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2011 Kawasaki KFX450R Comparison Photo Gallery

Kawasaki has left its KFX450R well enough alone but it continues to hold the favor of many sport ATV riders for one important reason – reverse.

Take a look at the 2011 Kawasaki KFX450R Comparison photo gallery to see this sport quad in action.

Kawasaki uses clean features like compact headlights and
reinforced rim plates to add value to a well-roundad package.

Our testers were happy with the performance of the rear end with its aluminum swingarm and 10 inches of travel.

The KFX runs great and comes to life easily with its electric start.

Both front components are piggyback units with high/low compression, rebound and preload adjustment.

Our riders also liked the Kawasaki’s headlights better, not necessarily because they shine brighter, but because they proved more durable and are tucked away more effectively to shield from abuse.

The five-speed transmission places reverse below first gear, so the rider actuates with a reverse-lock release lever and then taps down into reverse.

The aluminum chassis is designed to be very stiff and makes use of a similar single-tube lower design as the Yamaha which allows for longer lower A-arms.

In order to absorb the larger impacts blowing through the stroke and bottoming, we have to run the shocks fairly stiff, and the compliance on small trail garbage is not comfortable.

In the dunes and on fast sections it equates to a tendency to oversteer, but switchbacks and situations that require instant corrections favor the green quad.

The punchy, tractable engine and lighter weight (392 lbs. claimed wet) helps give the sensation of closer-set wheels.

The Renthal Fatbar handlebars are closer to the rider’s lap and create more of a hunched position when standing.

Short-shifting works best and the green ATV as an easy clutch pull. It makes for easy launches and works well for less experienced riders.

The Kawi employs a 42mm Keihin throttle body for its digital fuel injection (DFI) system.

Most of our testers wished for more space and noted that the fenders create stopping points for moving around the cockpit.

All of the riders agreed that the YFZ is still a valuable ride off the track, and the Kawi impresses with its easy, hard-working nature.