2022 Kawasaki KX450SR First Ride Impressions: Power + KYB!!
Рет қаралды 27,818
2 жыл бұрынGot a chance to spin some laps at Grear MX today on a brand new 2022 Kawasaki KX450SR (thanks to my buddy Cory who bought the SR!). It was about 50F and sunny, a nice ride day for early December in Ohio. I am 6' 2" tall and 190 lbs and a slow Vet rider and usually ride a KTM 450SXF and also have spun laps on a '21 KX450X. Both Cory (the owner of this SR) and I felt the engine stood out with strong power everywhere that was easy to use (smooth) with excellent throttle to rear wheel connectivity. The engine braking was low, especially for a new 450 engine. Vibration at the handlebar felt minimal - perhaps the special bar mounts on the X-Trig clamps reduce vibration. The combination of hand worked head, full Pro Circuit exhaust, and special EFI mapping combine to make for a very fun engine - responsive yet controlled.
Next up was the KYB suspension - mostly the forks. The friction free feel of the works style suspension is noticeable in the first 15 feet of riding: supple at the top of the stroke even on brand new forks and shock. The friction reducing coatings work. The setting feels firm and well controlled with minimal chassis pitch under braking or acceleration yet still felt plush and planted on the hard pack track. Front end traction was good.
Great to see Kawasaki offering a KX450 "SR" model with significant engine and chassis upgrades that noticeably improve the feel of an already shootout winning 450 motocrosser...Let the Good Times Roll!
Here is my review of the 22 KX450SR focusing on the engine.... • 2022 Kawasaki KX450SR ...
I recently got to ride this bike again...the KYB suspension is still amazing and the engine makes a lot of power...
• 2022 Kawasaki KX450SR ...
@dillonjewison596 2 жыл бұрын
So this guy isn’t some big shot fast guy but he has what we want and his view is great and honest thanks and keep going 👌🇺🇸
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@baby-sharkgto4902 2 жыл бұрын
All the new bikes are great. We owe it all to KTM for forcing the Japanese manufacturers to up their game..... a lot.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
My KTM 450SXF had e-start (no kicker) and hydraulic clutch back in 2007!
@baby-sharkgto4902 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 exactly
@danialdunson 2 жыл бұрын
I think your the first review I’ve found thank you!
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Yes I was fortunate that my buddy Cory picked up this bike and let me ride it for a bit. The engine/pipe/mapping really along with the trick KYB suspension really change the character of the KX450 compared to the stock version. Cool that Kawasaki is not offering a special KR version of the KX450.
@ashvlogz_8049 2 жыл бұрын
I absolutely love this review.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@tylerambs2599 2 жыл бұрын
I rode mine for the first time today after doing a break in cycle on the stand. My first impression compared to a 21 crf450we and fc450re 20.5, the suspension out of the box feels firmer but not in bad way where I’m getting lots of feedback. The power feels strong but smooth. I like how I can turn in with the front and bring the rear around with the power of the motor. The engine has the most free feeling out of the bikes to me. The rear brake leaver might be a bit high but I’ll look into that at a later point. The Kx has an amazing feel for my riding style, I can’t wait to get the suspension broken in and really rip it around the track.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Great you got to ride your new SR! Yes both my buddy Cory and I felt the suspension setting was firm and really felt like it controlled the movement of the chassis but not harsh. Cory over jumped and flat landed and it simply absorbed the landing with no drama (he was very surprised). We both felt the engine had a very free feel with less than expected engine braking considering it was a brand new 450F engine. I am anxious to ride the SR more especially as the engine and suspension get some time on them. Enjoy your new ride!
@tylerambs2599 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 Will do, I’ve enjoyed it myself and can’t wait to see what others have to say about it in comparison to stock and other special edition bikes. I look forward to future videos on Cory’s bike and your next impressions of the bike.
