The popular 400cc sport all-terrain vehicle (ATV) class appeals to riders who want the leading edge of power, performance and exhilaration. These competitive riders are purists who will accept nothing less than a manual transmission for maximizing engine acceleration, demand powerful braking performance and typically choose the fastest line through a turn. Kawasaki's answer to this high-performance demand is the KFX® 400 sport ATV. The KFX® 400 is powered by a 398cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine featuring double overhead cams and four valves atop a chrome composite-plated aluminum alloy cylinder. Fed by a new 37mm high-performance carburetor, it includes electric start and has a counter balancer to reduce vibration.
The KFX® 400 engine utilizes a "dry sump" design, with the engine oil being carried in the tubes of the high-performance chassis instead of the traditional location beneath the engine. This design enabled engineers to shorten overall engine height so it can be placed lower in the chassis for enhanced stability while providing higher ground clearance.
Transmitting power from the engine to the rear wheels is a high-performance five-speed-plus-reverse manual transmission and efficient O-ring chain.
A high-performance powerband requires an equally advanced chassis, so the KFX® 400 ATV engine rides in a high-tensile steel frame and subframe. Suspension duties are handled by dual front A-arms with new fully adjustable shocks that provide 8.5 inches of travel, while an aluminum-alloy swingarm with fully adjustable shock provides 9.1 inches of travel on the rear. Contributing to the KFX® 400's low, 373-pound dry weight are competition-inspired aluminum-alloy wheels, and stopping power is provided by dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake.
As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly and to respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887.
