The 2014 KX450F’s powerband overshadows every other attribute of the green machine. It doesn’t make the most power, just the best power. The 2014 Kawasaki KX450F is all about the way the power is delivered. Kawasaki’s engineers found a way to make a bike that is fast without being scary fast. It has the right amount of power for every situation—not piddling power, but lusty and aggressive thrust. What about the rest of the overall package? Apart from the phenomenal engine, the rest of the KX450F is just average. It is a big bike with quirky handling, weak brakes, an obnoxiously loud muffler, an iffy clutch and confused ergos. HORSEPOWER? 55.05 horsepower at 9000 rpm. DOWNSIDES? The 2014 KX450F would be so much better if it were lower, lighter and sleeker. If we could change anything on the 2014 Kawasaki KX450F, it would be the overall bulk of the machine. The KX450F engine carries the day for the KX450F, because the rest of the package is midpack. The Kawasaki has managed to win shootouts despite having weak brakes, a marginal clutch, stodgy upright handling, obnoxious sound and a famously weak chain guide. But, since most Japanese bikes have subpar brakes and clutches (when compared to the KTM), the penalty for being mediocre isn’t as severe as it would be if the RM-Z, CRF or YZ-F were stellar. THE WORD? In truth, we are blinded by the light. And, the light that shines from the 2014 KX450F is its brilliant powerband. The KX450F has a phenomenal race engine. It oozes power in the perfect proportions for each situation. Our myopia allows us to overlook the averageness of the rest of the package.
FIRST PLACE:
KAWASAKI
KX450F
