Off-road toughness, electric-start convenience, motocross performance.

Kawasaki’s 2008 KLX™450R will soon be making a name for itself amongst the growing legion of off-road racing fans. This purpose-built version of the brand’s World Supercross Championship winning four-stroke KX™450F motocrosser delivers the same high performance features as the KX model, yet modifies it for the improved durability, comfort, and range needed by off-road racers.

Adapted to the rigors of grueling courses, this model’s lightweight engine has been tweaked for more low and mid-range performance delivering a wide spread of responsive, high-traction torque and superior throttle control for low-speed maneuvering. The KLX450R’s gutsy response to hill climbing, mud holes, or other poor-traction, low-speed conditions will put it at the top of every racer’s "want" list.

Kawasaki engineers have combined revisions in cam lift and timing in order to boost low and mid-range torque. Adding to the special characteristics of this engine are a heavier flywheel with double the mass of the KX450F’s unit and a wide-ratio five-speed transmission with gears that have been specifically selected for off-road competition.