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Need help?Do you have a question about the Kawasaki KLX450R - DATASHEET 2011 and is the answer not in the manual?
Details the 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve single engine.
Features speedometer, odometer, twin trip meters, and clock for essential data.
Offers adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping for optimal performance.
Details engine characteristics like flywheel mass, cylinder design, and lubrication system.
Describes the electric starter system and its integration with a kick starter.
Explains the coolant reservoir, radiators, and oil filter/water pump cover.
Covers the tapered head pipe, long fiber muffler packing, and bolt-on silencer.
Details the 40 mm FCR carburetor with accelerator pump and hot start lever.
Explains the ignition system's lost spark control, accelerator compensation, and phase-sensitive coil.
Describes the digital microcomputer that adjusts ignition timing for power and engine braking.
Details gear ratings for off-road competition and clutch cable features.
Discusses the frame's construction, rigidity, and design for handling and traction.
Details the alloy swingarm, linkage ratios, shock adjustability, and preload.
Explains the twin-chamber fork's damping, Travel Control Valve, and adjustability.
Covers the brake discs for reduced unsprung weight and improved braking performance.
Lists standard equipment like digital instrumentation, lighting, and side-stand.
The Kawasaki KLX450R 2011 is a high-performing off-road enduro motorcycle designed for competitive off-road racing. It leverages key components from the KX450F motocrosser, adapting them for the demands of enduro riding. The motorcycle is built to be lightweight and powerful, offering a balance of quick turning and stable handling across various terrains.
The KLX450R is powered by a high-torque, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine. This engine is specifically tuned for strong low-end torque, making it suitable for off-road conditions where immediate power delivery is crucial. The engine's design centralizes mass and inertia points, which is particularly important for a big-bore single-cylinder engine, contributing to improved handling and responsiveness. The crankshaft and connecting rod are case hardened for enhanced durability and rigidity, while the big-end bearing utilizes caged needle bearings for high RPM reliability. The aluminum cylinder features chrome composite plating, which aids in rapid heat transfer, provides superb wear resistance, and optimizes lubrication retention, leading to increased performance and durability. A lightweight, forged piston with a low-friction coating on the skirt, along with single compression and oil rings, minimizes friction for quick throttle response. The thin-walled crankcases further reduce overall weight.
The motorcycle employs a semi-dry sump lubrication system, which contributes to quicker engine response by storing most of the oil in the transmission, preventing excess oil from interfering with the crankshaft and reducing power-robbing stirring loss. This design also allows the crank to be positioned as low as possible, lowering the center of gravity for improved handling. A unique crankcase breather system, which breathes through the balancer shaft located in the crankcase, enables the engine to rev more freely and prevents oil from exiting through the breather due to centrifugal force. Twin oil pumps ensure optimal lubrication and oil scavenging. To enhance reliability and reduce weight, oil passages are integrated into the engine cases, eliminating external oil lines.
The 4-valve cylinder head features camshaft lift and timing optimized for low- and mid-range torque, essential for off-road riding. Ultra-smooth intake ports improve intake efficiency. Lightweight titanium intake valves reduce reciprocating weight and are treated with an oxidized membrane to resist wear. Dual, progressive valve springs ensure reliable valve control and contribute to a compact cylinder head height. The dual overhead, lightweight camshafts are treated with a soft-nitriding surface to reduce friction and ensure reliable operation across all engine RPMs.
Fuel delivery is managed by a Keihin FCR40 carburetor, which is race-inspired and features an accelerator pump for precise fuel metering. It includes a hot start lever on the clutch perch for easy starting when the engine is warm; this lever opens a passage that draws additional air into the intake tract, leaning out the fuel mixture for easier hot starts. A U-shaped packing seal on the hot start plunger cable prevents water ingress.
The ignition system is a multi-map digital capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) with a throttle position sensor (TPS). This system incorporates lost spark control, which smooths over-rev power by precisely cutting spark as the engine approaches redline. Spark gradually tapers off approximately 1,000 RPM before the rev limiter is reached, preventing abrupt power cut-outs typical of conventional systems. An accelerator compensator monitors RPM changes and adjusts the ignition map to prevent wheel spin and improve traction. A phase-sensitive coil in the stator helps prevent kick-back during starting, and gear position sensors aid starting and provide precise spark control. The K-TRIC system, a digital microcomputer, monitors throttle position and engine RPM, adjusting ignition timing to maintain maximum power and minimize engine braking.
