|
 It’s no secret
that the popularity of mid-sized, four-stroke off-road motorcycles is
at an all time high, so adding an aggressive no-holds-barred electric
start thumper to the Kawasaki off-road family was a no-brainer.
That’s where the new Kawasaki KLX400R motorcycle comes in – a
powerful yet agile 398cc four-stroke packaged in a lightweight and
durable chassis. Built to either conquer the toughest enduro
trails or provide a leisurely trail ride, the KLX400R will get the
adrenaline pumping.
One push of a
button fires up the KLX400R’s engine, via a lightweight starter
motor. The responsive power stems from a double overhead cam, four
valve, liquid-cooled dry-sump engine that boasts rapid throttle
response at all rpm. A nickel-silicon-phosphorous-plated cylinder
provides excellent heat transfer properties and is host to a forged
aluminum piston, which receives oil cooling through a crankcase oil
jet. A twist of the throttle demonstrates that torque is on-tap from
the low-end to the mid-range, and continues all the way up the
powerband. Crisp and quick throttle response is provided by a Keihin
FCR39 carburetor, which drinks from a long-range 2.6-gallon fuel tank.
For easy
maintenance, a cable-operated clutch with a separate outer cover
operates with the compact five-speed transmission. Equipped with a
gear for any off-road situation, the KLX400R’s transmission can
handle anything from tight, sandy or rocky terrain to high-speed hard
pack.
Wrapped around the
responsive engine is an equally responsive chassis. With a dry weight
of just 249 pounds, the KLX400R is slim, nimble and easy to throw
around the trail. Bolted to the chrome-moly steel frame is an aluminum
subframe that provides a skeleton for a smooth transition between
tank, seat and bodywork. Giving the KLX400R a plush ride is the 49mm
long-travel cartridge fork, which features rebound damping and
adjustable spring preload. A lightweight aluminum swingarm and rear
shock with high/low-speed rebound and compression damping
adjustability complement the fork and overall chassis package. Prime stopping power comes from front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.
Finishing touches to the KLX400R include
off-highway lighting via a 55-watt headlight and LED-type taillight,
durable steel footpegs, aluminum rims and hubs and a U.S.
Forestry-approved spark arrestor.
2003 Kawasaki KLX400R Specifications
(Suggested Retail: $5,499 USD)
| Dimension and Dry Mass |
| Overall length: |
88.0 in. |
| Overall width: |
32.5 in. |
| Overall height: |
49.0 in. |
| Wheelbase: |
58.0 in. |
| Ground clearance: |
12.8 in. |
| Seat height: |
37.2 in. |
| Dry mass: |
262 lbs. |
|
| Transmission |
| Transmission: |
5-speed |
|
| Capacities |
| Fuel tank: |
2.6 gal. |
|
| Chassis |
| Frame: |
High-tensile steel, perimeter design |
| Front suspension: |
49mm cartridge-style fork,
14-way comp, 18-way rebound |
| Rear suspension: |
Fully adj link-type,
high/low speed comp and rebound adj |
| Wheel travel, front / rear: |
11.3 in. / 11.6 in. |
| Rake / Trail: |
27.6 degrees / 4.5 in. |
| Brake, front / rear: |
Hydraulic disc / disc |
| Tire size, front / rear: |
80/100 x 21 / 100/100 x 18 |
|
| Engine |
| Type: |
398cc, liquid cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve single |
| Bore / Stroke: |
90 mm / 62.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: |
12.2:1 |
| Carburetor: |
Keihin FCR39 |
| Ignition type: |
Digital CDI |
|
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