Back in 2019, Kawasaki updated their rear rotor size from 240mm to 250mm. If you check out my prior video about the 2020 KX450 I talk about switching the rear rotor and carrier back to 2450mm so the brake doesn't lock quite as easily and offers better control into corners. In my opinion it's still something I'd do to the 2021. By example, the factory Kawasaki team and Pro Circuit both swap their machines back to 240mm as well. Expanding on the clutch change, the biggest discernible difference is the distance it takes the clutch to engage from the lever pull. The clutch engages early on the lever pull, and the total pull required to engage the clutch is longer. Making the hydraulic clutch on this model feel much more "cable" like. The prior clutch with a jutter spring was inconsistent when used. Basically, if you had the clutch engage mid corner lightly, while on throttle, you could feel the clutch fluctuate at the lever. Meaning it was changing engagement levels while the lever was held at the same point. The new clutch still does this but to a much lesser degree. Hit me up if you have any further questions!
Michael Lindsay good written explanation! It’s nice to read about someone who knows bikes and can go through nuances without just reading the spec sheet provided by the manufacturer or sounding like a sales pitch.
You have a way explaining the bikes better than anyone else some day I will come down to southern California and watch you race at Glenn Helen two stroke nationals
As others have said, best reviewer around...Last yr's reviews & shootouts were great. Good to hear from you Michael. After a frustrating & unlucky yr to start a Race Team with all that has taken place since your announcement last yr., can you give us fans a video talking about your 1st yr & what the future may look like for you & continuing fwd? We'd love to know all the highlights & lowlights from last yr. JW is still wearing your gear, he misses you. lol. I had to comment on it cuz I just did on his last video & he is the reason I know about & started following you. Anyway, looking fwd to more reviews & please give us an in depth video on above comment/questions. TY!
You're speaking my language Michael Lindsay. I love the details you give on your reviews, as a detail oriented person and having a very technical process to my own bike setup you're basically explaining exactly what I feel on the bike. I have a 19 now and I'm going to upgrade to the 21 as this is still my favorite bike. I love this bike.
Just got a '22. Love the bike. The clutch pack setup seems a bit different. Would love to see you do a video on putting in a new clutch pack. Great review. Thanks!
Got the 2nd 2021 Kx450 in Colorado! Bikes sweet and me being a taller rider, "6'1" i felt very comfortable. Managed to wad the bike up that first ride though! XD
Can’t wait for the 250 reviews even tho the honda hasn’t changed for the 250. Best reviews and the channel i look forward to the most when i see a new bike review. Thanks Michael
Great review! Allways very interesting. Can't wait to have your explanation on the 250 KX 2021. I ride a 450 KX 2020. I am hesitant to change for a 250. I'm intermediate level regional racer in France. The 450 is a lot of fun but more difficult on some shorter tracks. Suspension talking I changed the spring shock to a size down and it's a totally better bike. As the front end is moving very fast and the rear is stiff on stock Form, the bike is really tiring for arms. Just changing the spring of the shock makes it works better and better feel on the fork.
I went with the 5.2 in both forks and added fluid in my 19. Im 6'2 210 pounds and when I would get on the front brake hard it would nose dive super hard(before the changes). The changes helped a ton. Throw a screen less filter and slip on exhaust the bike really wakes up. This is my favorite bike I've ever owned and i cant see myself switching anytime soon. I really wanna try a 21 honda to see if its any better than the kawi if not ill grab a 21 since my 19 is getting some hours on it now.
Great info, don't forget to plug your sponsors , that's not at all disruptive imv, plus you forgot to put an add at the end. Adds at the front and at the end, I'm sure others will let them run as I do. Also , talk up your sponsors......
Hey ML, I just bought a new 2020 KX450, what are some of the first things you suggest I do? I have heard the chain and chain guide are junk....I'm an intermediate level rider, 5'11"200 lbs. Thanks in advance for any tips!
5.2 spring in one or both forks with fluid added, slip on exhaust with a screenless air filter, I changed the chain and sprockets to after market but kept the same gearing(ive heard kawi chains and sprockets are awful). That's what I did to mine and I weigh 210, it helped a ton with the suspension and the bike breathes so much better. These bikes titter totter badly especially when you are on the heavier side. The reason I would keep the stock header is because the linear power curve and makes riding easier.(you lose the progressive power feeling when you change to fmf or pro circuit header). Hope this helps!!
@@buddywilson104 I went with both because sometimes I get to 215 pounds. If you stay around 200 you could probably do one spring some fluid and be good to go!
Hey Michael. I`m looking for the WCL 19` kx450 with Med hangers and stiff engine brackets.. Any idea when back in stock.? Tried emailing as well.. Thanks
You can, but it will require basket, inner hub, pressure plate, discs, etc. Basically the whole clutch. And at OEM cost, it may be cheaper to go aftermarket.
@@MichaelLindsay I ride mostly hard pack on tracks in Utah and California. I've narrowed it down to the Honda or Yamaha. I've always liked Honda better as a brand, but everyone keeps saying the Yamaha is the way for the way I like riding the track. I'm 5"10, 175 lbs. I do prefer keeping the RPMs lower generally, I haven't been one to be super comfortable screaming the bike, despite riding a yz125 forever lol. My skill level is beginner/intermediate. I like that the Honda will handle better, but I'm worried that I will miss out on the awesome Yamaha engine. If I get the Yamaha I don't want to be disappointed with the ergos. At this point I'm fine with either bike, I guess it might come down to what is available and what I can get a better deal for.
