READ OUR DETAILED REVIEW OF THE 2022 KAWASAKI KX450: www.swapmotolive.com/450-sml-...
The Kawasaki returns with zero changes for 2022, but it drew rave reviews from testers and remained atop the field as the shootout winner.
The most significant and impactful change for the KX last year was the clutch assembly, complete with beefier clutch plates, different fiber plate groove patterns for better oil flow, and a single coned-disc spring that provided positive engagement with less slip.
While the coned-disc spring would typically yield a firmer feel at the clutch lever, the Kawasaki’s hydraulic clutch assembly overcomes the stronger spring and maintains buttery smooth action at the bars. By eliminating unwanted clutch slip as the throttle is rolled on, the new system gives the KX450 a beefier low-end response, and all testers praised this boost. This improvement in bottom-end power rounds out the KX450’s powerband, which is solid and smooth throughout the rpm range. There are no holes in the Kawasaki’s power delivery.
The Showa suspension drew mixed reviews from our testers, as some felt it was ideally balanced and controlled, but others thought that the fork was too soft and under sprung. Despite this, the green bike drew praise for its excellent handling characteristics, particularly cornering and stability. Though the Kawasaki has a long, plated feel, it corners quite well with great front-end traction, lays over in corners easily, and remains predictable throughout with no surprises. At speed, the bike is super stable and remains balanced under braking in the roughest of chop, and it flies well and responds instantly to mid-air body English corrections.
The biggest shortcoming of the KX450? Three different map settings are available, but they must be accessed by switching ignition couplers. Thankfully, the bike’s powerband is so good that choosing between the three is easy and there should never be a need to change them. Still, a phone app or handlebar-mounted button would make the green machine even harder to beat in ’23. Are you listening, Kawasaki?
Негізгі бет 450 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2022 Kawasaki KX450
Пікірлер: 8