For sport ATV enthusiasts who fondly remember the Kawasaki Tecate® of 1988, the all-new KFX400 will generate excitement with its competition styling, lithe chassis and high-performance engine. Sporting traditional Kawasaki Lime Green and black racing colors, the KFX400 will be available by July 2002.
Vince Iorio, marketing manager ATV and Utility Vehicles at
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., said the company is excited to add
the KFX400 to the company's lineup.
"We expect the KFX400 to be a tremendous sales success," Iorio
said. "It is a highly competitive 400cc class sport model ATV that
features the performance and technology sport riders want. The
chassis, the suspension and high-tech engine are all top notch.
"And, by adding the KFX400 to the lineup, we can now honestly say
that Kawasaki has a complete line of ATVs-there's something for
everyone in the family."
The KFX400 is powered by 398cc aluminum alloy, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that features double overhead cams and four valves. Fed by a 36mm high-performance carburetor, it includes electric start, a counter balancer to reduce vibration, plus an electronic CDI ignition and automatic cam chain tensioner to simplify maintenance.
The cylinder of the KFX400 engine is plated with a special nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide compound that is lighter than a traditional steel cylinder sleeve and also transfers heat more efficiently, while the piston is made of forged aluminum. The 28-degree included valve angle provides a more compact combustion chamber and also reduces engine bulk. And because the engine utilizes dry-sump lubrication, it is mounted lower in the chassis to improve weight distribution and handling. Plus, the KFX400 features twin air ducts on the front fenders that help direct cooling air to the radiator.
Transmitting power from the engine to the rear wheels is a
high-performance five-speed-plus-reverse manual transmission and
efficient O-ring chain. Reverse gear on the KFX400 is engaged by
turning a knob on the right front fender and shifting the foot
pedal downward.
A high-performance powerband requires an equally advanced chassis,
so the KFX400 engine rides in a high-tensile steel-alloy tube frame
and subframe. Suspension duties are handled by dual A-arms up front
with preload-adjustable shocks that provide 8.3 inches of travel,
while an aluminum-alloy swingarm with preload-adjustable shock
provides 9.1 inches of travel on the rear. The KFX400 rides on
competition-inspired aluminum-alloy wheels, and stopping power is
provided by dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc
brake.
Extra amenities are abundant on the
KFX400. A tube steel front bumper and a lightweight skidplate are
standard, as are serrated steel footpegs that help keep the rider's
feet from slipping in wet or muddy riding conditions. For those who
enjoy riding at night, the KFX400 features dual multi-reflector
halogen headlights that are complimented by a multi-reflector
taillight and brakelight. The 2.7-gallon fuel tank contributes to
the KFX400's low, 370-pound dry weight, and handlebar-mounted
instruments include a neutral gear indicator, reverse gear
indicator and coolant temperature light. The KFX400 also has a
175-watt generator and maintenance-free battery, so riders can
spend more time on the trails, tracks and dunes instead of handling
maintenance duties in the garage.
The
KFX400 has a suggested retail price of $5,699 and comes with a
six-month warranty that can be extended up to three additional
years.
Kawasaki ATV accessories can also be
purchased online at www.BuyKawasaki.com.
As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV
riders to ride responsibly. Kawasaki will pay first-time ATV buyers
of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety
course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (call toll-free
800-887-2887).
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., is
the wholesale distributor of JET SKI® watercraft, ATVs,
MULE™ utility vehicles, portable generators, power products,
and motorcycles. The product lines are sold through a network of
independent retailers. The company employs more than 600 people in
the United States, with nearly 400 of them located at the Irvine,
Calif., headquarters.
# # #
Check out all the other models
in Kawasaki's 2003 Line up!
• Contact Information |
Kawasaki Motors Corp.,
U.S.A.
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 770-0400
http://www.kawasaki.com