A machine’s racing performance is often limited
by the performance of its frame. And since swapping
frames is no easy task, the KFX450R comes equipped
with a high-performance frame right from the start.
The KFX450R is the first ATV in its class to offer
a completely aluminum chassis: frame, sub-frame and
swingarm are all formed from lightweight aluminum.
But more than for its weight saving potential, aluminum
was chosen for its highly rigid properties.
The highly rigid aluminum frame contributes to the
KFX’s excellent rough-road handling and traction.
The frame’s high rigidity (especially its torsional
rigidity) makes the KFX extremely stable in corners
and allows the suspension to be easily set up to suit
course conditions.
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The highly
rigid aluminum frame contributes to
the KFX’s excellent rough-road
handling and traction.
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The lower
part of the frame consists of a narrow
single box-tube to which the front suspension’s
lower A-arms are mounted.
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Renthal
FAT-BAR is standard equipment. Tapered,
the Renthal bar offers both strength
and light weight.
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Wall thickness
is different for each surface, resulting
in a design that is both light and strong.
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KFX450R’s
narrow frame tubes allow longer A-arms
reduces unwanted camber changes.
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The shorter
A-arms of a dual tube frame cannot control
camber as well as the KFX450R.
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Compared to steel frames with similar
rigidity, the aluminum frame offers roughly 20%
in weight savings.
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Designed for high corner speeds,
the KFX is set low to the ground, helping to suppress
any tendency to roll.
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Mounting the battery low, in front
of the engine contributes to the low centre of gravity,
and weights the front wheels for increased traction
when cornering.
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The lower part of the frame consists
of a narrow single box-tube to which the front suspension’s
lower A-arms are mounted.
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This design enables the length of
the A-arms to be maximized. Longer arms minimize
camber change as the suspension tracks over ruts
and bumps and allow the use of long-stroke suspension
for superior road holding performance.
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The front suspension features reservoir
shocks with dual-rate springs. Even when the machine
is unloaded, the shocks are considerably compressed,
which means that there is plenty of down travel
available to keep the front wheels in constant contact
with ground even when the ground drops away suddenly.
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Thanks to the narrow frame design
the length of the front suspension’s lower
A-arms are maximized, offering excellent road-handling
performance on both enduro-style GNCC courses as
well as on MX-style GNC tracks.
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The extra long lower A-arms minimize
camber variation through the suspension stroke.
Keeping camber as consistent as possible helps maximize
front wheel traction and contributes to stable handling
performance.
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KFX450R’s narrow frame tubes
allow longer A-arms reduces unwanted camber changes.
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The shorter A-arms of a dual tube
frame canott control camber as well as the KFX450R.
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A Renthal FAT-BAR is standard equipment.
Tapered, the Renthal bar offers both strength and
light weight.
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The handlebar mount, positioned
high enough to use the Renthal bar, can easily accommodate
other MX handlebars, enabling riders to select from
among numerous after-market parts according to personal
preference.
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A balance of looks and strength,
the cast aluminum swingarm is comprised almost entirely
of stress-dispersing curved lines and rounded edges.
The swingarm’s high torsional rigidity contributes
to excellent rear wheel traction and road holding.
Wall thickness is different for each surface, resulting
in a design that is both light and strong.
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Reservoir rear shock offers dual
compression adjustability (high-speed and low-speed
damping can be tuned separately) as well as rebound
damping adjustability. Taking into account the chassis’
low centre of gravity, rear suspension settings
offer superb road holding and traction. (Photo 5)
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The rear axle is tapered for reduced
unsprung weight.
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Specially designed aluminum rear
wheels feature rims with reinforcing plates. Located
on the inner (axle) side of the rims, these plates
reinforce the rims where strength is most needed
(for landing jumps, etc) while minimizing weight.
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The KFX450R features a petal brake
at the rear. In addition to helping reduce unsprung
weight, the wave shapes of the petal disc helps
clean the brake pads for more efficient braking
performance.
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The parking brake, which activates
the rear brake, was designed to be easily engaged
and released even while still wearing gloves. When
engaged, the parking brake lever prevents the clutch
lever from being actuated.
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Front 163 mm drilled disc brakes
with twin piston calipers provide hard stopping
power.
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In the event of getting stuck, the
front bumper, wide enough to be gripped with two
hands, provides a handy spot to push and/or pull
the ATV.
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Two-piece construction of the front
and rear lapped fenders means they can be replaced
separately in the event they are damaged.
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Tire tread patterns were specifically
selected to offer high traction for acceleration
as well as excellent control characteristics when
sliding the wheels while cornering.
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The front headlight assemblies can
easily be removed to reduce weight when racing in
MX-style (GNC) events.
