2010 Kawasaki KX450F First Ride Photo Gallery

Motorcycle-USA rides new 2010 Kawasaki KX450F off-road motorcross motorcycle. Read what it is like in our 2010 Kawasaki KX450F First Ride.

One of the biggest differences between the ’09 bike and its replacement is the way it turns over into the corner due in part to new rear shock linkage and frame and swingarm rigidity updates.

The KX450F's engine becomes even more rider friendly for 2010.

Despite the KX450F weighting 250 pounds with a fuel load of fuel, it actually feels quite nimble in the air as demonstrated by pro tester Scott Simon.

The KX450F’s engine pumps out so much power which makes clearing jumps easier.

Oversized footpegs allow the rider to move around more freely.

The Bridgestone 404-series rear tire hooked up well in Pala’s soft dirt.

2010 Kawasaki KX450F

The ’10 KX450F uses a redesigned clutch with more friction material on the fiber plates and a new outer plate that will stand up better to aggressive use.

2010 Kawasaki KX450F

Simon was impressed by how much better the rear end tracked through the corner.

Both the fork and shock spring rates have been increased slightly for 2010, but it was still too soft for our 175-lbs. pro test rider.

The 2010 Kawasaki KX450F prices increases by $500 to $8049.

The main frame’s steering head has been made less stiff in order to provide better rigidity balance.

Our test rider felt that the updated shock linkage was one of the key improvements to the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F.

Both radiators are 10mm thicker and 7.6mm wider and feature a less dense fin layout which will help them from getting damaged from flying dirt.

The header pipe is an inch and a half shorter than the titanium piece it replaces.

Looks can be deceiving. Although it looks the same as this year’s bike (other than the graphics), Kawi engineers modified both the engine and chassis for improved performance around the racetrack.