Racer X Tested: The 2007 Kawasaki KX450F
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There are over fifty changes to the 2007 KX450F from last year’s model. The engine gets new high-acceleration cams for quicker revs, revised ignition timing, and low-friction coating on the piston skirt, all aimed at improving the bike's low end and throttle response without compromising the top-end power. The air-filter screen has been redesigned to allow better air flow, aiding the throttle response as well. The crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered, and the exhaust-pipe header is a larger 41mm and features a tapered exhaust pipe joint to help low RPM torque. The KX450F has a five-speed transmission this year, which is good news for everyone. First gear is slightly taller than last year, second through fourth are the same, and a fifth gear has been added. Supermoto and off-road riders are smiling. An all-new ball-bearing shift lever provides a smoother, more positive feel at the toe and works in conjunction with a new ratchet-type mechanism.
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One of the most progressive changes on the new Kawasaki is the addition of a DLC coating on the front fork sliders. Factory race teams have used this exact coating for many years to harden the surface, eliminating stiction and improving the action of the front forks. Now, for the first time on a production motorcycle, the DLC coating comes standard. The forks and shock both receive updated valving for 2007.
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“That thing is a handful! Man, I’m used to riding a 250F, and I can’t believe how fast this bike is. It’s literally shooting out from under me coming out of turns. The more I ride it, though, the more fun it is. It seems like it really comes ready to race. The bars are the exact bend that I use, and the grips are more comfortable than most stock grips. I don’t think the average rider would need more power than this thing has, so you definitely wouldn’t need to do anything to the motor. And with the changes to the suspension, it just feels like they stepped up the quality of the components. I don’t know if it’s just the coating on the forks or if it’s the valving changes that were made to the forks and shock, but it handles great right out of the box. I didn’t mess with the clickers at all today.”
Okay, so Max liked it.
He also likes his bars laid back, Guy Cooper-style, so I had to adjust those before I took my turn. I wasn't too excited to check the sag, so I just tightened the bars and hit the track. Max wasn’t kidding about the motor. I felt like Wile E. Coyote strapped to an Acme rocket. I could not believe how much torque and sheer horsepower this thing had. It is a tractable, usable power like most four-strokes, but it pulls much harder and longer than you expect it to.
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For now, the 2007 KX450F is poised to defend its title as the best machine in the big-bike class. Stay tuned for our Racer X Tested shootout.
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