you can do anything while the frame may need 100 pounds of reinforcement plus a complete suspension overhaul to handle the extra weight and abuse a 450 will hand out

 

It is getting harder to plate a Dirtbike for Highway road use in Idaho. On the other hand Idaho requires ALL Motorcycles and ATV’s to get a plate. If your title says “For Off-road Use Only” You get a white plate that is restricted to Non highway use and is not legal to cross over into other states. Street Legal from the factory will get you the Red White and Blue Plate that is legal anywhere you ride. You still have to buy an Off-road sticker along with the plate. Now I need to buy a few dozen eggs!

 

I can't belive you still have to buy an off road sticker!

 

I gotta believe the dual sport 450 would sell!! between the Motard guys and the dirt guys and the posers all in between.. yeah, they'd sell!! But, do they have a relialbe(enough) 450 model to conceiveably put 5k miles on between tuneups? Could they just de-engineer the current motor a bit for reliability? I'd give up 10 ponies for reliability over the supposedly crazy power of the current 450..


I guess we just gotta buy a KTM, Husky, or 'Berg...

but if I could - I'd get the Kawi!

not that I have 8 grand burning a hole in my pocket......My 250 (340) serves me almost perfectly. and reliably. And doesn't scare me like my buds Yam 450 will..

Had I the money, I'd probably go for the Berg 390.

~Steve

 

Just something about the 250 & 650 class that are only out for dualsport. I would love to have a 450 dualsport. Light and nimble enough to tear through the woods, but still have the power not to be bored with. The KLR650 is a nice ride, but its just too big to handle in tight turns. The KLX250 is really nimble and light, but lacks power and top speed. A compermise between the two would be nice. Also EFI for easier cold starts when the temps hit single digits.

 

I think a de-tuned 450 with US emissions on it would still be a hot seller. The Australian version looks pretty damn cool. I found a couple with plates in the US but they are on the east coast. I searched myself blue in the face looking for any info about any upcoming plans to dual sport it. I couldnt find anything useful. Just a comment or two saying it was going to be released in late 2010 or 2011. At this point one can only dream.

 

I am sure that these engines if tweeked and not willing to give up that many hp can be accomplished. I would not be willing to give up 10hp if it was useable power. I still want a DS kawi 450 made available.

 

With as much power as the 250 has and the way I ride it, if I got my hands on a 450 I am afraid it would kill me or I would kill myself!

 

No need. The KLX450R is reliable. It's the new DRZ400. Shane's won again on the KLX450R (SA dirt 24 hour endurance trial) and that makes 2 in a row for the KLX and about 11 straight for Shane.
The bike is not a WRF or CRFX, it is a true modern dual sport not an enduro weapon.
If maitained it will last like a DRZ400.

Condo 750, AUS 08.



Kangaroo vs bike at 150 kmh! CRY! (AUS Safari 08.)



Bling bling at 150 kmh! (AUS Safari 08.)



Winner, again. 24 Hour Trial SA, AUS.

 

Question for you Aussies: Does the Australian version of the KLX450 come from the factory equipped with turn signals, horn, high beam, brake light, etc...? I've been trying to search for this information but can't seem to find anything. If so, are there any pics of the stock 450 that you can post up?

Mike