Factory Ride For A Day!

Doogie

• December 09 2008
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Quad Magazine Rides Josh Creamer’s factory Monster Energy Kawasaki KFX450R

By Nick Nelson
Photos by Enrico Pavia

Last month Kawasaki called and invited us to spend a track day riding Josh Creamer’s factory KFX450R. As you can imagine, I jumped at the opportunity to turn some laps on a true, factory-prepped race ATV. Kawasaki met us on a Tuesday at Milestone MX Park in Riverside, CA. I personally ride a variety of ATVs at Milestone nearly every Tuesday so the advantages of a perfectly set up race bike would be quickly evident.

Creamer’s Monster KFX was by far the most confidence inspiring MX quad I have ridden to date. The way the Fox shocks soaked up braking bumps, as well as landings with ease, was pretty amazing considering that I probably have close to 50 lbs. on Josh! His Kawi also flies level through the air better than anything I have been on. I have been battling a tendency to ski jump off most jumps my entire racing career, and the way the suspension was set up allowed the bike to fly level no matter whether you left on the gas or off the gas.

Roll Design had tested many different front end configurations—changing dimensions, caster, and spindle design—to come up with a final set up that makes Creamer’s KFX corners like it’s on rails. The Monster KFX corners amazingly well—the rear end tracks with the machine no matter what the conditions are like and I didn’t feel any negative feedback through the handlebars.

The overall ergonomics on the bike are greatly improved as well. At six-foot tall the stock KFX feels a little cramped for me, yet the combination of the relocated DG foot pegs and the half-inch longer Roll Design steering stem really make the bike feel more roomy and comfortable. The controls are top notch as well—the throttle is light and comfortable places and the Braking front master cylinder and lever provides great two finger braking control.

Last but not least is the engine. By far it is the fastest Kawasaki ATV I have ever ridden! The power isn’t super peaky though—Creamer’s bike is very fast, yet predictable. The Pro Circuit engine pulled hard enough to clear everything on the track without ever leaving third gear, but like I said, it really doesn’t have a big hit to it. While truly faster than most machines I have ridden, it had almost more of an electric type powerband that made it very easy to keep traction when needed. It offered plenty of overrev, combined with enough low end to lug it through the corners. An engine like this makes it very easy to go fast for long periods of time with less fatigue.

Overall the entire set up made me want to continue hammering away lap after lap. The handling and electric-like power curve kept me out on the track for a few extra laps and the suspension and clean ergos make the quad very easy to get acclimated to.

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Creamer’s KFX Parts List
Kawi uses the following parts and countless hours of R&D and fine-tuning on Josh Creamer’s 2008 Monster Energy Kawasaki KFX450R.
• Lonestar – Axcaliber Axle and Axle Nut
• Boyesen – Water Pump Cover and Impeller
• Braking – Front Master Cylinder
• DG – Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, and Nerf Bars/Footpegs
• DWT (Douglas Wheels) – Rear Beadlock and Front Yellow Label Wheels
• Elka – Steering Stabilizer
• Fox – Float X Evol Front Shocks and Podium X Rear Shock
• Fundamental Industries – Carbon Fiber Skid Plate
• Hinson – Clutch cover, Clutch Basket, and Inner hub and Pressure Plate
• ITP – Quadcross Front and Rear Tires
• Kawasaki – KMC Kit ECU(Available through Kawasaki Accessories) and Sub frame shortened to Rider Spec.
• Maxima – Oils and Cleaners
• N-Style – Graphics
• Pro Circuit – Ti-4 Exhaust system, Piston, Head Work, Air Box/Intake, and Oil Cooler
• PWR – Radiator Hoses
• Quad Tech – Shock Guards, Seat Cover, Carbon Fiber Hood, and Carbon Fiber Under Hood
• Renthal – Handlebars, Grips, and Sprockets
• Rk – GB520MXZ4 Chain
• Roll Design – A-Arms and Plus ½” Steering Stem
• Streamline – Brake Lines and Brake Line Clamps
• Sunline – Hand Guards and Clutch Perch
• Velocity – Air Filter