- Mié Sep 27, 2006 23:14
#176561
Next year, Kawasaki will attack the off-road segment with a new KLX450R (designated a 2008 model), based on the company's successful KX450F motocross machine. According to Kawasaki's press materials, the company's engineers started with the KX450F and "modified it for the improved durability, comfort and range needed by off-road racers". These modifications consist mainly of changes to the motor for a more off-road friendly power characteristic, along with increased durability, as well as a wide-ratio 5 speed transmission and some revision of the bike's ergonomics for greater long-distance comfort. Below is the complete text of Kawasaki's press release regarding the 2008 KLX450R.
2008 Kawasaki KLX™450R
Features and Benefits
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
Next year, Kawasaki will attack the off-road segment with a new KLX450R (designated a 2008 model), based on the company's successful KX450F motocross machine. According to Kawasaki's press materials, the company's engineers started with the KX450F and "modified it for the improved durability, comfort and range needed by off-road racers". These modifications consist mainly of changes to the motor for a more off-road friendly power characteristic, along with increased durability, as well as a wide-ratio 5 speed transmission and some revision of the bike's ergonomics for greater long-distance comfort. Below is the complete text of Kawasaki's press release regarding the 2008 KLX450R.
2008 Kawasaki KLX™450R
Features and Benefits
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
KTM 450 EXC
BTT
XTZ660 tenere
BTT
XTZ660 tenere
