The Worst Battery Design in History... Let's fix it! KFX450R Battery Relocate and Upgrade
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- The Worst Battery Design in History... Let's fix it! KFX450R Battery Relocate and Upgrade
#custom #fabrication #kawasaki
Who's had this issue? Do you think there's a more problematic design than the Kawasaki KFX450R? Let me know and maybe I'll design a fix for it! Thank you for watching and Happy Belated Thanksgiving, you all ROOOOOCKK!!! 🤘🤘🤘
PARTS AND TOOLS IN THIS VIDEO - (These links may be affiliate links that I get a kick back for; there is no added cost to you)
400EX Battery - ebay.us/ZCT19p
Battery Terminal Ends (High Quality) - amzn.to/3XuLItb
4 Gauge Power Cable - amzn.to/3u1hNeM
Bar Stock for Lower Strap Fabrication - amzn.to/3U6kbLG
Black Paint for Lower Strap - amzn.to/3i8KWSu
400EX Battery Box Part Numbers
Main Box - 50325-HN1-A70
Battery Shell - 31521-HM3-000
Battery Strap - 50326-HN1-A70
Relay Cover - 32416-HN1-A70
Nutsert/ Rivet nut Tool - amzn.to/3XKk6R9
Hydraulic Battery End Crimper - amzn.to/3GPeWwX
Battery Cable Cutters - amzn.to/3UaHPqm
Milwaukie Drill/Driver Set - amzn.to/3F3UTK8
Bench Stander - amzn.to/3U6lM48
Lincoln Electric Welder - amzn.to/3OQla1P
COMPANIES I TRUST
Rocky Mountain ATV MC - bit.ly/32OHs02
Bonehead Performance Coatings - boneheadperfor... (Mention my name and get 10% off)
DMR - www.davemoorera...
Rocket Ron - www.rocketronra...
DRW Performance - bit.ly/34dxWEp (Code SABO10 for 10% off)
Obor Tires - bit.ly/3rimDDz (Code 10MIKESABO for 10% off)
AP3 Racing - bit.ly/3IT1yFS (Code SABO20 for 20% off)
MERCH - michael-sabo.c...
Add me on Instagram @michaelsabo350 for Channel Updates!
Companies and Sponsors please contact: michaelsabo350@gmail.com
I own the license to use any and all music in this video.
Who's had this issue? Do you think there's a more problematic design than the Kawasaki KFX450R? Let me know and maybe I'll design a fix for it! Thank you for watching and Happy Belated Thanksgiving, you all ROOOOOCKK!!! 🤘🤘🤘
Hey Mike
So what always saves my kfx450 is a kicker kit it seems that the starter wouldn't crank fast enough for modded kfx450 engines
@@maxxus5572 then do a 24v starter
@@maxxus5572 I can’t believe I forgot to mention that! I really wanted one of those but I could not find one; I think Kawasaki actually offered them as an OEM add on at one point. I did hear that they were difficult to start using it though.
Lithium needs a Lithium specific charger, they like to be charged, removed, allowed to drop through use or sitting , and then recharged before it goes under 11V. once they get into the 10.8v and under voltage range, it lessens their lifespan for some reason , and they don't retain charges , and it drains faster when stored. . also don't store batteries in the cold.
What is your welder it sounds amazing mig or flux and what brand and if it’s mig what gases are you using
I like how clean your work is and the thought that goes into everything you do. I have learned so so much from watching your videos. Thanks for the content and showing your tips and tricks to working on temperamental atv's.
This is an awesome compliment man; It makes my day to hear you've learned from my videos.
I agree, I’m just learning to work on quads and its nice to watch someone whose videos set a standard of clean and thorough work 🤟
Yup, my KFX started having that problem, and it actually still has the OEM battery I believe. It’s just one of the many flaws that came with the machine. Thank you so much for the videos making these videos that we can learn from.
Glad my videos can help man! Good luck with your conversion on your KFX if you do one 🤘
You know it's a good day when Sabo uploads. Love the look of the kfx and the series had been great
Glad you enjoyed the series Jeff!
