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First Ride: 2021 Kawasaki KX450

Check out my thoughts on Kawasaki's 2021 KX450, after spending a day on the bike out at Cahuilla Creek MX.

Пікірлер: 79

  • @MichaelLindsay
    @MichaelLindsay4 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @nepicness

    @nepicness

    4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @bwhaskell
    @bwhaskell4 жыл бұрын

    Best bike reviewer out there, IMO. Nice job as always, ML.

  • @bikersoncall

    @bikersoncall

    4 жыл бұрын

    I agree, fair and informative , not just a sales pitch.

  • @lanceboteilho6189

    @lanceboteilho6189

    4 жыл бұрын

    I agree, him and Pat foster the best bike reviewers imo

  • @toddclaibourn2689
    @toddclaibourn26893 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @alexandrakingi8502
    @alexandrakingi85024 жыл бұрын

    This guy and Pat Foster best reviewers!!

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Alexandra Kingi Pat is excellent and so is Kris Keefer. I’m really hoping one of these days we can do a group Shootout together.

  • @ShumilinYaroslav
    @ShumilinYaroslav4 жыл бұрын

    I was really waiting for your 2021 reviews. You’re the best in the business. Thank you!

  • @morley3810
    @morley38104 жыл бұрын

    Best review I've seen for the new Kawi. Thanks for the genuine insight and technical description. GREAT WORK!

  • @carlosclass787
    @carlosclass7873 жыл бұрын

    Best reviewer, hands down! We expect to see more of your content in 2021, Michael. Thank you for these amazing reviews!

  • @christopherhunter3924
    @christopherhunter39243 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @cr-fc5rb
    @cr-fc5rb4 жыл бұрын

    love the detail all squeezed into such a short video. great content 👍

  • @NickW90
    @NickW904 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @ghpjerry
    @ghpjerry4 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @esimler
    @esimler4 жыл бұрын

    Best guy reviewing bikes out there

  • @RATBURL
    @RATBURL3 жыл бұрын

    Why do I feel like doing yoga after watching this 🤔

  • @HP-hm3pn
    @HP-hm3pn2 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @shawnhorne9296
    @shawnhorne92963 жыл бұрын

    Not a kawa fan but as usual micheal great test and detail explanation as usual great job and fan👌👍

  • @lifetheoryOG
    @lifetheoryOG3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent review

  • @johnfrancis7883
    @johnfrancis78834 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @Alex-dv6ro
    @Alex-dv6ro4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Alitotheg
    @Alitotheg4 жыл бұрын

    Your gears on point ✊️

  • @manuelmignemi7574
    @manuelmignemi75743 жыл бұрын

    2020 was overheating on deep sand, did Kawa solved this issue( 450) ?

  • @MOTOSYMOTOCICLTETAS
    @MOTOSYMOTOCICLTETAS3 жыл бұрын

    which would be your podium your three best motorcycles 450 2021 for you?

  • @williamgoske1178
    @williamgoske11784 жыл бұрын

    Good stuff michael

  • @karavidler2521
    @karavidler25213 жыл бұрын

    this bike will get Bike of the Year

  • @KJ-ym1qg
    @KJ-ym1qg4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Alex-dv6ro

    @Alex-dv6ro

    4 жыл бұрын

    We can never be sure before trying it but the new geometry on the Honda looks weird. It's a bit like a custom bike.

  • @Mikesabol314
    @Mikesabol3143 жыл бұрын

    Where did you get the number plates from? I’d like to get them. Nice and simple.

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    3 жыл бұрын

    From Era Moto

  • @recambiosmotoshop300
    @recambiosmotoshop3003 жыл бұрын

    KX 450 the best Bike for me 💎💚

  • @Resik307
    @Resik3074 жыл бұрын

    Can you change the 19kx450 to the 21kx450 clutch? And if you can what do need?

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Resik307 you can but you need the complete clutch. Basket, inner hub, pressure plate, and a full clutch pack.

  • @jonphotos8631
    @jonphotos86314 жыл бұрын

    Good background music! 🍄

  • @rogerash0

    @rogerash0

    3 жыл бұрын

    Little loud

  • @buddywilson104
    @buddywilson1044 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @KJ-ym1qg

    @KJ-ym1qg

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @buddywilson104

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@KJ-ym1qg Cool. Thanks very much! Did you go with both 5.2 springs or just one?

