TO BE competitive in the 450cc Off-Road market, you have to tick all the boxes. The KLX450 goes past ticking the boxes and comes in a hot favourite as one of the best four-strokes in the big-bore class.

Derived from the KX450 motocross machine, the KLX has been tweaked and tuned to suit the bush, with extensive modifications to the engine and a range of changes to the suspension the KLX is ready to go right out of the crate.

Motor
The KLX motor comes from the same successful technology that has seen the powerful KX range of four strokes become dominant over recent years. When compared to its motocross partner the KX, the changes to the 450cc KLX engine include a heavier flywheel mass to broaden the power-curve, new exhaust system to comply with the ADR regulations, wide-ratio 5-speed gearbox for improved gear ratios through the Aussie bush and tailor made to suit the off-road style speeds and terrain. Kawasaki also made the move to stay with the trusty Keihin FCR Carburettor, with the few off-road machines that have moved towards EFI some have been plagued with problems, so Kawasaki may well have made the smart move until it has perfected the art of EFI in the bush. A revised ignition system was implemented to make the most of the all the changes listed above and ensure all the changes marry up and work flawlessly. To top things off an enduro bike just isn’t complete without the addition of an electric starter. The kickstater still comes standard, just only as a backup to the electric start system.

Chassis, suspension and ergo
The key to making any motorcycle comfortable and enjoyable to ride falls within this category. A bike with poor suspension and frame geometry that is a bit of the mark will quickly result in a very frustrating and uncomfortable rider who is unhappy with their machine.
So once again the KLX borrowed some tricks from the motocross department and utilised the setup of the KX to come up with a great bike for the bush. The frame, which includes a combination of forged, extruded and cast aluminium has a great balance of strength and rigidity, quick turning, and stability at speed.
Kayaba AOS Twin Chamber forks take care of the front suspension while Kawasaki’s Kayaba Uni-Track system takes care of the rear. The KYB setup is up to date with today’s technology and with the right settings are well suited to the average trail blazer.
Renthal handlebars take control of the steering and controls, while the standard barkbuster hand guards do a fine job of keeping the tree’s and branches away from you hands.

In the bush
The Kawasaki is easy to adjust to and you feel quite comfortable right from the get go. Once we took to the trails we quickly gained confidence in the KLX and began to enjoy the ride. The motor has plenty of power but is very useable and quite when you consider the amount of horsepower that comes from the back wheel of one of these big bore 450s.
With a quick hit of the throttle the KLX will propel you over any log or mud hole you can find, yet won't pull your arms out when you think its time for a bit of a squirt. The wide ratio gearbox was noticeable on some longer fire-trails and it was nice to be able to pull each gear that bit further. The Keihin carby worked fine in every condition we could throw at the KLX and it proved to be a trustworthy and reliable part time after time.
The suspension is plush and quite soft, the KYB setting doesn’t even feel close to the motocross settings it originated from which proves that the KLX has been seriously tuned for the off-road. The green machine is very predictable and easy to manoeuvre around, the rear end tracks well and doesn’t jump around under braking or acceleration.

Enduro Pack
Kawasaki has stepped up for their Australian customers and the $12,499 + ORC KLX includes a $2000 enduro pack. Included in the pack are a long list of items, which are a sure thing to entice anyone into buying a KLX. The pack includes a Pro Circuit Slip on Muffler, DID Chain, Talon Sprockets, Michelin Tyres, Castrol Oil Package, Uni Filter Air Kit, Go Pro Motorsports Helmet Camera, a set of Skullcandy Headphones, a 4 pack of Monster Energy and to top it off a beefed up Kawasaki Spares kit.

The Final Say
Thanks to Kawasaki we had a great time living with the KLX450R. The big bore green machine is a lot of fun to ride and is perfect for a weekend or afternoon trail ride. The KLX is fully ADR compliant and with the addition of the Enduro pack the standard KLX quickly turns into a more competitive off-road racer.