2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R vs 2013 KTM 500 XC-W

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
56.4 hp / 41.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
115 kg / 253.5 lbs
2013 KTM 500 XC-W 2013 KTM 500 XC-W

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
114 kg / 251 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2008 - 092012 - 13
ColoursLime Green-
Make ModelKawasaki KLX 450RKTM 500 XC-W
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)320 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)12.6 inches-
Seat Height940 mm / 37.0 in970 mm / 38.19 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1482 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance320 mm / 12.6 in345 mm / 13.58 in
Height1255 mm / 49.4 in-
Length2180 mm / 85.8 in-
Width820 mm / 32.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight115 kg / 253.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity8 Litres / 2.1 US gal8.5 L / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal
Wet Weight-114 kg / 251 lbs
Performance
Max Power56.4 hp / 41.5 kW @ 8500 rpm-
Max Torque50 Nm / 5.1 kg-m @ 7500 rpm-
Engine
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm-
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches-
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc-
Displacement449 cc / 27.3 cu-in510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin FCE-
Bore x Stroke96.0 x 62.1 mm95 x 72 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.9:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionKeihin FCRKeihin MX FCR 39
IgnitionDigital AC-CDIContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan
LubricationForced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump-
StarterElectric & kickKick and electric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activated
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4"
Final Drive Ratio-13:50
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios-32:76
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum, perimeter Rake / trail: 27.1 degrees / 4.6 in.Central double-cradle type 25CrMo4
Suspension - Front48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound dampingWP-USD ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearUni-Trak® single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound dampingWP PDS-Federbein
Rake 27.1°-
Steering Head Angle-63.5°
Trail122 mm / 4.6 in-
Wheel Travel - Front285 mm / 11.2 in300 mm / 11.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear278 mm / 10.9 in335 mm / 13.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle 250mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm disc
Tyres - Front80/100-2190/90 - 21
Tyres - Rear110/100-18120/90 - 18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 KTM 500 XC-W

The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W edges out the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 940 mm vs 970 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 KTM 500 XC-W - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 345 mm vs 320 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 278 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 285 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R vs 2013 KTM 500 XC-W - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R and 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R or the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R has the lower seat at 940 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W sits higher at 970 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R or the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W stands out for greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.