@KX_Racer57 2 жыл бұрын
I would love to have that bike. Literally one of the best looking bikes I’ve ever seen besides the actual pro factory bike
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
It is very cool that Kawasaki (and other OEM's) offer these special edition models. The KX450SR is a very fun bike!
@KX_Racer57 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 I bet dude. I have a 2022 KX250 and I love it. Have fun with that bike and stay safe
@elprincipevegeta860 2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful bike mate
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Rides better than it looks...that KYB suspension is really really good!
@rudysavelli483 2 жыл бұрын
Sweet it's about time Kawasaki got into the game can't wait to see it in a shootout against the other Factory additions this bike you can ride it and make believe you're Eli Tomac congratulations Kawasaki looks like you did the right thing
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Cool that Kawasaki made this SR model....wonder if they will add a KX250SR soon?
@Thom1883 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 I just bought a 22 KX250F and have about 5 hours on it now. It’s an incredibly powerful machine for a modern 250f and while in stock form. I couldn’t imagine what a KX250SR would be like.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
@@Thom1883 Enjoy that 22 KX250F!
@marcelklam5851 2 жыл бұрын
nice video nice bike 🔥🔥💪💪
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! The bike is FANTASTIC!!!
@hondaman3317 2 жыл бұрын
I bought a 21 kx450, your description of that one is the same experience I have with mine. Just a super sweet handling easy to ride fast bike. I’m curious to see back to back comparisons with the Showa fork model.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
If the weather holds out Cory and I hope to get his KX450X and the KX450SR out to Grear MX for some back to back rides
@NickW90 2 жыл бұрын
Sick
@rickeddins302 2 жыл бұрын
Xtrig clamps have stock offset 23.5mm or flip around and it runs 21mm offset
@pipefitterdirtbikerider3013 2 жыл бұрын
Nice bike
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks ✌️
@chrissmith7742 2 жыл бұрын
Kyb been on Kx long time and for the price of 15 plus I rode 22 kx and I have 21 yz 450 yz still more power over all and for 4000 grand cheaper too it all on ur choice of bike
@DanJ259 2 жыл бұрын
Definitely want one lol
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Very fun bike - engine is amazing and so is the KYB suspension
@sigsauer8386 2 жыл бұрын
Kawa il topppp 450😎😎😎
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
So cool Kawasaki built the SR model KX450!
@MOTOSYMOTOCICLTETAS 2 жыл бұрын
very good video. How does the weight of the bike feel compared to your ktm450 that has a cone valve? What differences do you feel in handling and suspension? and the extra weight of the kx450. Kind regards from Guadalajara Mexico.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I find riding the KTM/Husky 450's back to back with the KX450 the extra weight is noticeable on the KX but not an issue. The KYB suspension combined with the stronger/smoother engine mapping are noticeable performance improvements on the KX-SR and front end traction/feel is improved too.
@MOTOSYMOTOCICLTETAS 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 thank you for your answer.
@billysuh1407 2 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed your video. I have a SR on order. Waiting patiently on the east coast. Do you know what spring rate the KX 450sr comes with?
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
I assume the SR has the same spring rates as the standard KX450 (54 N/mm rear shock spring and 0.50N/mm fork springs)
@rwentz1064 Жыл бұрын
im buying this bike just for the suspension. i like the ported head and that it comes with the triple clamps and exhaust, I feel like its really worth the extra money over the regular kx450f
@mxengineer1 Жыл бұрын
I agree - these special edition bikes are well equipped. The engine on this bike is amazing - so powerful and responsive and still controllable. The KYB suspension is very good too! Enjoy your KX450SR!
@rwentz1064 Жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 thank you! I will enjoy it. And thank you for making great review views, keep it up, I'll still be watching
@mxengineer1 Жыл бұрын
@@rwentz1064 Thank you! Glad you enjoy the channel!
@bretmorgan9367 2 жыл бұрын
killer
@evans4119 2 жыл бұрын
What does the shock feel like ? Is it coated and a bigger shaft ??
