Enduro Bikes

2012Kawasaki KLX450R

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The 2012 Kawasaki KLX450R is a versatile dual-sport designed for off-road enthusiasts and adventure riders seeking a capable, accessible platform. Known for its electric and kick starter convenience, manageable 935mm seat height, and lightweight 126kg frame, it excels in mixed terrain riding. The bike delivers reliable performance with responsive braking and an 8-litre fuel tank supporting extended trail exploration.

Capacity: 449.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 126.0 kg
Seat height: 935 mm
Power: 35.4 HP (26.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki KLX450R

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2012
Power	56.4 HP (42.1 kW)	35.4 HP (26.0 kW)
Fuel capacity	7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons)	8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons)
Gearbox	5-speed	6-speed
Front suspension	48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping / 12.0 in.	48 mm upside-down AOStype telescopic fork with
Rear suspension	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.	Uni-Trak with 22-way low-speed, 2 turns or more high speed compression damping, 22 way rebound damping and adjustable spring preload
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Semi-floating petal disc, dual piston caliper
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Petal disc, single piston caliper

Other years 2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail97%

Cornering60%

City riding15%

Daily riding15%

Touring12%

Two-up5%

Track55%

Best for: Built purely for aggressive trail riding, enduro competition, and technical off-road terrain rather than road use.
Built for: A light, high-revving, single-cylinder dirt weapon with fully adjustable premium suspension that rewards an active, standing-up riding style.
Not ideal for: Not suitable for commuting, highway travel, passengers, or riders seeking a plush, low, easy-to-manage everyday bike.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 935mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2012 Kawasaki KLX450R, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at over 900 mm — Sky High →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 449.0 ccm
Power: 35.4 HP (26.0 kW)
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2810 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric & kick
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multiplate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1480 mm
Overall length: 2175 mm
Overall width: 820 mm
Overall height: 1250 mm
Seat height: 935 mm
Wet weight: 126.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 8.00 litres
Ground clearance: 315 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Perimeter, aluminium
Front suspension: 48 mm upside-down AOStype telescopic fork with
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak with 22-way low-speed, 2 turns or more high speed compression damping, 22 way rebound damping and adjustable spring preload
Front wheel travel: 305 mm
Rear wheel travel: 315 mm
Rake (fork angle): 28.0°
Trail: 122 mm