2010 Kawasaki KX450F Motorcycle

The 2010 Kawasaki KX™;450F provides an ideal platform for riders looking to win races. Its precise aluminum frame, premium suspension components and expert-tuned settings are designed to deliver superb high-speed stability, enabling racers to capitalize on its amazing engine performance. Holeshot acceleration is delivered by a strong powerband and optimized chassis geometry specifically engineered to maximize rear wheel traction. Monster Energy™ Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto used his new KX450F to win several AMA Supercross and Motocross races, during his first year on a 450. At A Glance...

• More Powerful Engine
• Revised Suspension Settings
• Refined Fuel Injection
• Still Super-Easy to Start!

Engine Overview

• 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke single
• Cylinder skirt strengthened to handle increased engine performance
• Right-side crankcase reinforced at lower engine mount for increased strength and durability
• A forward lean angle of 3° puts the engine in the ideal position for maximum traction
• Tuned for a broad powerband with the torque curve set just under the wheel spin threshold
• High-acceleration cams help the engine rev quickly
• Maintenance free screw-type automatic cam chain adjuster
• Large flap inside the airbox helps prevent the ingress of mud and water

New Bridged-Box Bottom Piston

• First mass-production use of a bridged-box bottom piston design
• Same design as used on our factory racers, offers improved performance at all rpm
• 7 grams lighter than the '09 piston
• 6mm shorter piston skirt features a low-friction coating for reduced mechanical losses
• Reinforced external ribs for strength and durability
• Revised profile with fully flush internal bracing, results in a lighter, stronger piston
• Shorter piston pin has a smaller inner diameter for increased strength

Cylinder Head

• New intake camshaft features a revised sprocket/shaft arrangement which advances intake valve timing by two degrees, to suit revised engine characteristics
• Compact head is only 100mm tall
• 36mm titanium intake and 31mm exhaust valves with aluminum spring retainers minimize reciprocating weight and cylinder height to help ensure reliable valve control at high rpm
• Double valve springs allow a short cylinder head height and help ensure stable valve operation
• Camshafts, lobes and tappet surfaces feature a soft-nitride treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability

Crankshaft

• New crankshaft with a slightly higher inertial mass helps boost rear wheel traction
• Wedge-shaped crank web provides enough offsetting moment for a 60 percent balance factor - this is similar to the crank balance in Kawasaki's factory race engines
• End result is reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery and increased performance, with a noticeably snappier response at low rpm
• Crankshaft and connecting rod feature a special carburizing and quenching treatment to maximize rigidity