Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
2022 Kawasaki KLX450RImage Source: Kawasaki India

Motocross or dirt bike is a popular segment globally. However, in India, it is still at a growing phase and is expected to take a lot of time to attract new customers. Earlier, Kawasaki introduced the updated KX250 and KX450 here. Based on the response received, the brand has finally decided to launch their hardcore off-road centric dirt bike named Kawasaki KLX450R with a price tag starting at Rs. 8.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Kawasaki has launched the all-new KLX450R in India.
  • It is powered by a 56.4BHP 449cc single-cylinder unit.
  • Deliveries of the same new bike will start by January 22.

Kawasaki KLX450R

Since this one is a proper off-roader, Kawasaki has equipped it with a 48mm USD telescopic fork up front and a Uni Trak unit at the back. Surprisingly, the first one is available with 305mm travel. Meanwhile, it is the latter one that comes with a slightly better 315mm travel. The ground clearance of the all-new KLX450R is 315mm which is adequate enough to clear almost all kinds of terrain.

For enough braking power, gets 250mm (front) and 240mm (rear) discs on either end.

Unlike the older models that were less powerful, this new one comes with a potent power unit. At the heart, it gets a 449cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with overall output rated at 56.4HP @ 8000 RPM and 50Nm @ 7500 RPM. Interestingly, transmission duties for this setup are managed by a 5-speed gearbox that has been reworked to offer enhanced torque.

Last but not least, Kawasaki KLX450R has also packed some crucial features such as an LED taillamp and a fully digital rider’s display on the updated KLX450R. To be precise, the latter one is available with all the information related to the bike, including time. Kawasaki even ensured that the Japanese brand will start delivering the new KLX450R to the respective owners by January end.

Alternatives

Globally, the all-new Kawasaki KLX450R will compete against some well-known dirt bikes such as Honda CRF450R and KTM 500 EXC-F. Want to learn more about the CRF450R? Let’s check out all the details related to it down below.

Honda CRF450R

Honda CRF450R
Image Source: Honda Powersport

Honda has won several dirt bike championships while using the same underpinnings of the CRF450R. Now, the brand wants everyone else to experience the same award-winning formula and therefore, this product has finally been retailed at most of the markets except India. Honda could introduce it later but right now, it is not available for the Indian market. At the heart, this bike uses a 449cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that propels enough power to tackle almost every kind of terrain. For suspension duties, Honda has equipped the CRF450R with a 49mm USD fork which can be adjusted for both compression and rebound. The rear one is a Pro-link Showa monoshock unit with a massive ground clearance of 335mm. To stop this powerful dirt bike, the brand has even deployed disc brakes on either end.

By Harsh Rana

Full-time management student and a part-time automobile enthusiast. Not much happy about EVs taking over the V8, V10 and V12 motors.

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