ATV Test: Kawasaki KFX450R

While versatility is relative term when it comes to a manual-clutch, rear drive high performance ATV, we can go as far as to say that the KFX is the most versatile of the 450s on the market today. Does this mean you can hang with your 4×4-driving buddies through all conditions? Probably not (unless your crew tends to ride on a lot of hardpack with wide sweeping turns). However you can expect such amenities as electric start, fuel injection and reverse. Even more importantly you get a very well rounded engine that can be made to perform on a national level pro caliber with a few simple modifications while remaining manageable enough to tool around on the local trails. Let’s take a closer look at what it feels like in action.

The KFX450R engine reads like a guide to performance: liquid cooled, dual-overhead cam, four valve 449cc electronic fuel injected four stroke packing a 12:1 compression ratio. However, don’t mistake the hard stats for an out-of-control riding experience. Pressing the left-bar mounted button fires the machine up in all conditions, temps and elevations. It purrs with a smooth, fairly tame cadence at idle. Blip the throttle and you’re reminded of the performance potential with a deep bark that quickly returns to non-offensive idle thanks to a perfectly dialed FI.

It is said power is nothing without control and Kawasaki has a pretty good handle on this concept with the KFX. With a 46.1-inch width (71.1” length), the Kawi is considerably more compact than many of its 50-inch wide brethren. Clearly the goal here was creating a nimble package that never crosses into instability (especially at speed). As a result of its sharp geometry numbers and fairly compact dimensions, the KFX rips around more so than it flows. It likes to be stuffed hard into corners, it pops well over trail obstacles and it responds remarkably well to body English. However, even when in over your head the machine will slide rather than tip. If the going really gets rough, a light stab of the throttle is almost always enough to get the machine back in line.

Walking around the KFX gives a definite sense of Kawasaki’s attention to detail. Right out of the box you get a quality coated exhaust, Renthal bars, and reinforcement ringed rims. The aluminum frame spars are works of art and the fit and finish is top notch. However, and like most performance-oriented ATVs, creature comforts are bare minimum. The riding position is aggressive, grips are hard and the seat foam is as firm as a picnic table bench. Keep in mind however that riders looking to spend long days lounging in the saddle are likely missing the point here. The KFX works best when pushed. Riders who like to move around, rail corners, pop trail obstacles and take minor flights will find much to enjoy here. Best of all an exhaust system and fuel map are all that separate the machine from true fire-breather status.

In all the KFX feels lighter in action in than it should. It’s tossable on the ground and even more so in the air. The suspension is well balanced and more than adequate when it comes to rough landings.

It’s a shame that the 450cc performance ATV class has yet to recover from a weak economy but companies like Kawasaki want to remind that they aren’t letting these ugly days slow them down any. The KFX450R is a solid option for a 450 rider who isn’t planning on spending 100% of his time on the racetrack but instead finds enjoyment on the not-overly technical trails, the dunes and even the occasional field donut session. What it gives up in comfort it more than makes up for in a solid fit and trim package and plenty of performance on tap. Unlike KTM and Yamaha, Kawasaki leaves the final destination of the KFX in the hands of its owner. In stock trim it’s quite versatile and manageable but the potential to race competitively is only a few mods away.