Posts
345
Joined
10/4/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
11/26/2022 9:36am
So I picked up a 19 kx450 this weekend and got to take it out. I gotta say, Kawi did really well with this bike. I have been riding Yamaha for the last 10 years and I felt almost instantly confident on this bike. Corners great, stable at speed and the ergonomics are really good for a stock bike.
I have a few complaints tho. The left side number plate is two different size bolts to remove to get to the air filter. Also, after one ride I scratched the left number plate with my boot to the point it looks a couple years old. I don't see any graphics lasting too long on that spot.
Now it's time to customize and get even more comfortable. Anyone know if bar mounts are the same as 18?
Also, has anyone tried a new exhaust, I would love to shorten that thing haha.
edit, yes I know the cable routing was wrong from the dealer,
I have a few complaints tho. The left side number plate is two different size bolts to remove to get to the air filter. Also, after one ride I scratched the left number plate with my boot to the point it looks a couple years old. I don't see any graphics lasting too long on that spot.
Now it's time to customize and get even more comfortable. Anyone know if bar mounts are the same as 18?
Also, has anyone tried a new exhaust, I would love to shorten that thing haha.
edit, yes I know the cable routing was wrong from the dealer,
The Shop
Dealers literally just put the front wheel on , handlebars and maybe the check the oil. No dealer grease anything.
Pit Row
- Motor is very powerful and has a very electric linear feel. Very different than the 2016. Power everywhere, easier to ride, and less engine breaking. It feels more "free feeling" and electric to me. And super fast.
- Suspension is so much better. The fork is very forgiving and plush. Love it
- Bike turns very well. Will need more time on it, but felt like it cornered great! I noticed it fell into turns quite easily.
- Brakes are better and noticeably better
- Feels light and overall ergos and handling are great. It feels like you sit on top of the bike more than on the 16.
- Love the hydraulic clutch. Feels like butta!
- Electric start works like a charm. Must have a strong starter motor or something because it fires right up instantly without hesitation.
- Bike sounds much better. Much quieter and not obnoxiously loud like the prior versions with stock exhaust.
- After riding it I felt like it's the best motocross bike I've ever ridden. Amazing, powerful, smooth, rider friendly motor, excellent suspension, great handling and turning, great brakes, hydro clutch, electric start. Love it!
- The only thing I'm not a fan of is the grips. They are tough on the hands.
I oiled the filter, lubed the chain, broke it in, and rode it. This thing is awesome, I took 2 years off from riding and I was comfy after a lap or two on a box stock bike.
A couple things of note:
-I am 215lb and stock suspension springs are too soft
-Lower chain roller is already noticeably worn after 1.5 hours
-Stock grips suck so unbelievably bad
-Are you supposed to have to pull the clutch in to start it? I dont
-Air filter is too big for the airbox, like mentioned above, 2 different sized bolts for side panel. And I take the seat off too to pull the side panel out of the way to make more room.
-Stock exhaust is quiet
-I'm a nerd, I want the $700 tuning tool
-Hydro clutch is awesome
-Engine runs super smooth, stock green coupler and I was a happy camper, didn't bother to try the other 2 yet
-After coming from a 2014 250SX 2 stroke, this thing is like cheating, so easy to ride
-Only feels heavy when putting it on the stand
However he did say that it felt nothing like a Kawasaki, it was a completely new feeling
I am 215 lbs and am switching to 5.3/6.0 springs so we will see how that feels. Anyone else in that weight range tried stiffer springs?
BR8ES - honestly just kinda went for it. I had crashed my brains out on my old 250SX so many times I was sick of it.
Not going to lie though, first couple laps were weird. On one hand, it had been 2 years since I had ridden (At the same track I was at actually lol) on the other hand it felt like nothing had changed.
I actually really enjoyed riding my new 450 though, I'm excited to go ride it again, which is something I haven't said in a long time.
Now, when does the 2020 KX250F come out
Post a reply to: Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s