  • @KJ-ym1qg

    @KJ-ym1qg

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@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!

  • @buddywilson104

    @buddywilson104

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@KJ-ym1qg Sweet! Thanks again.

  • @pkyamaha17
    @pkyamaha174 жыл бұрын

    You deserve 1M subs.

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    pkyamaha17 id settle for 100k 😂

  • @kendallpalladino9982
    @kendallpalladino99824 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Well, at least your broke her in!

  • @Doc-jw4iy
    @Doc-jw4iy4 жыл бұрын

    Is it hard to grip your bike with your pants outside your boots?

  • @ghpjerry

    @ghpjerry

    4 жыл бұрын

    Look closer, the upper portion of his boots are black, his pants are inside the boots. Looks like Alpine Star Tech 7's or 10's.

  • @bikersoncall
    @bikersoncall4 жыл бұрын

    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......

  • @codyhill6791
    @codyhill67914 жыл бұрын

    I dont like the exhaust but evering this else is fire🔥

  • @r28959
    @r289594 жыл бұрын

    Will you do a first ride on all the 250??

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yup!

  • @carllee31
    @carllee314 жыл бұрын

    Does anyone know if we can swap the new clutch into the '19?

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @honda3927
    @honda39274 жыл бұрын

    Great review. Anyone know the number plate background graphic company ?

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Kawi49 ERA Moto

  • @honda3927

    @honda3927

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@MichaelLindsay Thanks !

  • @shawnhorne9296
    @shawnhorne92964 жыл бұрын

    Good job

  • @RideRedFred
    @RideRedFred3 жыл бұрын

    looks like I'm going with the honda

  • @michaelanderson1727
    @michaelanderson17274 жыл бұрын

    As always ML 512 gives the best reviews. When might we see the KX250 review?

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    michael anderson I think about four weeks.

  • @mikemaupin8364
    @mikemaupin83644 жыл бұрын

    Anyway I can get torque specs for your works chassis lab mounts on a 19? Tried emailing the customer service and your direct email with no response.

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    22 ft lbs on the bolts enter the frame, 35 ft lbs on the bolts that enter the engine.

  • @mikemaupin8364

    @mikemaupin8364

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@MichaelLindsay thank you

  • @shanemoto97
    @shanemoto974 жыл бұрын

    Great review, hated the ambient background music though lol

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    shanex197 it was a bit louder than I’d normally like, will fix for the next video.

  • @anthonyfalzon5121
    @anthonyfalzon51214 жыл бұрын

    Best bike review you know your thing with Motocross bikes Michael ,love your riding too 👍

  • @zumahermotovlog2010
    @zumahermotovlog20104 жыл бұрын

    Good 👍

  • @Swaguley
    @Swaguley4 жыл бұрын

    Tell me, should I get the 2020 CRF250 or 2020 YZ250F?

  • @MichaelLindsay

    @MichaelLindsay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Matt Baguley depends on what type of riding experience you’re looking for. Whatcha riding right now?

  • @Swaguley

    @Swaguley

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @rossmcwatters2716
    @rossmcwatters27163 жыл бұрын

    The background music.... Dude! ease up on the volume

  • @EverythingisFire

    @EverythingisFire

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah. It's a little too close to the foreground (his voice).

  • @3le_8ly_2lah
    @3le_8ly_2lah4 жыл бұрын

    Waaw

  • @JNecolesLife
    @JNecolesLife3 жыл бұрын

    everyone knows this is the best bike. kx 4 life

  • @user-mm1nt1it5v
    @user-mm1nt1it5v4 жыл бұрын

    Wtf is up with the music being SO LOUD

  • @joeantolak4629
    @joeantolak46294 жыл бұрын

    Mufflers is a lil dated by 20 years.

  • @workhardplayhard3206
    @workhardplayhard32064 жыл бұрын

    turn down the music a hair

  • @jasonl495
    @jasonl4954 жыл бұрын

    86 the ambient shit in the background. Horrible.