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We get to ride the 2013 KX450F for the first time.
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Check out HIGH/LOW
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
Each of the five major manufacturers had its ups and downs during the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross campaign. Page 118.
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RacerX, I love you guys - you do a very good job with almost everything, but other than seeing a guy fly around a track and talk about some nefarious changes that are *totally awesome*... you have your work cut out for you before you have MXA reviewing skills. What you said was believable, but the bottom line is that you didn't really say anything other than it has a white fender, silver cases, air forks. Keep trying, or perhaps change the word "RacerX Tested" to "RacerX Brochured"
You don't feel any bumps coming into the corners because YOU ARE ONLY 80lbs!!!!!
Yeah racer x has always been so so on there reviews. If you want a bike review then MXA is the best.
Yeah how often are fork seals goin leak, and what if you blow a fork seal in a motor?
If one of Kawasaki's up and coming Team Green riders liked it it has to be good, right? if it was bad he would tell us.
I've had a 2013 KXF450 for about a month now. It is the best "stock" bike I've ever had. The forks really are that good. I run them a 37psi. We've tried numerous pressures and 37 seems to be the ticket for a 160 lb. intermediate level rider. The rear shock is starting to settle in. From delivered setup we went 4-6 clicks more rebound damping, a couple of clicks (2) less low speed compression, and a 1/8 to 1/4 turn lighter high speed compression and the suspension is better than any revalved bike I've ever had. Be sure and tear the bike down when you get it to regrease the steering head, swingarm,and linkage. There is a minimal amout of grease on these areas. For once I don't need an oversize rotor kit for the front brake, it is powerful and modulates well. I've already broken the rear brake pedal so it now has a Hammerhead brake. I had to use the stock clevis to make it work properly. The engine is smooth and revs out nicely or if you want more hit, change the ignition map connector and you will notice a difference. The stock chain was replaced after one ride. The stock gearing seems to be good for outdoors. I'm 6' tall and was having issues getting my size 11 boots to fit under the shifter so I lowered the adjustable pegs and now shifting is no problem. It's a great bike.
Racer X, Please hire me to review motorcycles. I could give much better detail and comparisons. Ping is great, but is apparently not too interested in the job. This is an all-time low for motorcycle reviews. How is somebody supposed to know anything about the bike after watching this? Did you pay Ping to do this video? Waste of time.
I was there that day... My first time at Pala!! Nice place and well kept!! I so wanted to meet Ping but didn't wanna look like a tool doing it...
Maybe next time Ping!!
RBMotoX - Great review. That is the sort of review I really can get into. Makes me think about selling the fleet and going Green. Now if I can lose a hundred pounds, I would have the suspension dialed!
Well done.
rbmotox --- Great info on the bike, RacerX should take that review to heart and mimic it for all future bike reviews.
I'm a fairly tall guy so the stock peg position is a bit high for me. I was happy to be able to drop them down. The top triple clamp has a forward set of mounts for taller riders. I moved my bars to the forward mounts but found that you can't easily get to the air valves on the forks. Luckily the bar mounts are offset and can be spun around and mounted in the rear mounts of the top clamp. This moves the bars forward enough and still allows access to the air valves. The fork compression adjuster is hard to access unless you use a bent flat blade screwdriver regardless of where the bars are located. The air filter is easy to service, lots of room. Oil changes are easy as well. Two drain plugs which are easy to get to. The oil filter cover is really snug when you remove it the first time. Pay attention when you remove the filter because, according to my local shop mechanic, if you put the filter in backwards bad things can happen. The spokes will loosen a little. As usual a few bolts will need to be snugged up. It's a pretty easy bike to work on.
Please understand, loyal and friendly readers, that this isn't a bike review... it is an introduction. An INTRODUCTION. Say that slowly so you get it. We have nothing to compare it to and we only got to ride it for a brief time so giving a full breakdown of every detail just isn't possible. The idea with these is to explain what is new and different on the new bikes, give you a chance to see it in action and maybe even meet one of the future stars of the sport. If that seems unacceptable for the price you paid to visit this website I certainly apologize.
And for those stammering on about the air forks you rode back in the '70's that felt harsh on sweeper turns... really? Really? These are a little different, I'm sure.
Look for more details and comparisons when we do our shootouts at the end of the summer.
Pingree - perhaps people are a little confused by the title "RACER X TESTED". Makes a person think you are actually going to get a test review by Racer X.
rbmotox...Dude you just described every bike made in the last 20 years..really..As far As Ping goes..I would rather take his word for what he feels from A bike then A 45 year old Vet rider that is the MXA crew...not trying to be crued but the haven't got A test right in 10 years...the first sign of an issue was after RM 250 got the Yamaha top end and was suddenly bike of the year...thats like lol at the second guy that told the same joke...come on ppl...
Let me come to the assistance of my friend, Mr. Pingree. As if he needs my help defending himself or his work.
The generally objective performance and characteristic-based analysis, and information he shared regarding Kawasaki's race-inspired technological modifications and other model-year advancements were delivered as a courtesy, out of respect for you and an honest effort to earn his keep and his time on the bike.
Listen carefully to this part...
What he could have said is, "This year's KX450F is so much better. Better than you. The bike is so much better, as a dirtbike, than you are as a rider, and yes, perhaps as a man, it is truly an embarrassment for you to evaluate it. With no apologies, this Kawasaki is faster and more rugged than you. Not just today, but tomorrow, next week, forever. The day when you, the average and above-average motocrosser will explore the outer limits of this bike or it's market rivals is never.
Now, smile, write a check and load the truck. One other thing, wear protective gear... always. And buy the very best helmet you can afford and never take it off.
Now shut up, throw a leg over, pin the throttle, and hold on.
You see friends, now your riding. Good Luck!