450 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2022 Kawasaki KX450
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ย. 2021
- READ OUR DETAILED REVIEW OF THE 2022 KAWASAKI KX450: www.swapmotolive.com/450-sml-...
The Kawasaki returns with zero changes for 2022, but it drew rave reviews from testers and remained atop the field as the shootout winner.
The most significant and impactful change for the KX last year was the clutch assembly, complete with beefier clutch plates, different fiber plate groove patterns for better oil flow, and a single coned-disc spring that provided positive engagement with less slip.
While the coned-disc spring would typically yield a firmer feel at the clutch lever, the Kawasaki’s hydraulic clutch assembly overcomes the stronger spring and maintains buttery smooth action at the bars. By eliminating unwanted clutch slip as the throttle is rolled on, the new system gives the KX450 a beefier low-end response, and all testers praised this boost. This improvement in bottom-end power rounds out the KX450’s powerband, which is solid and smooth throughout the rpm range. There are no holes in the Kawasaki’s power delivery.
The Showa suspension drew mixed reviews from our testers, as some felt it was ideally balanced and controlled, but others thought that the fork was too soft and under sprung. Despite this, the green bike drew praise for its excellent handling characteristics, particularly cornering and stability. Though the Kawasaki has a long, plated feel, it corners quite well with great front-end traction, lays over in corners easily, and remains predictable throughout with no surprises. At speed, the bike is super stable and remains balanced under braking in the roughest of chop, and it flies well and responds instantly to mid-air body English corrections.
The biggest shortcoming of the KX450? Three different map settings are available, but they must be accessed by switching ignition couplers. Thankfully, the bike’s powerband is so good that choosing between the three is easy and there should never be a need to change them. Still, a phone app or handlebar-mounted button would make the green machine even harder to beat in ’23. Are you listening, Kawasaki? - กีฬา
I have a 2020 kx450 and did the slip on pipe n LOVE IT - these guys are spot on!
Great ride !
Great review !
TEAM GREN FOR LIFE ,, LETS GO !! ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥
Great vid guys. This might be the next bike I'm a little worried about gettinf on a 450 but at 38yrs old and lazy I think this might be better than the current 250f
The KX450 is an awesome bike I've owned quite a few of them throughout the years and I've never been disappointed all the hype about the special racer is awesome if you can even find one at a decent price boy I bet that bike with make you feel like Eli Tomac when riding it very cool with a normal KX450 with a pro circuit T6 exhaust and a Decor graphic kit to resemble the special racer will make you just as satisfied PS just don't try to ride it like Eli leave the speed to The Young and Restless enjoy yourself Motocross is the best sport there is.
I’m going to buy a 450 soon and I would love to see a test of the works edition SR model to find out if it’s really a big change over the standard one.
Any plans on testing the SR?
Also, Kawasaki doesn’t a great reputation for longevity. Did you guys have any problems with the 2021 model after a year riding it?
Thanks for your great videos 👍🏼
We’re supposed to test the sr in December. I put 70 hours on our 21 kx450 and it was perfect. Two clutch replacements, brake pads, and some bent parts is all.
The Kawasaki’s build quality is very poor. I had a 21, sold it and bought a KTM. Quality was much better and so are my results