Everytime I watch these I get motivation to work on my own quad... thanks Mike, and great video :D
Many that's awesome to hear that my videos motivate you!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the super chat Hector! 🤘
Best ATV dyi channel on TH-cam!thanks for the vids,an it looks factory,probably better then what they would do!
The raptor 660 was the worst when it came out, backfire blowing one of the carb boots off all the time, and the one way bearing from starter to flywheel was always failing. That quad left me stranded soo many times.
It feels like the 660 was just the test quad for developing the 700r
I can agree here; those 660s had some pretty common issues
"I say that sh*t all the time, and three weeks later im still worken on it " truest statement for any gear head
😂😂
Just for some extra input to consider, I used that same tusk battery in both my YFZ450R and my Raptor 660 and have never had an issue with it draining out. This could more an issue with the starter drawing a lot more amps than other brands starters. Just so people aren’t 100% detoured from using the tusk batteries! I do hope this fixes the KFX though! 🙏🏻 keep you the good work bro
I would LOVE to see a Suzuki LTR 450 on the channel and a build on it, just such a classic quad.
I have a similar starting issue too on my 08 kfx450r but it never left me stranded. Btw...you are right about it, rivnut tools are badass. Makes installs so much easier especially when you have an awkward long reach nut to remove/install.
Mike, that was I neat fix I like how you go the extra mile when you're fixing stuff to ensure the best results 💯👍🏾
Rory, thank you for the kind words on my work 🤘
That’s really clean work. Your attention to detail is great. Great video keep them coming.
Thank you Jerry!
I can’t wait for you to sell the brackets😎 what an amazing design and setup. Super clean!
As always great video!!
Come on MIKE!!!!! You didn't paint the top bolt black like the rest of them... Haha just kidding, that's a really clean fix. Good job man. Love your channel.
You did a awesome job,relocating the battery. You are very talented. Good job mike
Where did you get those lights please I can't find them anywhere😢
Great job, Mike. Came out really clean. Also, the "that's what she said" just never gets old. 😆
😂😂 Thank you man!
Hey I am a long time fan of the channel and live in pa I have a cannodale 440 that’s in really good condition I can’t get it to start. I got it for dirt cheap and I thought it might be a good Content for your channel.
Your a great fabricator Mike. Thanks for sharing this good idea. Batt location does suck this is so much better.
@text-6716 dam bot no one is falling for your scam
You should have kept the 426ex over that bike to begin with in my opinion. You got the best videos. Can't wait to see another build
Your channel is truly top notch Michael!! Really enjoy your videos and you are great at what you do!
micheal sabo on the next one with the safety pack got jett’s and a new spark plug and sum tools where that empty space use to be lol
I know this is a couple years old but I wanted to comment incase other people use this to fix a hard start issue on their KFX450r. If your fighting a hard start make sure you check your cam de compression spring and make sure its working correctly (I have had two different KFX450r that had this spring broken or gone). Obviously you have aftermarket cams but anyone with hard starting with stock cams this would more than likely be your issue. Another Tip, In automotive industry people always do the "Big three" Referencing upgrading the grounds of a vehicle. You should also run a ground cable from motor to frame with similar sized wire. I had a YFZ450 once that would have troubles starting and I upgraded the battery to a 700 battery and all I needed to do was upgrade grounds and it fixed my issue. On a side note, With all that space up front next the the exhaust manifold it looks perfect for a turbo!. haha Nice job BTW.
this is actually one of my fav quads. great build
I'm always waiting for the " that's what she said " lol. Clean job Mike , looks profesh!!
Haha, thank you for the love man!
Clean relocate 😎 if you have problems after this I would suggest an Antigravity battery. It did wonders for my yfz 450R & ktm that love to drain batteries. I have been replacing battery’s every 6months since 2006 😂 on every machine I have owned. Now I have one small form antigravity 13v 230cca I just rotate between bikes when I want to ride. Claims it can go a full year with no charging as long as it doesn’t have a draw on it.
