2016 Kawasaki KX450F - FULL TEST!

Basically, the motor has been set-up to give strong but smooth power output, especially in the bottom to mid-range to give riders maximum useable performance without it tiring you out or flying out of your hands.

And you still get to play with Kawasaki's industry leading choice of three plug-in DFI couplers, which offer three factory derived maps with ‘Standard', ‘Hard' and ‘Soft' options to suit different tracks and conditions.

You also get that other Kawasaki first, electronic launch control at the press of a button that gives you maximum traction in bottom and second gear off the start line before it automatically reverts to standard setting. This Kawa does everything apart from ride itself...

Moving on, the exhaust features a new header pipe, with built-in resonator to boost throttle response while a new high-flow airbox – sitting under that new seat – sports twin rear intakes for clean air and it also reduces induction roar. The suspension is state of the art Showa – both front and rear – and both ends offer a massive range of adjustment. Up front is a pair of triple chamber SFF AirTAC forks with the air pressure providing the springing medium. There is all encompassing adjustment and luckily Kawasaki tell you exactly how to go about setting-up all this high-tech kit.

The Uni-Trak rear end is also 

Showa-controlled and again is multi-adjustable to suit rider weight, track conditions, rider preferences etc.

Topping the whole show off are aggressive-looking but super-smooth plastics and aseat that make for swift, smooth, snag-free sliding around on the bike whether you are slinging it into a corner, powering out again, flying a double or battering stutter bumps into submission.

Kawasaki means business with this baby all right – Team Green is right in the game.

With one of the Premier class heavyweights – in terms of performance and popularity – the KTM 450 already having had a good thrashing around the fabulous Maggiora parc, it was back to Italy to this famous and fabulous track for the launch of the eagerly awaited 2016 Kawasaki KX450F.

The good thing about doing back-to-back tests at the same circuit is obviously that I can assess both machines on a fairly level playing field.

The bad thing is the long trek back down to Heathrow from Doncaster, then having to ride in 40 degrees heat, then... hang on, am I complaining? Sorry, there really is no bad thing.

The main talking point at every MX1 test launch this year is centred around the weight of the bikes, especially after KTM dropped its bombshell just a couple of months ago, that their MX1 steed came in at a staggering 100kg.

This was a real game-changer so when we were told in Maggiora that the all new Kawasaki 450F measured in at an incredible 101kg, having shed a mighty SEVEN pounds, I can tell you that it raised more eyebrows than Roger Moore's latest facelift.

So, no surprise then that the first thing I noticed when throwing my leg over the new Kawa for the first time was how light the bike felt when lifting it off the paddock stand. As I mentioned, it is nearly seven-pounds lighter than last year's model.

The next thing that stood out was how narrow the all new chassis felt. Yes, it still features the same twin spar aluminium construction but the Green Meanie has been given a full redesign.

The result is, the Kwacker was gone from being one of the fattest bikes on the market to what is probably the thinnest! This model feels narrow and lithe between your legs, but not so narrow that it becomes hard to hold onto with your knees.

Matching this new feeling the new bodywork is amazing, providing a smooth surface to manoeuvre on, and nothing snags your knees or boots.

Ergonomically the bike still has its familiar roomy feel, and that was with the handlebar clamps and footpeg mounts in their standard positions... it is possible to stretch things out even further for taller riders. Bear in mind also that however good a bike is in stock form, most riders will personalise their new pride and joy with their favourite handlebar bends, triple clamps and footpegs.

Out on track, the bike's new and welcome light feel translates into really responsive handling. The Kawasaki is a breeze to flick around and it leans into corners very easily. I found the weight bias neutral and it was really well-balanced. Being peak summer the Maggiora track was very dry and hard-packed yet the front end enjoyed plenty of traction and feel in the corners, giving you the confidence to push is a little harder.

Without settling the sag at the rear or air pressure in the forks, the bike was impressive as supplied for test (we were sharing with other European testers) and it is definitely an improvement on last year's model.

The Showa FFS front forks in standard setting coped with everything the track offered, especially going into a tight corner fast, the bike didn't want to crawl out of the berm at any point, which gave you (me) the ability to get on the throttle sooner.

The rear shock also inspired confidence and tracked straight and predictably under acceleration.

Power-wise, I can quite definitely state that the Kawasaki KX450F is fast...

Of course, all 450F MXers are fast and very powerful but thankfully the 2016 450F hasn't got that BOSH arm-jerking hit down low.

Kawasaki's goal for the new engine was to produce a ‘rider friendly' power band with great roll on low end leading seamlessly into very strong mid-range.

In short, they succeeded. Though the bike doesn't have a massive hit right off the bottom, it does produce a whole lot of usable power down low and in the middle on the rev range.

I used the black (Smooth) ignition coupler on the bike for most of the day, which best suited the slick, hard pack conditions. Could be different on a heavy, wet, British sand track though.

To jump on a straight from the crate bike and feel comfortable on it instantly is a credit to Kawasaki. Yes, it's super powerful but it's a controlled power and it isn't wanting to get away from you every second, even with the fast coupling you still get to ride the bike in control, yet again giving you the confidence to push yourself and the bike as much as you dare.

As you expect these days, the controls are smooth as silk, the clutch does its thing without you even thinking and the brakes have both good feel and mega stopping power. If you have to think about riding a brand new bike in 2016 then frankly there is something wrong with it.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this Kawasaki.

Overall, despite trying very hard to find fault, I can't say anything negative about this Kawasaki 450F which matches the KTM with its game-changing weight loss. It's fast, it's easy to ride, it's light and it's Japanese! You do the maths...