2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R Specifications

Name: 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R
Brand: Kawasaki

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R Overview

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 449 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. The bore and stroke measures 96 x 62.1 mm. 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R delivers 56.4 hp @ 8500 rpm of peak power and 50 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2009 KLX 450R tips the scales at 450 kg, carries a 8-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 940 mm and spans a 1480 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 251.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2009 KLX 450R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R makes 56.4 hp @ 8500 rpm with 50 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 940 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Modest fuel capacity: The 8-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the KLX 450R needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Valve clearance checks

DOHC valve actuation on the KLX 450R means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The Single 250mm disc 2 piston caliper front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the KLX 450R runs 48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping and Uni-Trak® single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound damping at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Aluminum, perimeter Rake / trail: 27.1 degrees / 4.6 in. - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 450 kg, the KLX 450R is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

KLX 450R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained KLX 450R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any KLX 450R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the KLX 450R has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used KLX 450R. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R have?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 449 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R weigh?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R weighs 450 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R make?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R produces 56.4 hp @ 8500 rpm of power and 50 Nm @ 7500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R has a 8-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 133-160 km between stops.

Is the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R suitable for shorter riders?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R has a seat height of 940 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R have?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R uses Single 250mm disc 2 piston caliper at the front and Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R use?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R runs 80/100-21 front and 110/100-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R have?

The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki KLX 450R Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki KLX 450R was produced across 11 model years (2009-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2009	2011	2012	2013	2015	2016	2017	2019	2020	2021	2023
Wet Weight	-	126.0 kg / 277.7 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs	126.0 kg / 277.8 lbs
Dry Weight	450 kg / 992.1 lbs	115 kg / 253.5 lbs	115 kg / 253.5 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Height	940 mm / 37.0 in.	940 mm / 37.0 in	940 mm / 37.0 in	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.	935 mm / 36.8 in.
Fuel Capacity	7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons	8 Litres / 2.1 US gal	8 Litres / 2.1 US gal	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 US gallons
Ground Clearance (mm)	320 mm	320 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm	315 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	12.6 inches	12.6 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches
Fuel Control	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC	DOHC	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)	449.00 cc	-	-	449.00 cc	449.00 cc	449.00 cc	449.00 cc	449.0 cc	449.0 cc	449.0 cc	449.0 cc

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, four-stroke

Power

56.4 hp / 41.5 kW @ 8500 rpm

Torque

50 Nm / 5.1 kg-m @ 7500 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

450 kg / 992.1 lbs

Fuel Capacity

8 Litres / 2.1 US gal

Full 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R Specifications

Year 2008 - 09

Colours Lime Green

Make Model Kawasaki KLX 450R

Ground Clearance (mm) 320 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 12.6 inches

Seat Height 940 mm / 37.0 in

Seat Height 940 mm / 37.0 in.

Wheelbase 1480 mm / 58.3 in

Wheelbase 1,481 mm / 58.3 in.

Ground Clearance 320 mm / 12.6 in

Height 1255 mm / 49.4 in

Height 1,255 mm / 49.4 in.

Length 2180 mm / 85.8 in

Length 2,179 mm / 85.8 in.

Width 820 mm / 32.3 in

Width 820 mm / 32.3 in.

Dry Weight 115 kg / 253.5 lbs

Dry Weight 450 kg / 992.1 lbs

Fuel Capacity 8 Litres / 2.1 US gal

Fuel Capacity 7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons

Max Power 56.4 hp / 41.5 kW @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque 50 Nm / 5.1 kg-m @ 7500 rpm

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke

Displacement (ci) 27.40 cubic inches

Displacement (cc) 449.00 cc

Bore x Stroke (mm) 96.0 x 62.1 mm

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.8 x 2.4 inches

Displacement 449 cc / 27.3 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin FCE

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin FCR40

Bore x Stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm

Compression Ratio 12.0:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Induction Keihin FCR

Ignition Digital AC-CDI

Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump

Starter Electric & kick

Valve System 4

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 5-speed

Transmission / Drive 5 Speed

Frame Type Aluminum, perimeter Rake / trail: 27.1 degrees / 4.6 in.

Frame Type Aluminum, perimeter design

Suspension - Front 48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping

Suspension - Front 48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping / 12.0 in.

Suspension - Rear Uni-Trak® single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound damping

Suspension - Rear UNI-TRAK® single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound damping / 12.4 in.

Rake 27.1°

Rake 27.7°

Trail 122 mm / 4.6 in

Trail 122 mm / 4.8 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 285 mm / 11.2 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 278 mm / 10.9 in

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 9.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 250 mm

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 9.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 250 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.4 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 240 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.4 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 240 mm

Brakes - Front Single 250mm disc 2 piston caliper

Brakes - Front Single disc

Brakes - Rear Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Tyres - Front 80/100-21

Tyres - Front 80/80-21

Tyres - Rear 110/100-18

Tyres - Rear 110/90-18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.