Kawasaki is forging ahead with dramatic changes to its KX450F and KX250F for the 2009 model year.
The 450F gets Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) operating without the weight of a battery. The 43mm throttle body springs to life with the electricity generated through the kick starter. Kawasaki claims single-kick starting, because the ECU is powered at the initial movement of the kickstarter.
The engine is essentially all-new in the 450F. It is smaller and lighter, with revised intake and exhaust ports. The compression ratio has gone from 12.0 to 12.5:1, and exhaust exits through a new titanium pipe.
The frame is also new, 1.8 pounds lighter, slimmer and with a new rigidity balance intended to improve handling. A new swingarm has a new pivot point 3mm higher this year. Suspension changes include friction-reducing coatings on fork tubes and the inside surface of the shock reservoir. Fork offset is reduced 1mm to improve front wheel traction. The 2009 KX450F is pictured above, and here are its specifications (look below for a photo and specs of the 2009 KX250F):
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