Getting a 08 KX450F and have some questions

[BLR STS]

Hey guys, im trading my 450 quad for a 08 kx450f. Nothings really done to it so its pretty much stock except for graphix. I've ridden bikes before (brother has 125) and my buddy has a 05 yz450f. His 450 seems snappy and unpredicitable so i didnt know if this kawi will be like that or what to expect. I've heard that the bike feels big and im only 5'9" so im somewhat lost on what to expect from the big because i've never been around kawi's. Any problems i should look out for? Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Chili]

Frequent regular maintenance is your friend on any racing 4 stroke. Off hand the 08 like most of the recent kawi's eat chain guides and sliders with alarming regularity and if you don't keep an eye on it you can chew up the swingarm. There have been many that have had pistons crack on the KX450f's so I'd consider changing it especially if it's still stock with an unknown amount of hours on it.

 

[_JOE_]

And they are really snappy. They pull like a freight train from idle on up. Not a good bike for a novice woods rider. Great bike for a weekend warrior mx'er or anyone above that.

 

[BLR STS]

I'm going to be riding tracks and the trails I ride on are wide open so that's not to much of a issue. The guy just had the motor opened up and checked and everything wa okay'ed so I guess my main thing I have to watch for is the chain sliders

 

[IndyMX]

Seriously, check the gas and change the slider.. my 450 eats them like crazy.

 

[BLR STS]

What causes them to eat the sliders?

 

[_JOE_]

The sliders are plastic. Mine are getting pretty grooved on the crf. Pretty much all bikes eat them, just some are more prone to swingarm damage if neglected.

 

[BLR STS]

So pretty much try and tame the beast until I can get used to it and watched the sliders haha

 

[_JOE_]

That's right. Keep the oil and air filter clean and try to keep the rubber side down.

 

[BLR STS]

Haha will do..can't wait!

 

[dirtbikerida63]

i got a 09 kx450 a few months ago after being on a yz125 for a few years. its pretty easy to ride and is definetly snappy. i'm 5'11" and 190 pounds and its great for me. and definetly watch the sliders. my chain ate through it after my first few rides

 

[FruDaddy]

09 KX450F, 5'8, bike feels a little bigger that the old 250 smoker, but I like a wider bike. Front end has always been a bit harsh, but the bike is far from unpredictable. When I twist the throttle, it pulls...HARD, but there is no violent hit in the band. I can lug it out of turns in third, or rip it out in second depending the length of the straight and my desire to shift. About to change the stock slider (plus the chain and sprockets) @ 37 hours.