Masterclass MX1 test: Kawasaki KX450F
The leading monthly magazine MotorWereld has been the regular partner of the Master comparison tests. In this system, one magazine per country takes part in a large international comparison test. This means that the engines are brought to one central point; placed on the same tire brand, weighed, tested on the dyno and put through their paces by the most experienced test drivers on the continent. These tests are not a race, but a search for the best engine. Objective criteria are used for this and a points system in which all test drivers have a say. Both the faster guys with GP experience and testers who are at the level of the average riders. The overall result gives a very correct picture of the value ratios within the class.
The complete Masterclass MX 1 test, including the motorcycle weighings and test bench data, can be found in MotorWereld 3, now in stores. MXmag already gives you some impressions. In the MX1 test, the Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha are put on the grid. We start this exclusive, in-depth comparison test with the Kawasaki KX450F. You will then be presented with a different motorcycle every day.
Mattias Nilsson's opinion
Engine: “The Kawasaki 450 feels very strong. At any speed it offers decent power and the throttle response is very direct. The block also continues for a long time. The character of the engine is the Kawasaki's strongest point. The power itself is a bit disappointing.”
Frame: “I was not impressed with the frame because I felt that you quickly reach the limits of the frame's capabilities. You feel a clear instability, especially when accelerating out of fast corners. Also at the back. That causes a loss of traction and, above all, a dent in your confidence in the engine.”
Suspension: “I thought the fork was too hard at the top. As a result, the shocks are transmitted too much to the arms and it takes a lot of effort to push the motorcycle into the bend. In addition, the rear shock absorber is too soft. As a result, the rear wheel bounces too quickly and you lose traction.”
Brakes: “The Kawa brakes slightly less well than its competitors, but the brakes are still certainly good enough.”
Sitting position: The saddle is much too soft. Apart from the fact that this is not comfortable, you sometimes feel the subframe on your buttocks. The action of the brake and clutch lever was too hard in my opinion.
Dietmar Lacher about the Kawasaki KX450F
“The block flirts with perfection. There are hardly any vibrations noticeable. Only at the very top do you feel vibrations that show how hard the block is working. A wonderful block. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the frame and suspension. At no point did I feel at home on it. The fork and rear shock seem out of tune and don't provide confidence. The brakes are ok.”
The KX450F according to Jonte Endal
“The block is powerful and versatile. The Kawa is already very useful at the bottom and in the middle area. He is impressively strong at the top, but runs out of breath just a little too quickly. I was not impressed with the chassis and suspension. At high speeds there is a noticeable instability. The suspension could not convince me, I had no confidence in the rear shock absorber.”
Profiles of the test riders
Matthias Nilsson is an ex-pro and now MX test rider for the Spanish Motociclismo. In 1995 he became European 250cc champion, he also gives many clinics and cross camps. Jonte Engdahl was a multiple Swedish champion and rode both motocross and supermotard at a high level. As a test rider he represents Motorrad Sweden. The only Belgian in the group is Motorwereld editor-in-chief/test driver Thierry Sarasyn. Thierry is the personification of the 'weekend warrior', the average amateur MX rider. He is not (anymore) the fastest, but of all the testers he was the quickest to get his opinion on paper. Thierry writes motorcycle tests faster than a parking attendant writes on speed tickets. As a Motorrad test pilot Dietmar Lacher gives his opinion, it is no laughing matter. German Gründlichkeit you know. Lacher is a six-time German champion and has an enormous amount of experience as a trainer and test rider. And believe it or not he even played in 'Tatort'! As a stuntman, that is.
Text: Masterclass engine test
Photos: Masterclass motorcycle test, Kawasaki,
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