2012 Kawasaki KLX450R

The KLX450R is based on the early carburetor-fed KX450F motocross bike, which Daniel Reardon used to dominate local racing in the mid noughties. During that period, Reardon also had a ding-dong battle with Chad Reed at a round of the Australian Motocross Championship, so his bike must have been a good thing!

The differences between the KX and the KLX range from the ‘hidden’ to quite obvious. Firstly, there’s a whole heap of ADR gear to make the KLX road registrable, and the KLX is also fitted with plusher suspension. The KLX also has less aggressive engine characteristics to make the power more user-friendly, and there’s a larger, quieter exhaust system.

As soon as I got my hands on the KLX450R I made a beeline for the toughest terrain I could find. I ran it across and over big logs, hill climbs, tight tracks, open fire trails, mud, hard-pack and even gave it a workout on the beach. Here’s the report card.

ENGINE
The KLX’s engine contains all the power of the KX, but instead of delivering it in one big whack, it’s slowly released to make for a much smoother and enjoyable ride. There is nothing worse than being half flogged from being out on the trails and having your arms pulled apart by a 450cc engine that only knows flat out.

The electric start KLX certainly doesn’t lack any power at any part of the rev range, and the high inertia flywheel keeps the engine tractoring along at slower speeds, which is great for those deep muddy ruts or steep slippery hill climbs where you need that back wheel to keep clawing along without losing traction.

The exhaust system keeps the decibels down to a minimum while still creating nice smooth power. The header pipe sticks out quite a way and can rub on your boots and pants resulting in nice little burn holes. While the header pipe doesn’t seem to get in the way while you’re riding, potential damage may result after a crash.

While the engine is still activated by a carburetor, you’d be hard pressed to know. And there’s some comfort in the knowledge that if you get water in the carburetor you can simply drain the bowl mid ride – a quick fix that fuel injection cannot provide.

However, one shortcoming of the carburetor is the annoying position of the choke knob, which is situated behind the fuel hose and frame and is difficult to operate.

The engine has a really smooth over-rev. It doesn’t just sign off and cut the power as soon as the rev limiter kicks in; it slowly starts to bring the rev limiter in until you shift up a gear.

The bike even has enough power for your hardcore racer set. Even on sand – which is normally the ultimate power spoiler -- the KLX still manages to push through with ease, digging into some deep loamy berms and blasting out the other side.

CHASSIS
The $12,499 KLX feels nimble. There is nothing worse than throwing your leg over a bike and feeling like you’re sitting on top of a school bus. The KLX has a very slim design for an enduro bike and gives you plenty of room to move comfortably around the bike.

There’s sharp and predictable steering, mainly thanks to the Kayaba AOS forks. When you’re bashing through the bush you want to have confidence in the front end remaining underneath you and not tempted to take a little detour to the side of the track.

The whole suspension package works well and has a very plush initial feel to soak up all the little chattery bumps that you encounter on trails -- but is still able to deal with big drops, bumps and log hops.

I stiffened the suspension a little and was happy with the end result. It’s not very often I can make a bike feel completely comfortable on stock suspension without revalving it, so that was a real bonus.

The KLX uses the same brake system as the KX, but runs a larger front master cylinder to comply with the Australian Design Rules. So pulling the KLX up on the spot is definitely no problem at all.

The stylish front light and tail light really go well together and add a sharp look. The only shame is that Kawasaki is still using the old front guard instead of the new one on the current KXs.

The digital speedo adds a practical, modern look to the bike, and the aluminium Renthal bars are a comfortable bend and don’t block your vision of the speedo like a lot of other enduro bikes on the market.

The KLX450R is just an effortless bike to ride. When you’re going to be spending all day out in the bush you want to conserve as much energy as possible, and that’s exactly what the KLX will do for you.

It takes very little rider input to get it into the groove on the KLX450R, and you can then go about choosing your modus operandi: everything from cruising to standing up and pushing it to the limits.
Whatever your ‘poison’, you can simply enjoy the ride without having to fight to keep the bike on the straight and narrow.

IN SUMMARY
If you are after a reliable, easy-to-ride enduro bike, then the KLX is for you. Everything is set up ready to go, whether it be racing around the trees or just cruising through the forests. From a beginner trail rider through to a racer who wants to tackle the Australian Four Day Enduro, the KLX is more than capable. It’s definitely worth throwing a leg over.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi plate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Aluminium perimeter
Front suspension: 48mm upside-down Kayaba, adjustable for  compression and rebound, 305mm travel
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, compression and rebound, 315mm travel
Front brake: 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: front 80/100-21, rear 110/100-18

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 1480mm
Rake: 27.7 degrees
Trail: 122mm
Ground clearance: 315mm
Seat height: 935mm
Kerb mass: 125.8kg
Fuel capacity: Eight litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $12,499
Colour: Lime green
Test bike supplied by: Kawasaki Motors Australia, www.kawasaki.com.au, 02 9684 2585
Warranty: Three months parts only