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Shock felt planted and connected under acceleration and little kick or chassis pitch. I did not measure the shock shaft but it did not appear to have the DLC like hard coating on the shock shaft but my guess is Kashima coating inside the damper
@kurtgranlund496 2 жыл бұрын
Team Green
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Kawasaki Let's the Good Times Roll!
@dillonjewison596 2 жыл бұрын
I came from Cheyenne Wyoming all the way to Pensacola everyone of theses sr are sold found one in Pensacola pick it up sat where is a good place to ride around here ?
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on your new KX450SR! Looks like MX 191 and Milton MX are near Pensacola area. I am sure the shop where you are getting the SR will have some good recommendations for tracks to ride. Enjoy the SR!
@bikelifewithalex120 Жыл бұрын
Nice Bike! if you knew where to look for the coupler you definitely would have known that the green is stock. common sense for riders and tech in 2022.
@mxengineer1 Жыл бұрын
I rode this bike with the stock coupler and the aggressive coupler. The aggressive coupler was too responsive for me. Got to ride this bike again the other week. Such a fun engine and KYB suspension works so well... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z7Waaa-eu-DSf4E.html
@tylerambs2599 2 жыл бұрын
I picked up mine a week ago and can’t wait to throw a leg over it riding my dads WE and personally spending a lot of time on fc450re has me wondering how it will feel with extra weight and how turn in response will be
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Let me know! I find riding the KTM/Husky 450's back to back with the KX450 the extra weight is noticeable on the KX but not an issue. The KYB suspension combined with the stronger/smoother engine mapping on the KX-SR should make you smile!
@tylerambs2599 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 I certainly will, but a Being a state north it will be sled season before I get a chance to get back on the bike, love the content hopefully get a back to back of the Sr and other 450’s in the future.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
@@tylerambs2599 So many cool snowmobiles available today - enjoy the snow!
@evans4119 2 жыл бұрын
Hey do you know anything about the 22 1/2 rockstar ed 450?? Thanks
@tylerambs2599 2 жыл бұрын
@@evans4119 I don’t I didn’t say it was 22.5 the WE is a 21 and my fc450re is 20.5 I did get the map adjuster tool, and personally I like the most response and least amount of engine breaking because of the softer soil I ride in.
@kylecorbett 2 жыл бұрын
I gotta ask you as a fellow Ohio dirt bike youtuber myself... I struggle with my go pro footage getting condensed when I upload it to youtube. I have the newest go pro's and it doesn't seem to matter what I do whenever I upload go pro footage the quality just looks terrible. Your's looks great which I why I am asking! Subscribed, thanks for the content!
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
I simply use the footage directly from my GoPro micro chip...I do no editing. It seems to upload at 1080P but can go to 1440....glad to hear it looks OK! I will say the raw files directly from GoPro micro chip always looks better on my macbook pro retina screen.
@kylecorbett 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 Great, thank you for the tip! I appreciate that! I notice we have some similar bikes... I have a 2000 cr500 and a 2022 crf250r! You should check my channel out and maybe we could meet up at one of the tracks sometime... seems like we are located around the same area!
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
@@kylecorbett I want to ride that clean CR500! I regularly ride RT62M, Briarcliff MX, Grear MX, and sometimes East Fork. 22 CRF250R is a very fun bike...Ride Red!
@kylecorbett 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 Awesome! Lets do it, East fork is doing full preps this Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be there both days with the 500, the crf250 and probably some other bikes!
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
@@kylecorbett That might work out!
@williamgoske1178 2 жыл бұрын
Crf wE or. That kawy if you had to pick 1? Hows engines which is stronger?
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
CRF450WE power eels stronger but harder to control while the KX450SR is powerful yet feels smoother. I prefer the KX450SR KYB suspension which combined with the frame gives a more compliant overall feel. For me the SR is easier and more comfortable for a slow Vet like me to ride.
