For 2009, the KLX450R doesn’t drift too far away from its racing cousin as this last provides the engine and chassis, giving this off-roader a racing attitude despite its clean look. The 449cc four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single powerplant was tuned to deliver the best of it at all rpm levels, especially at the bottom of the rev range. So we’re dealing with a torquey little monster. This allows the KLX450R to be exploited hard in any environments and never disappoint.
Even more, the comfort of a push-button electric starting (or kick-starter for the nostalgics) makes the easiest thing out of starting the four-stroke engine. Still, engine starts are ensured by starter motor and compact, high-output battery.
Engineering smart choices such as the steel exhaust valves and a reservoir tank equipped radiator will keep you on the KLX for a very long time. But what will first attract you will be the impressive low and mid-range rpm as a result of cam lift and timing and a beefy flywheel.
The transmission is a five-speed unit, the one considered the most appropriate for this engine. No errors where made there as the gearbox has a gear for every situation, rough or smooth.
Having sorted out the engine and tranny, Kawasaki people could now concentrate on, I won’t call it improving comfort, but making the ride less harsh then before. They rely on the Kayaba AOS inverted fork to provide good damping and also to improve steering as their new system which implies the oil and air to be kept in separate chambers, helps taking the thing easily through corners. At the rear end, the UNI-Trak system with shock absorber featuring both high-speed and low-speed compression damping, keep the KLX well under control.
Characteristic to any modern off-road bike is the digital instrument cluster, which in this case features speedometer, dual tripmeter, odometer and clock, and headlight (a 35-watt unit in this case).
History
Being brand new for 2008, the 2009 model couldn’t bring many improvements, but if you’re thinking that this bike hasn’t experienced the test of time, we must say that its mechanics did. As it is powered by the KX450 engine, and that’s on the scene for more than a while, you can definitely say that this bike has got the public’s running in.
Competition
Honda is up for the challenge with the 2008 CRF450X, a Baja champion that never misses a chance to show off its awesome features. Now, it will have to do it against the KLX, something that doesn’t come easy, even though the CRF has been around for a while. Powered by the race-inspired 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder Unicam four-stroke engine and being equipped with the Honda Progressive Steering Damper, the Red trails machine establishes a great balance between power and handling finesse, which is not easy at all. Price tag is $7,399.
A step further than the Honda (in this case, at least), Yamaha launches the 2009 off-road lineup with the WR450F in the front line. It goes straight against the Honda and Kawasaki relying on its 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke; five-titanium valves engine. A fierce opponent, the WR is refinement itself when it comes to the frame and suspensions, resulting into an impressive enduro motorcycle. MSRP is $7,499.
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