Thank you man! I am hearing a lot about these anti-gravity batteries; I think I have to try one out!
Great job,but my question is wouldn't it been cheaper and easier to try a larger lithium battery with more cranking amps .
Your channel is just on another level! good job on this issue.
Thank you for saying that man!
"Let's improve our Kawasaki by putting Honda parts on it!" As a lifelong Honda fanboy, this makes my soul all warm and fuzzy. Haha
Sick video like always, who do you use for your custom graphics.
That finished look is amazing! Looks better than factory! 👍
I appreciate that, thank you!
You are.a very talented fabricator with minimal tools. A true natural, after seeing your tech skills with your graphics design I would love to see how you could apply your talents with a 3D printer. Like that little battery connector cover on back order… 3D printer bro 🤘 keep up the great work
Huge compliment man! I'd love to master the skill of 3D printing!
@@MichaelSabo As far as I can see the only thing standing in your way is getting started. You don't seem like the type that will ever accept defeat. If you got started in it you would master it. That's what I admire most about your videos. Just my 2 cents worth🤙
Had a high comp 300 ex with a cam /400ex cab and exhaust I built and I put a400 ex battery in it and it helped out a lot ! I had one of these bikes and the small battery is the pitfall of these bikes !
YES!!!! Best black Friday ever! No crowds, Just coffee with Mike! Happy Thanksgiving Lil' Bro!
Haha, awesome comment man; Happy Thanksgiving to you as well Big bro!
First youtuber I've come across that names nutsert by the name I only know of. I thought rivnuts were a different thing had to go look it up lol after using them 25 years ago. Awesome videos cheers from AUS
My 07 Polaris outlaw had the same issue. 11:1 compression in the ktm motor but utilizes one of the smallest batteries I’ve ever seen. So I have a lithium battery now and it’s fine
What spray paint did you use? Trying to find something really strong to use on my 300ex accessories.
I have it linked in the description. Its available at Walmart or any hardware store- cheap and it lasts pretty well if you prep the surface!
YES!! You posted on my birthday, probably best gift I could get LOL 😆
Happy birthday dude!
Most machines can benefit from some Honda parts. Another great video!
Isn't funny how many mods there are for non-honda machines that migrate honda parts for the fix? lol
Hey Sabo, i hope your Thanksgiving was real nice..thanks for another great video..🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well Jeff!
Nice job. However we're all running the 15oz 3in x 1.5in AntiGravity battery. Lithium. And very small lightweight...✌ remember keep it in neutral left in gear drains battery. Ugh I've bought over 7 batts, for mine.
Mike great vid man keep up the great work
Thank you Rich!
Could you explain why this issue causes the machine to die while riding. Wouldn't the stator keep it running? Nice upgrade, very clean and looks better than my own OEM Honda set up.
Awesome video by my friend Michael
Thank you brother!
@@MichaelSabo your welcome buddy
Hmm, that’s interesting. I have never even thought about doing something like this, but now that I know about it I’m sure I’ll come across it and need to do it. That seems to be how things work with me. Anyway, super awesome battery hack man, always nice to know little things like this.
Glad you liked it Chris!
Have you consider a 24 volt system? It is a two battery linked system that is very popular with xc racing that have dead engine starts. I use a Shoria battery that has 270 CCA that by itself starts my TRX450er very fast providing valves are at proper gaps. I use 24 volts start system for racing only and it is easy to disconect it and run with 12 volt start system. For a second battery, Antigravity has a smaller 4 cell 13 volt battery that is perfect to enhance the rapid start without adding hardly any weight. In fact, two lithium batteries will weigh less than one OEM lead acid battery.
This is somewhat new to me but I am getting a lot of comments on the 24v system; it definitely makes sense and especially for dead starts. Thank you for the info; I'm going to look into this possibly for a future project!