@williamgoske1178 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 good info .thanks.
@williamgoske1178 2 жыл бұрын
Better than crf we? Or yzf 450? Since you had time on them .now
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Really comes down to what characteristics you like the most. They CRF450WE is very powerful with a strong mid range and what I would call a reactive chassis - quick response to any inputs. Makes the bike feel lighter and more agile in motion yet can be a bit busy at speed (especially as the track dries up and gets more choppy and hard pack). The CRF suspension can be problematic for some riders (like me!) and is hard to dial in stock so plan on a re-valve. The KX450SR also has a strong motor and I found the aggressive coupler to hard to control on the hard pack (especially with no traction control). The KYB suspension has a welll damped yet plush overall feel and the KX chassis is more planted at speed yet still turns well (though not as sharp as a CRF WE). The YZ450F has a very tunable motor (with the phone app) and amazing stock suspension that can be tuned for such a wide range of rider weights/skills. The YZ is the heaviest on the scales and feels the heaviest on track and feels the most stable at speeds yet you never forget you are riding a 450F in the corners. Pick what bike appeals the most to you!
@williamgoske1178 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 good info as always. Thanks.
@dogteen21dogteen65 2 жыл бұрын
Im stuck between a yz or kx 450 I heard those kx motors can take a beating
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
The KX offers thinner ergonomics and "feels" lighter in motion with a responsive engine. The YZ has an engine that can be tuned to your desires with a free phone app and the best off the showroom suspension. Nice to have choices!;)
@LolliWANG505 2 жыл бұрын
Get a Honda. It's the best of both worlds
@adamrochester1 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 I just sold my yzf 450 21 model I couldn’t get comfy was going to get a ktm 450 or kx not sure now :/ I’m 6,1 and 110kg so I’ll have to get suspension regardless etc
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
@@adamrochester1 The KTM 450 is lightweight and with very smooth and controllable power (some say too smooth). The KX450 feels heavier (it is) and has a much more responsive motor (initially) which can give it a more agile and responsive feel. The KTM has some nicer components (Brembo brakes, Twin Air, biller clutch basket, etc) while the KX MSRP is lower. Nice to have choices!
@adamrochester1 2 жыл бұрын
@@mxengineer1 yeh I don’t need lots of power just like to hit some jumps on the track come off - do wheelies - ride in the Bush with out my arms falling off haha so maybe ktm is way to go - thanks mate is it worth waiting for the 23 model to come out ? I’m in Australia ! :/
@Superdisco199 2 жыл бұрын
Have you ever watched the youtube channel SmartWatch Ticks ? I can't pick the difference between your voices lol :-D
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
Ha! I never heard of it but I'll check it out though I don't wear a smart watch;)
@sebastiaofernandes7560 2 жыл бұрын
Não entendi nada do que você falou amigo mais acredito que esteja elogiando a moto Brasil 🇧🇷
@marcusbarnes5929 2 жыл бұрын
It's just a shame the muffle sits waaaayyyyy out the back.
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
The stock muffler sits even farther out towards the back
@kingken5395 Жыл бұрын
It better be easy to control the thing is like 14000
@mxengineer1 Жыл бұрын
Yes these special edition models from all the OEM's are expensive (I believe the KX450SR MSRP is about $100 more than the Honda CRF450 Works Edition). I recently rode this bike again and it reminded me just how good the KYB suspension worked and it still makes a lot of power... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z7Waaa-eu-DSf4E.html
@riharddanielsson207 2 жыл бұрын
A kit sus ?
@mxengineer1 2 жыл бұрын
The KYB suspension that comes on the KX450SR seems to have some special coatings on the external and internal parts but I am not sure it is the same as a full on KYB A-kit suspension. I will say the SR KYB suspension felt amazing right out of the box with a friction free supple feel on the little chop and excellent big input bump absorption.
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