For 2010 the KX’s essential platform returns, and although it’s nearly impossible to spot the individual changes, both the engine and chassis have been modified in order to deliver more performance around the racetrack.
Powering the KX is a 449cc 4-stroke Single that benefits from all the latest and greatest engine tuning tricks including liquid-cooling, double camshafts and fuel-injection, just like before. What’s new is the piston, cylinder, camshaft and crankshaft. For these components engineers turned to the racing department and utilized the same parts that they’ve been successfully running this year.
Perhaps the biggest change in terms of engine performance is the new piston. It’s both lighter and shorter for better performance through its 11,300 rpm-range (compression ratio remains the same). It slides inside a redesigned cylinder featuring tighter tolerances between it and the crankcase. The crankshaft is also new and makes use of a fresh design said to improve the engine’s tractability between the rear tire and the ground when you twist the grip. Lastly, a new camshaft was fitted and advances engine timing by 2-degrees.
The 2010 KX450F clutch set-up also gets some attention with a reengineered basket designed to not only enhance feel but operate cooler as well. The fiber friction plates were beefed up and contain more friction material which increases feel and durability. The same 5-speed transmission transfers power to the rear tire but it now does so with a slightly lighter chain.
With the electronic revolution, no hardware upgrades can be complete without software updates to match, so engineers reprogrammed the fuel and ignition settings in the ECU. Additionally, the rider or engine tuner has the ability to alter all the engine settings via an optional Kawasaki Fuel Injection Calibration Kit.
Like before, you’ll be hard pressed to find a rider that thinks the Kawi needs more juice even in stock form. And it doesn’t matter what gear or rpm you operate the engine. Just twist the throttle and the KX rockets forward with the immediacy of a sportbike. Yet at the same time it generates power in such a linear, predictable fashion that it won’t catch you off guard or scare you, even if you’re new to the sport (again, the Kawasaki Fuel-Injection Calibration Kit allows you to tune the bike’s engine to deliver power more or less aggressively based on your skill level and track conditions check it out, it’s the best money you’ll spend on your new KX).
All said and done, the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F costs $500 more than its predecessor and should be rolling into your local Kawi dealer as you read this. Although the changes aren’t revolutionary and are pretty difficult to feel in the hands of your average motocross pilot; in the hands of our pro they made a difference. Most notable was the engine’s more friendly power delivery as well as its improved handling in the corners. So, if you’ve already got a ’09 bike in the garage is it worth making the upgrade to the ’10 model? If you’re serious about racing than it’s a no brainer.
MSRP $8,049
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