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2012 Kawasaki KX450F Overview
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F is a cross / motocross 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 12.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 96 x 62.1 mm. 2012 Kawasaki KX450F delivers 59.40 Nm @ 4500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 KX450F tips the scales at 113 kg, carries a 6.21-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 955 mm and spans a 1,481 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Kawasaki KX450F spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 KX450F - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: The 955 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
DOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
KX450F - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Kawasaki KX450F, 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 KX450F 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 KX450F. 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.
Fuel system care
The KX450F's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used KX450F. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F have?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 449 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F weighs 113 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F make?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F produces 59.40 Nm @ 4500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has a 6.21-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has a seat height of 955 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 2012 Kawasaki KX450F have?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F uses Single disc at the front and Single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F use?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F runs 25/8-12 front and 25/10-12 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
Kawasaki KX450F Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki KX450F was produced across 13 model years (2006-2018). 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 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
- |
- |
112.1 kg / 247.1 lbs |
113.6 kg / 250.4 lbs |
113.4 kg / 249.9 lbs |
113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs |
112.5 kg / 248.0 lbs |
112.5 kg / 248.0 lbs |
112.5 kg / 248.0 lbs |
108.7 kg / 239.6 lbs |
108.8 kg / 239.9 lbs |
108.8 kg / 239.8 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
99.8 kg / 220.0 lbs |
99.8 kg / 220.0 lbs |
99.8 kg / 220.0 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
275 kg / 606.3 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
965 mm / 38.0 in. |
965 mm / 38.0 in. |
965 mm / 38.0 in. |
965 mm / 38.0 in. |
965 mm / 38.0 in. |
960 mm / 37.8 in. |
955 mm / 37.6 in. |
955 mm / 37.6 in. |
955 mm / 37.6 in. |
955 mm / 37.6 in. |
955 mm / 37.6 in. |
950 mm / 37.4 in. |
950 mm / 37.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons |
7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons |
7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons |
7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons |
7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons |
7.19 litres / 1.90 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
345 mm |
345 mm |
345 mm |
340 mm |
340 mm |
335 mm |
330 mm |
330 mm |
330 mm |
330 mm |
330 mm |
335 mm |
335 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
13.6 inches |
13.6 inches |
13.6 inches |
13.4 inches |
13.4 inches |
13.2 inches |
13.0 inches |
13.0 inches |
13.0 inches |
13.0 inches |
13.0 inches |
13.2 inches |
13.2 inches |
| Fuel Control |
DOHC |
DOHC |
DOHC |
DOHC |
DOHC |
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) |
Key Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Torque
59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions
Weight
113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons
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Full 2012 Kawasaki KX450F Specifications
Colours
Lime Green
Warranty
6 months
Ground Clearance (mm)
330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
13.0 inches
Seat Height
955 mm / 37.6 in.
Wheelbase
1,481 mm / 58.3 in.
Height
1,275 mm / 50.2 in.
Length
2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width
820 mm / 32.3 in.
Dry Weight
275 kg / 606.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity
6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons
Wet Weight
113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs
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
Engine Detail
90 degree V-twin
Fuel System
Injection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle body
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Ignition
Digital DC-CDI
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Automatic
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
5-speed
Primary Drive
Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Frame Type
Aluminum perimeter
Suspension - Front
48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.
Suspension - Rear
Uni-Trak linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.
Rake
26.9°
Wheel Travel - Front
171 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in.
Instrumentation
Speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicators for neutral, reverse, belt, and oil pressure.
Lighting system
35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight
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 - Front
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
25/8-12
Tyres - Rear
25/10-12
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