing.....
brocster
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brocster 6/14/2018 9:58pm
6/14/2018 9:58pm
Idp57 wrote:
I really like what everybody is saying about the bike,but am I the only one that can see that the plastics are little bit off compared...
I really like what everybody is saying about the bike,but am I the only one that can see that the plastics are little bit off compared to the frame.Cosmeting thing.....
I can’t tell from the post above yours but I think you are the only one with the Cosmeting thing issue...
ledger
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ledger 6/14/2018 10:02pm
6/14/2018 10:02pm Edited Date/Time 6/14/2018 10:04pm
Idp57 wrote:
I really like what everybody is saying about the bike,but am I the only one that can see that the plastics are little bit off compared...
I really like what everybody is saying about the bike,but am I the only one that can see that the plastics are little bit off compared to the frame.Cosmeting thing.....
brocster wrote:
I can’t tell from the post above yours but I think you are the only one with the Cosmeting thing issue...
LaughingLaughingLaughing I'm so damn glad I wasn't having my morning coffee.
Idp57
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Idp57 6/14/2018 10:05pm
6/14/2018 10:05pm
brocster wrote:
I can’t tell from the post above yours but I think you are the only one with the Cosmeting thing issue...
Lol maybe.Just lines are not parallel
Moto_Geek
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Moto_Geek 6/14/2018 10:39pm
6/14/2018 10:39pm
Agree on the plastic lining up looks like it's was not designed to perfection.. Smile .
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scott_nz 6/15/2018 1:10am
6/15/2018 1:10am
2WheelJocky wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/06/14/268142/s1200_20180615_132632.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/06/14/268143/s1200_20180615_132421.jpg[/img] At field days in New Zealand.... look what was on show... no pricing yet.... just got in country. Likely high 14 thousands... NZD...



At field days in New Zealand.... look what was on show... no pricing yet.... just got in country. Likely high 14 thousands... NZD...
thats a dam good mullet on that kid,

nice bike too,

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