I’d love to have that kfx it’s perfectly set up
my left ear loved this video
“Of course I always say shit like that and then 3 weeks later I’m still doing the job” 😂😂
It's facts 😂
Crazy you went thru that much stuff before relocating it and also upgrading
Awesome work as always
Ready for the next basket case
Want that shit in piece and those pieces falling apart lol
Then lookin like another masterpiece when your done
Another work of art
I think I just had hope for the factory system lol. I am on the lookout for my next basketcase man!
@@MichaelSabo honestly I woulda thought that lithium battery you tried woulda done the trick
But bro that’s why I love your videos
If you have just a little bit of experience
I could take that (which I do) watch one of ur vids on whatever it is I’m working on and be able to figure it out
Only difference is you have a shit load of tools specialty
Which is awesome
I do get it takes time to build that stuff up and I have a nice set up already but nowhere near the stuff you have
There’s an idea for a give away
Maybe come up with something where people can enter some kind of way for some case pullers/bearing pullers
I bet that’s something most people don’t have
Ya man
Do the next basket case up right
Love seeing these things go from junk pieces in cars board boxes to masterpieces lol
Maybe some parts
I love the urmosi bar clamp?
I think I’m saying that right
That takes out the vibrations and less fatigue and getting beat up while riding
Tires
Exhaust
Could do a pole and let people vote
It’s a win win for you
Where did u get your light bar and mounts from
We want another dirt bike project!
If you ever decide to do another battery upgrade try a good brand AGM variant. They're a little pricier but they're designed for sever weather conditions and tend to have higher CCA than normal batteries. I bought one for an old utility quad that was rated for 310CCA. Of course that's also determined by model of battery. :)
Not a bad idea at all! I was concerned that I'd still have issues though even after spending the money on a more premium battery
@@MichaelSabo Personally for me with all the problems I've had with regular vehicle batteries in the winter I'd switch them out for good AMG's any chance I could get. But since my truck is a lease I don't know if switching the crappy battery out for an AGM would void any warranties. The same goes for my tractor, I'd switch out its' stock battery in a heartbeat for an AGM but I don't know if it would mess with any warranties as well.
Weird that no one makes a higher capacity li-ion battery. Especially considering that they can be in any orientation so the size shouldn't matter too much.
Great job 👍 approved 👍!!!! 😉.
Thanks Brad!
Clean install. You do good work!
Thank you Alex!
i think a blaster would be a pretty cool build
Did you have the original battery covered or just rode with a opened battery. I recently got a kfx and the battery is just exposed and I’m concerned , will it be okay like that
Every time I work on one I wonder Wtf kawi was thinking when designing that quad 😂😂
I just got a kfx450r and went riding and it died I’m thinking about doing the same thing did it work a lot better over time ? And was the starter relay wiring extension aftermarket or custom
I think the engine heat is what kills them in the stock mounting area.
That is how it should be from the factory. Super Nice.
I agree; thank you!
I'll never understand why they put the batteries up low in the front where it's exposed to the elements coming into the bottom of the chassis. Polaris does this too and it's a terrible location for a battery. Not to mention they're not easy to get at when you need to put the charger on.
Great custom work 👌
I appreciate that man!
I have a YFZ450R and I swapped to that exact Tusk Lithium battery and it’s never died on me. Guess it’s just a Kawasaki thing?
Nice install!
Antigravity.
Cool build dude. Catch ya at the dunes sometime.
I need to try one of these Antigravity batteries!
Wow clean job nice 👌 ✌️
Thank you Dennis!
The man, the myth, the legend... SABO!
I did a might max ytz7s trx450er battery plus that battery has double CCA at 130 vs 70 for stock and it works well for me
Sounds like a solid upgrade!
Ya my last ride my battery on my 06 Trx 450r came loose, im always scared i may not be able to start if i stall it. i want a backup kick start. but ya in do time. plus where i live and ride im miles from help or may not have cell signal.
This makes me wonder why manufacturers don't offer a backup starter on all machines; being stranded is terrible.
