_fmx_
2nd October 2006, 12:28 PM
here ya go off fullnoise.com
General
KLX450R - Kawasaki's surprise attack on the Off Road market
By: Garry Morrow
Wednesday, 27th September, 2006 - - 4704 Reads -
Kawasaki will shortly surprise off road motorcycling punters with the announcement that the manufacturer will release a KLX450R off road/competition 4-stroke enduro bike in 2007.
Top View
The announcement will bring Kawasaki into line with other manufacturers, such as Yamaha, Honda, KTM and Husqvarna who have had purpose built off road/competition four stroke 450's for a while now.
The bike will be based on the KX450F motocross machine. Unlike other manufactures though it appears that the KLX450R will have more in common with the KX450F than say Yamaha or Honda's WR or CRFX do to their motocross competition siblings.
In the engine department the KLX450R will have revised cam lift and timing, heavier flywheel weight, electric start and five speed box with off road ratios.
Lightweight titanium intake valves from the KX will remain unchanged, steel valves will be used in place of the KX’s titanium exhaust valves and the radiator is fitted with a reservoir tank to provide efficient cooling during long rides
The rear
The chassis will be the same as the KX and will feature Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) inverted forks, a wider seat with slip-resistant top surface and an 18-inch rear wheel.
A lightweight digital instrumentation cluster will include speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer, and clock. The plastic fuel tank, which meets all environmental regulations, has a 2.1 gallon (10 Liter) capacity and the petcock is fitted with a reserve.
The fully-equipped KLX450R will weigh in at about 22 pounds (10 Kilos) more than the KX450F.
KAWASAKI PR FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Engine
Ultra-powerful 449cc Liquid-cooled, Four-stroke Single
449cc liquid
cooled, four-stroke single with four valves
Features improved low and mid-range power delivery for climbing hills, riding in the mud or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions
Linear power curve offers plenty of over rev, for maximum flexibility in choosing shift points
Top End
Revised cam lift and timing boost low- and mid-range torque
Camshaft lobes and tappets feature a soft-nitride surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
Hand-finished surfaces of the polished intake ports improve intake efficiency at all rpm
Lightweight 36mm titanium intake valves and aluminum valve retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high rpm
30mm steel exhaust valves replace the KX’s 31mm titanium units for improved durability
Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation
Screw-type automatic cam chain tensioner with oil pressure spring
Revised ignition timing helps boost power
Low-friction coating on piston skirt
Bottom End
Flywheel mass is double that of the KX450F to provide ultra-smooth engine power characteristics
Crankshaft, rotor mass centralization, oil circulation, and ignition timing have been carefully examined to help ensure ideal engine braking characteristics
Crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered for additional rigidity
Exhaust
Large 41mm titanium exhaust header for maximum power
Tapered exhaust pipe joint helps increase ultra-low rpm power.
Titanium exhaust pipe heat shield
Silencer uses long-fiber packing for lower maintenance
Cooling
High-capacity Denso radiators deliver superior cooling efficiency
A reservoir tank is fitted to the radiator, for efficient cooling during long enduros
Slim radiators feature tightly packed cores and fins designed to enhanced heat dispersion
The KLX radiator shroud design is optimised for a seated position, compared to the KX shrouds
Electric Starting
High-capacity starter motor is compact, yet offers high-output to help ensure quick and reliable starts under all conditions
Lightweight battery is located beneath the seat and behind the airbox for optimum mass centralization
Having both electric and kick starters means the KLX450 can be quickly restarted if the engine stalls during an event
Features highly reliable auto-decompression system; the dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam eases starting, and its simple construction helps to ensure reliability
Wide-Ratio Five-Speed Transmission:
The wide-ratio 5-speed transmission features ratios selected specially for off-road racing
The transmission’s gears are designed for high durability
Ball bearing shift lever for smoother shifting
Ratchet-type shift mechanism for smoother shifting and a more positive feel
Frame
Lightweight all-aluminum perimeter frame – straight from the KX450F
is a composite structure comprising forged, extruded and cast components
The slim profile of the KLX450R frame, two-piece radiator shrouds that leave the upper frame spars exposed, and careful design of the remaining bodywork make the KLX450R feel light and narrow beneath the rider
Aluminum skid plate
Front Suspension:
Fork tuning is optimized for light, easy handling characteristics
Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos
Large front fork damper cartridges offer a more progressive and plush action
Low-friction fork seals help reduce stiction
Rear Suspension:
New Uni-Trak® rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke.
The rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum frame.
Sprocket style chain roller reduces drive lash
Brakes:
Like the KX450F, the KLX450R features petal brake discs front and rear. In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
18” Rear Wheel: Durable 18” rear wheel allows fitment of a wide selection of off-road tires
From the Cockpit:
Renthal aluminum handlebars are standard
Lightweight short-length grips feature a special pattern to reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider
The seat is wider than the KX450F’s for additional comfort during long enduros
Seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Off-road racing equipment:
Lightweight digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer and clock
Lightweight 2.1 gallon fuel tank is constructed to meet strict U.S. environmental regulations
Gas tank petcock is fitted with a reserve
Compact lighting package includes a 35 W headlight with lightweight plastic lens
An ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail lamp is used
Side cover airbox holes have been eliminated to prevent the ingress of water.
The left-side cover features a two-piece construction with a special “door” that allows easy access to the air cleaner
Engine guards protect both sides of the engine. (KX450F has a right-side guard only.)
Includes an aluminum skid plate for added protection from rocks and ledges
A side stand is fitted as standard equipment
General
KLX450R - Kawasaki's surprise attack on the Off Road market
By: Garry Morrow
Wednesday, 27th September, 2006 - - 4704 Reads -
Kawasaki will shortly surprise off road motorcycling punters with the announcement that the manufacturer will release a KLX450R off road/competition 4-stroke enduro bike in 2007.
Top View
The announcement will bring Kawasaki into line with other manufacturers, such as Yamaha, Honda, KTM and Husqvarna who have had purpose built off road/competition four stroke 450's for a while now.
The bike will be based on the KX450F motocross machine. Unlike other manufactures though it appears that the KLX450R will have more in common with the KX450F than say Yamaha or Honda's WR or CRFX do to their motocross competition siblings.
In the engine department the KLX450R will have revised cam lift and timing, heavier flywheel weight, electric start and five speed box with off road ratios.
Lightweight titanium intake valves from the KX will remain unchanged, steel valves will be used in place of the KX’s titanium exhaust valves and the radiator is fitted with a reservoir tank to provide efficient cooling during long rides
The rear
The chassis will be the same as the KX and will feature Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) inverted forks, a wider seat with slip-resistant top surface and an 18-inch rear wheel.
A lightweight digital instrumentation cluster will include speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer, and clock. The plastic fuel tank, which meets all environmental regulations, has a 2.1 gallon (10 Liter) capacity and the petcock is fitted with a reserve.
The fully-equipped KLX450R will weigh in at about 22 pounds (10 Kilos) more than the KX450F.
KAWASAKI PR FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Engine
Ultra-powerful 449cc Liquid-cooled, Four-stroke Single
449cc liquid
cooled, four-stroke single with four valves
Features improved low and mid-range power delivery for climbing hills, riding in the mud or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions
Linear power curve offers plenty of over rev, for maximum flexibility in choosing shift points
Top End
Revised cam lift and timing boost low- and mid-range torque
Camshaft lobes and tappets feature a soft-nitride surface treatment for long wear and high-rpm reliability
Hand-finished surfaces of the polished intake ports improve intake efficiency at all rpm
Lightweight 36mm titanium intake valves and aluminum valve retainers reduce reciprocating weight for reliable valve control at high rpm
30mm steel exhaust valves replace the KX’s 31mm titanium units for improved durability
Double valve springs help ensure stable valve operation
Screw-type automatic cam chain tensioner with oil pressure spring
Revised ignition timing helps boost power
Low-friction coating on piston skirt
Bottom End
Flywheel mass is double that of the KX450F to provide ultra-smooth engine power characteristics
Crankshaft, rotor mass centralization, oil circulation, and ignition timing have been carefully examined to help ensure ideal engine braking characteristics
Crankshaft and connecting rod are sintered for additional rigidity
Exhaust
Large 41mm titanium exhaust header for maximum power
Tapered exhaust pipe joint helps increase ultra-low rpm power.