Power is transmitted through a wide-ratio 5-speed transmission, with gear ratings specifically chosen for off-road competition. The compact gear sets and center cases allow for a narrower frame at the rider's ankles. The engine's wide powerband is tuned to optimize these gear ratios. A Teflon-lined clutch cable ensures smooth action and consistent clutch feel.
The motorcycle features an aluminum perimeter frame, constructed from a combination of forged, extruded, and cast parts. This frame is designed to balance torsional and longitudinal rigidity, providing both quick handling and stability. The chassis dimensions, including swingarm pivot, output shaft, linkage mounts, and rear axle, are optimized to prevent chassis squat and improve traction. Centralized key inertia points further enhance handling. The steep rake contributes to quick handling. Footpegs are positioned high for optimal cornering clearance, and the frame is narrow at the peg mounts, improving riding position and cornering clearance.
The suspension system consists of a Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil Separate) inverted cartridge fork at the front and a Uni-Trak rear suspension system. The 48mm inverted Kayaba AOS fork features 22-way compression and 20-way rebound damping adjustments. Its twin-chamber design keeps oil and air separate for stable damping performance. Damping settings, cylinder compression piston assembly, and Travel Control Valve (TCV) contribute to class-leading fork action and rider feel. The triple clamp design and upper fork tubes taper to match the torsional and longitudinal rigidity of the aluminum chassis. Fully-adjustable damping allows for precise tuning. Bolt-on handlebar mounts with rubber dampers reduce vibration and can be rotated to adjust handlebar position.
The Uni-Trak rear suspension uses an alloy swingarm with a cast front section, tapered hydro-formed spars, and forged chain blocks. The tapered shape of the spars works with the aluminum frame to improve handling and rear suspension feel. The linkage ratios are suited to the frame and swingarm, with mounts underneath the swingarm, allowing for additional rear suspension travel while maintaining a low seat height. The additional travel improves suspension action over a wider range of track conditions. A compact rear chain guide saves weight, and linkage bushings are collared sleeves for easy maintenance. The shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing separate tuning for high-speed and low-speed damping. A single, large port into the adjuster improves rider feel and adjustability. Threaded preload offers many tuning options, and thin shock spring coils reduce weight.
Braking is handled by petal front and rear discs, which reduce unsprung weight and help clean the brake pads for efficient performance. The front brake features a two-piston caliper with a semi-floating disc. The forged aluminum rear brake pedal has a large mounting bolt and a large "foot" with sharp teeth for a solid feel and easier operation in difficult conditions. An integrated rear brake fluid reservoir/master cylinder enhances reliability.
The KLX450R is equipped with an electric starter for quick and easy starting, while a kick starter is retained from the KX450F as a backup. The liquid cooling system includes a coolant reservoir tank to maintain efficient cooling during tight off-road riding. High-capacity Denso radiators with tightly spaced cores and a special fin design enhance heat dispersion, and the radiator profile is significantly reduced.
For rider convenience and information, the motorcycle features lightweight digital instrumentation that includes a speedometer, odometer, twin trip meters, and a clock. It has an 8.0-liter fuel tank with a reserve petcock. Compact lighting includes a 35-watt headlight and an energy-efficient LED stop/taillight. A two-piece left side cover allows quick access to the air filter. A self-retracting side-stand meets regulations and comes as standard equipment. The Australian model is fitted with applicable road equipment for local registration requirements, and Bark Busters are fitted standard.
The design incorporates several features to simplify maintenance. The separate oil filter/water pump cover allows for easy oil filter maintenance. The silencer core bolt-on design provides easy access for changing the packing, and long fiber muffler packing extends intervals between packing changes. The linkage bushings are all collared sleeves for easy maintenance. The two-piece left side cover allows quick access to the air filter for cleaning or replacement.
General| Displacement | 449 cc |
|---|---|
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0 x 62.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel System | Keihin FCR40 carburetor |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Rear Brake | Single 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 |
| Rear Tire | 120/90-18 |
| Width | 820 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 315 mm |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke single |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Front Suspension | 48mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping |
| Rear Suspension | Kayaba shock with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping |
| Front Brake | Single 250mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Length | 2, 185 mm |
| Seat Height | 935 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1, 480 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.0 liters |
| Curb Weight | 126 kg |