@@MichaelSabo ya it makes no sense even a new 2022 Yamaha Raptor 700 is till only electric start. and seem they never take advice from Rides or even Pro Riders.
Shoari Lithium Battery is the best battery I've ever used. Never died and keeps my quad with all the power it needs. These kfxs won't start unless the voltage is perfect lol.
I would be really curious to know if changing the rectifier first might have charged the battery better?
Fact check of what she said: true
😂
Hey man hope you had a great thanksgiving I just sold my kfx450r never had a starting problem I just bought 07 trx450er and the battery dies so fast i hate when this happens might have to do a 24v starting system
Damn fr. I've had mine for two years and haven't had a dead battery yet.
@@LolliWANG505 I just picked pick this thing up it needs work it’s getting a complete rebuild should be good to go after it’s all done. 🤘🏽
Curious if your KFX was modded? I think its the high compression and heavy valve springs that tax my starting system.
Good luck with your new 450 man! I imagine there's a bug in the system but I don't know too much about the TRX450ER.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too man!
love your videos mate
Thank you for watching them!
It would be cool if you sold this as a kit id definitely buy it
Just order everything what battery do you recommend
".....this won't be a step-by-step, this is just how I'm going to do it...."
Proceeds to drop the cleanest conversion install and completely clowns the manufacturers at the same time.
Lmao! 😂 Thank you bro
My brother in law needs to do this to his Trx 450r
Whats the name of your headlights those look sick
Never had a kx but i am curious what mounts you used for your light bar, really like that style over the large mounts
The ones I had on there previously with the 12 inch light bar? Hang on...
Light bar - amzn.to/3VqDEb2
Light bar mounts - amzn.to/3gzT7qG
Minty fix sabo. Time to fix up some snowmobile’s
Oh man... people have been asking for this!
Sabo had that Mr. Socko on for welding.
hahahaha, mr.socko has been around for a minute
Nice mod, great job, whats the next build?
Thank you Peter! Yamaha Blaster
Love it good job bro
Thank you as always Dave!
awsome job it looks oem
Thank you Preston!
Should keep the oem battery location aswell have a 24v system
hey man i have a yamaha raptor 250 that only idles when warm. i have the idle turned all the way up and it still idles really low. the carburetor is cleaned and everything please help
I don't have experience with the Raptor 250 or know if they have quirks but just as a rule of thumb with idling issues, sometimes a rebuild is in order for a carb, even if its clean the components like the needle valve and seat can be worn out. Resetting your fuel/air screw may help and making sure you don't have any air leaks in your system that can cause idle issues. Hard to diagnose without seeing it but I hope this helps!
super trick bro.
Thank you Wyatt!
Bad ass🤘‼️
I think the problem here is the battery you chose to replace it. Lithium batteries are nice but you chose a battery with only 2AH whereas even the oem was 7AH. And all this work just to install a 2AH larger battery. My suggestion, use the oem location and use an antigravity battery. Tusk also don't have a full battery management system like the better brands, so if you over-discharge it you will damage it. Where as brands like Antigravity and Shorai that appear more expensive are actually giving you MORE Battery and a full Battery Management system that will not allow the battery to over-discharge and be damaged. Antigravity will give you 150+cca in the oem box. Love the creativity tho.
Great info and I think you're right on the lithium that I chose being a bad choice. I did however go through a number of batteries before switching to lithium (not an anti-gravity though.) I'm happy with this system though and it was fairly cheap to do.
Anti gravity batteries! They also make 24v systems and are awesome, also comes with a jumper pack I believe
I have to check them out!
@@MichaelSabo Definitely!
Mike what Claude do you prefer the best
Saw your other comment and responded!
What do u do with all the bikes u restore mr. Sabo
Recently I have been storing them but I've sold and done give aways previously.
I watch all ur videos bro.. love the content especially since I just started riding quads this year. Got an 08 canam450ds. But trying to get a nice banshee one day
Amazing
sabo doesn know what a bump start is.