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Kawasaki releases 2019 off-road motorcycle lineup

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. today announced its 2019 off-road motorcycle models, including the all-new 2019 KX 450 Motorcycle, which features an MSRP of $9,299.

The all-new 2019 KX450 weighs in at 232.4 pounds without fuel while boasting a powerful engine, nimble handling and technologically advanced features that are derived directly from the motorcycles used by Kawasaki’s factory race team. All-new features for 2019 include a new lightweight, more powerful engine, new slimmer aluminum frame, new Showa coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology, new hydraulic clutch and new electric start system.

The all-new 2019 KX450 weighs in at 232.4 lbs without fuel while boasting a powerful engine, nimble handling, and technologically advanced features that are derived directly from the motorcycles used by Kawasaki’s factory race team. All-new features for 2019 include a new lightweight, more powerful engine, new slimmer aluminum frame, new Showa coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology, new hydraulic clutch and new electric start system.

The 2019 KX450’s four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled 449 cc engine has increased peak power and a flatter torque curve that makes it easier to get on the gas sooner.

New for 2019, the KX450 becomes Kawasaki’s first motocross bike with an electric start, which is activated by the push of a button located on the handlebar near the right grip making starting easy and convenient. A lightweight, compact Li-ion battery helps keep weight down, as does an automatic centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam, which lifts one exhaust valve to facilitate starting.

In addition to an electric start, the KX450 also becomes Kawasaki’s first motocross bike equipped with a hydraulic clutch. The new clutch offers a more direct feel and an easier pull for lighter lever action, helping to reduce fatigue while on the racetrack. The hydraulic clutch is designed to provide a more consistent feeling through minimal change in clutch play as the clutch heats up during heavy use.

Kawasaki brought top-level road racing technology to the KX450 valve train, using designs from Kawasaki World Superbike engineers. It uses finger-follower valve actuation, enabling larger-diameter valves and more aggressive cam profiles. Thanks to the finger-follower valve actuation, the rev-limit has been raised, contributing to increased high-rpm performance. The change to finger-follower valve actuation reduces the valve train mass and friction compared to a tappet-style valve actuation. A DLC coating on the finger followers helps protect against wear.

Kawasaki’s engineering team has worked closely with the factory racing team to develop an industry-leading slim aluminum perimeter frame that is capable of providing precise cornering through excellent front-end feel and the ultimate agility at high speeds. As an evolution of the current design, the new frame boasts increased overall rigidity balance. The frame’s lightweight construction is composed of forged, extruded and cast parts, while the engine is used as a stressed member and adds to the frames rigidity balance. The overall rigidity balance has been increased through a new steering head area with optimized rigidity, main frame rails with revised cross-section, and a revised line for the swingarm brackets. Lower frame rails have been widened and also contribute to the bikes overall rigidity balance. Forged chain adjusters are also equipped with a self-locking rear axle nut. The axle nut holds 80lb-ft torque without the need of a cotter pin, simplifying maintenance at the track.

The 2019 Kawasaki KX450 motorcycle can easily be made to suit a large range of riders thanks to its flat seat design, adjustable handlebar and foot pegs and adjustable suspension components. This perfectly complements the wide range of damping settings as well as the DFI couplers and optional handheld KX FI Calibration Kit, allowing the rider to find the ideal engine characteristics to suit a particular track or conditions. While the base settings on the KX450 motorcycle are based on extensive testing and racing, the motorcycle provides a huge range of technology and adjustment to help ensure every rider can experience the incredible ability of this extremely capable motocross bike.

KLX

The Kawasaki KLX family of off-road motorcycles are widely popular for their low maintenance, easy-to-ride character, and incredible capabilities while on trails. The five models consist of two engine configurations and are built to suit a variety of riders.

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The KLX140 motorcycle is available in three model variations, and is designed to provide a natural terrain experience with memories to last a lifetime. The powerful 144cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine features an electric starter and keyless ignition. Its broad and smooth high-revving 144cc engine utilizes a manual clutch and 5-speed transmission to offer an efficient and user-friendly feel. The KLX140 uses a 17” front and 14” rear wheel, while the mid-sized KLX140L motorcycle is equipped with a 19” front and 16” rear wheels to accommodate taller riders, providing extra ground clearance on the KLX140L. The KLX140G comes equipped with full-size off-road wheels and tires, using a 21” front and 18” rear.

There’s no better motorcycle than the KLX 110 for a new rider who is looking to experience dirt for the first time. A high-tensile steel frame, 30mm telescopic fork, and single rear shock provide easy handling and maximum longevity. It also incorporates an automatic centrifugal clutch system that allows easy take off and shifting through the gears, helping the rider maintain focus on the terrain and to make the most of the 112cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine. The bigger KLX110L motorcycle has a taller seat height (28.7” compared to 26.8” for the KLX110), longer suspension travel and an extra 1.9” of ground clearance.

KAWASAKI KLX140

Color: Lime Green; MSRP: $3,099

KAWASAKI KLX140L

Color: Lime Green; MSRP: $3,399

KAWASAKI KLX140G

Color: Lime Green; MSRP: $3,699

KAWASAKI KLX110

Color: Lime Green; MSRP: $2,299

KAWASAKI KLX110L

Color: Lime Green; MSRP: $2,499

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