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2009 Kawasaki KLX450R Race Test Photo Gallery

Generally speaking, today’s serious off-road racers are in a trend of converting the hard-hitting, aggressive motocross bikes rather than shedding weight and spicing up enduro machines.

Kawasaki's KLX450R pulls double duty for our testers as a weekend trail rider and racer. Find out the results in our 2009 Kawasaki KLX450R Race Test.

Kawasaki is not making a 2010 version of the KLX450R, so our bike was a 2009 model.

A set of Acerbis Uniko Vented Handguards helped ward off the thriving poison oak.

The Kawasaki KLX450R is a solid dirt bike, but is it a capable race-winner?

The Dubach Racing exhaust has a spark arrestor insert for legal off-road use.

What we lacked in gearing, the DRD exhaust header helped make up for with better engine performance and top-end.

A Dunlop MX51 rear tire helped grab traction.

A day of testing and photos proved that the KLX is a comfortable ride.

Our 37-year-old tester is a revver, and the KLX is a lugger, but they came to terms for a near win.

Hollister SVRA has plenty of riding options. We play rode on Friday and raced on Saturday.

The Kawi proved that it can be raced with success at the amateur level, but it's still a great trail bike without any modification.

Hollister Hills SVRA has two main riding areas – the upper and lower ranches – separated by a few miles of highway.

Even the single track available at the testing grounds were fairly wide and our riding speeds were much higher than what they were during the race.

Considering the 18.7-mph average speed, we might have been able to get by without stopping for fuel, but with only 2.1 gallons it would have been pushing our luck.

Trial and error on a nearby vet motocross track really helped showcase the shock changes.

Kawasaki brought out the race truck to support us. Thanks, guys!

The nearby gunshot didn't help the start any, and once we were underway we had our work cut out for us against the Vet B class.

Our start couldn't have been much worse - try 144 out of 145!

The KLX did not shine on the small portion of motocross track.

Changing the stock 5.0 N/mm shock spring for a heavier 5.4 N/mm was the best modification we made for this project.

If we had been able to make the same amount of improvements on the front suspension as the rear it would have been much better.

With more feel for the front end, the Kawasaki was easier to point where needed and the overall turning ability was quicker. Fortunately, it still retains its stability.

Trail riding is where the Kawasaki KLX450R really excels, but we proved it can be a weekend racer as well.

Handling is one of the most difficult areas to sort out the KLX.