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WHAT’S NEW ON THE 2016 KAWASAKI KX450F
1. Revised cylinder head. The engine is tuned such that the torque curve follows the limit of running resistance for as long as possible. Cylinder is offset (8.5 mm forward), reducing friction and enabling more efficient power generation.
2. Revised intake valves and intake cam timing change are designed to complement cylinder exhaust system revisions. Intake ports are less curved, contributing to increased performance at all rpm. Revised intake cam timing (advanced 2-degrees) contributes to increased low-rpm performance. Intake valves have a revised head area. The new design, with slimmer throat angle and reduced recess (similar to valves on supersport models), contributes to increased high-rpm performance.

3. Piston crown design matches the revised intake valves and maintains the compression ratio at 12.8:1, contributing to the engine’s increased performance.

4. The addition of a new resonator (US and Canadian models only) effectively increases the exhaust pipe length and reduces exhaust noise volume by approximately 2 dB.

5. Excess meat was trimmed from transmission gears and shafts to reduce weight by approximately 260 grams (9.2 ounces).
6. New KX FI Calibration Kit (Accessory) features the handheld KX FI Calibration Controller, which enables riders to adjust engine characteristics (by rewriting actual data maps) to suit their preference. This simple tool can be used without a PC, simply by plugging into the engine’s ECU. There are 7 preset engine maps included.

7. All-new aluminum perimeter frame offers revised rigidity from a  slimmer and lighter layout.
8. The radiator orientation has been turned inward to allow for a slimmer shroud design for improved ergonomics.

9. Oversized 270 mm front brake rotor.
10. Flatter seat and tank to facilitate riding position changes. Top of the fuel tank is lower, allowing an even flatter progression from the seat to the tank. 11. Adjustable Ergonomics with 4-position handlebar and  2-position footpegs.
12. Intake ducts added below the rear of the seat contribute to improved throttle response.

13. Weighing in at 239 pounds, the new KX450F is over 6.6 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The weight reduction comes via a thorough re-evaluation of both engine and chassis components.
14. SFF-Air TAC front fork locates its damping assembly in the left fork tube and a pneumatic spring, comprised of three pressurized air chambers, in the right. Light weight, low friction, easy adjustability, a wide setting range and precise settings are some of the advantages. Super-hard titanium coating protects the fork from wear abrasion. Self-lubricating alumite coating creates a hard, low-friction surface on the outer tube,  further reducing friction to promote smooth fork action.

15. Aggressive new bodywork makes the bike look more compact and is complemented by factory-style design and graphics. Black alumite1 rims, black fork guards, and green highlights help create a distinctive Kawasaki identity. Green alumite1 finish on the suspension adjusters and green finish on some of the engine trim add to the KX450F’s high-performance image. HOW KAWASAKI SAVED WEIGHT
1. A thorough revision of engine and chassis components yielded 3.4 kg (6.6 pounds) in weight savings, bringing the weight of the KX450F down to a trim 108.7 kg (239 pounds). The lighter weight contributes to quicker turn-in and sharper overall handling.

The transmission was reduced in weight by 9 ounces.

2. Savings from the engine group (including intake and exhaust systems) amounted to approximately 2.0 kg (4.4 pounds). Savings from chassis components totaled approximately 1.4 kg (3 pounds).
3. Previously an extruded part, the redesigned down tube is now a combination forged/cast piece (front part is forged; rear part is cast). The new piece, along with a revised head pipe and brace tubes, contributes to greater front-end feel.

4. Width across the main frames is approximately 6mm slimmer. This facilitates position changes, making it easier for riders to slide forward and backward. Weighing 400 grams (14 ounces) less than the previous unit (thanks in large part to revised head pipe and upper/lower rear shock brackets), the frame’s lighter weight contributes to the bike’s quicker handling.
5. Ridigity of the swingarm was also revised. The cast front portion is taller with thinner walls, and the wall thickness of the spars was idealized, with thinner side walls and thicker top/bottom walls. The new construction saves approximately 220 grams (7.7 ounces).
6. Smaller fuel tank has a lower top. This lowers the bike’s center of gravity, further contributing to the sharper handling.
7. Revised for rigidity, the KX450F’s new frame features a slimmer design and lighter overall weight. Thicker walls for the sub-frame (seat rails) offer increased strength.
8. Aggressive design of the new front fender adds to the racy looks and saves 50 grams (2 ounces) in weight.
9. New design for the aluminum rear sprocket contributes to the bike’s sharp looks and saves 50 grams (2 ounces) .

2016 KAWASAKI KX250F