Titanium exhaust pipe heat shield
Silencer uses long-fiber packing for lower maintenance
Cooling
High-capacity Denso radiators deliver superior cooling efficiency
A reservoir tank is fitted to the radiator, for efficient cooling during long enduros
Slim radiators feature tightly packed cores and fins designed to enhanced heat dispersion
The KLX radiator shroud design is optimised for a seated position, compared to the KX shrouds
Electric Starting
High-capacity starter motor is compact, yet offers high-output to help ensure quick and reliable starts under all conditions
Lightweight battery is located beneath the seat and behind the airbox for optimum mass centralization
Having both electric and kick starters means the KLX450 can be quickly restarted if the engine stalls during an event
Features highly reliable auto-decompression system; the dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam eases starting, and its simple construction helps to ensure reliability
Wide-Ratio Five-Speed Transmission:
The wide-ratio 5-speed transmission features ratios selected specially for off-road racing
The transmission’s gears are designed for high durability
Ball bearing shift lever for smoother shifting
Ratchet-type shift mechanism for smoother shifting and a more positive feel
Frame
Lightweight all-aluminum perimeter frame – straight from the KX450F
is a composite structure comprising forged, extruded and cast components
The slim profile of the KLX450R frame, two-piece radiator shrouds that leave the upper frame spars exposed, and careful design of the remaining bodywork make the KLX450R feel light and narrow beneath the rider
Aluminum skid plate
Front Suspension:
Fork tuning is optimized for light, easy handling characteristics
Kayaba AOS (Air-Oil-Separate) fork keeps oil and air in separate chambers for stable damping performance during long motos
Large front fork damper cartridges offer a more progressive and plush action
Low-friction fork seals help reduce stiction
Rear Suspension:
New Uni-Trak® rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke.
The rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high-speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately
Alloy swingarm uses cast front section, tapered hydroformed spars and forged chain pullers; the tapered spars are shaped to match the balance of flex and rigidity required of the aluminum frame.
Sprocket style chain roller reduces drive lash
Brakes:
Like the KX450F, the KLX450R features petal brake discs front and rear. In addition to helping reduce unsprung weight, the wave shapes of the petal discs help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance
18” Rear Wheel: Durable 18” rear wheel allows fitment of a wide selection of off-road tires
From the Cockpit:
Renthal aluminum handlebars are standard
Lightweight short-length grips feature a special pattern to reduce vibration transmitted from the bars to the rider
The seat is wider than the KX450F’s for additional comfort during long enduros
Seat uses a slip-resistant top surface for good grip when seated and smooth sides for excellent rider mobility
Off-road racing equipment:
Lightweight digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, twin tripmeter, odometer and clock
Lightweight 2.1 gallon fuel tank is constructed to meet strict U.S. environmental regulations
Gas tank petcock is fitted with a reserve
Compact lighting package includes a 35 W headlight with lightweight plastic lens
An ultra-compact and energy efficient LED tail lamp is used
Side cover airbox holes have been eliminated to prevent the ingress of water.
The left-side cover features a two-piece construction with a special “door” that allows easy access to the air cleaner
Engine guards protect both sides of the engine. (KX450F has a right-side guard only.)
Includes an aluminum skid plate for added protection from rocks and ledges
A side stand is fitted as standard equipment