Klx 450

**bill** · 18th August 2011, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by rexnong

I have been told earlier Today(not from the gypsy's/man in the pub/) that there is a very good chance of this in 2012 being sold after JUNE 2012 which sounds great to me but then again it's all about IF AND HOW MUCH , must admit I always stayed clear of kawasakis After a few zxr engine rebuilds from the past and then when I had the choice of Suzuki/Honda in the Uk which I found much more reliable and by far better build quality and stronger engines but hey what can you do and my Klx is still going so I am happy!!!!
Why not let's take a vote if the Klx 450 will be available in 2012
I say YES.. about 260,000 baht+ and 41bhp restricted with a usual ECU to de-restrict ?

,

Looks like they're not sold in the US anymore, just old stock 2009 models for around $7.5k
http://www.cycletrader.com/Kawasaki|...sort=year:desc

Conversely, Australia has 2012 models for AUD $11300. However Oz is ridiculously expensive, even the KLX250's are $7k+
http://www.bikesales.com.au/all-bike...ywords=&Nne=15

Your Bt260k guess sounds about right, ie, around US$8-8.5k

**Ian Bungy** · 18th August 2011, 08:55 AM

Thanks for that Bill, You can Clearly see in the Australian Link You posted that the Bike is Fully Road Legal and has all the Kit required so leaves some encouraging prospects! Thanks!!! Now Fingers Crossed!

**Maha** · 28th August 2011, 01:32 PM

Attached is what the 2009 KLX450R owners manual says about the service intervals. Quite often, but if Kawa Thailand would support this in every shop with reasonable prices, maybe less of a problem.

Does anyone know how much one can stretch the below piston replacement km numbers in "hobby" use as I assume those service intervals in the owners manual are for race use? Three times more = 4500km?

**Ian Bungy** · 29th August 2011, 09:16 AM

If the KLX450 is sold here it will have to be a Totally New Version somewhat De-Tuned compared to the "R" Full Enduro Race Version You have posted the Service Schedule to? Replacing the Piston every 1500kms is beyond Absurd!!! Hell Even Changing the Oil that often is ridiculous if Someone wants to Use the Bike for any sort of Trip!!! It would make the Bike Unusable for any form of Normal Use? The New one if Road Legal would have to have service intervals more like the 250 Versions and Reliability to match?

**Maha** · 29th August 2011, 10:28 AM

If they sell the KLX450 here, I certainly hope the service intervals are longer as you said. Would be great to have a bike with the frame and suspension of the KLX450R and engine life time of KLX250S. That would probably mean 35hp in stock form and about 40hp when open up (exhaust, airbox and fuel mods). At least for me that would be a great bike!

But looking at the 450 enduros in the market (the four japanese, KTM and BMW), all seem to have very high tuned engines with very short service interval. I saw KTM 450 enduro manual saying 45hours for piston change for race use and 90 hours for hobby use. So I think Kawa would be similar, more km in less abusive use. Just wonder if anyone has real life experience of this?

**bill** · 29th August 2011, 04:09 PM

From what I've read, a hobby rider could get roughly 10,000km out of the piston/rings, and around 5000km inbetween valve jobs.
Lots of variables to consider though.

You will know when the valves are wearing because the clearance will close up as the valve wears and recedes into the valve seat.
The KLX450 has titanium intake valves which wear quicker than the stainless steel exhaust exhaust valves.

Some people replace the titanium intake valves with SS.

Following is a relevant thread, probably loads more out there

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=953254

**Joelthailand** · 1st September 2011, 12:58 PM

wow, the klx450 supermoto would be one hell of a great bike for Thailand. An affordable DRZ400 in mean green with green book! ..........There will be a shed load of secondhand D-Trackers for sale if Kawasaki pull this off, including mine!!! any offers?? lol

**LivinLOS** · 2nd September 2011, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by Ian Bungy

If the KLX450 is sold here it will have to be a Totally New Version somewhat De-Tuned compared to the "R" Full Enduro Race Version You have posted the Service Schedule to? Replacing the Piston every 1500kms is beyond Absurd!!! Hell Even Changing the Oil that often is ridiculous if Someone wants to Use the Bike for any sort of Trip!!! It would make the Bike Unusable for any form of Normal Use? The New one if Road Legal would have to have service intervals more like the 250 Versions and Reliability to match?

Thats what I have been saying all along.. I love the idea of this bike, but this is a high performance machine, with high performance maint schedules, that they have fitted a road kit too.

Unless its service life is far more useable real world, and Kawa have a full support system where they take on the hassle factor, its just not a machine I can use as much as I would want.

**brian_bkk** · 15th September 2011, 09:15 PM

I rang the dealer I bought my KLX from the other day.. He said he had a meeting with Kawa the day before.
They didn't mention the KLX450.. But did say they are manufacturing new models in Thailand and there will be more made in Japan bikes being imported.
Asked him to see if he can find out about the KLX 450 and if true will buy from him..

Cheers
Brian

**nikster** · 19th September 2011, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Joelthailand

wow, the klx450 supermoto would be one hell of a great bike for Thailand. An affordable DRZ400 in mean green with green book! ..........There will be a shed load of secondhand D-Trackers for sale if Kawasaki pull this off, including mine!!! any offers?? lol

In theory. If they get the service intervals down to road-usable numbers...

@Maha - very interesting info, I learn something new every day. 1500 km piston replacement, 1000 km oil change - errrr... maybe not for me

**bartomeer** · 1st November 2011, 06:08 PM

Any update if the KLX 450 will come next year?

**bung** · 4th November 2011, 11:54 AM

I'm currently in the market for a 400cc+ dual sport bike with green book. I can only hope they will introduce this bike but I have my doubts as who will buy it? Farangs. Will Thais buy it? Will they be able to handle it? I doubt it. Most will be struggling with the seat height of a KLX 250. I don't think Kawasaki will market bikes specifically for Farangs here? Only a small% of the market. Or will they? The $1000 question at the moment for me.

Currently my only option is a DRZ 400 with a grey book....I would dearly love to have a 450cc dual sport with legit book and factory support!

Are there any 400cc+ dual sport bikes on the market with legit green books here? What are the costs? I saw a 2009 DRZ 400 with a claimed green book (who knows if it was legit or recycled) for 300k! That is crazy money! Even if it had a proper book!

**nikster** · 4th November 2011, 08:02 PM

Farang market is small but Kawasaki will eventually move most (all) of their bikes here so it's just a matter of time. But if you want a 400 now, the KLX 450 could be years out. Maybe it's coming June 2012. Maybe 2013. Maybe 2014... who knows.