Why two different frames??

[FastGuy68]

Can someone tell me when and why they made some changes to the frame? The most obvious difference is when looking from either side that their was a round rubber plug in a hole just below the tank/seat junction on the early models and now the newest frame I see don't have the hole there at all. There are other chages such as more gussets ect. that would make the latter frame more desireable? I would really like to know before I purchase one. Any help is much appriciated!!

THANKS!!

[4wheelinmatt]

Different frame? The kfx 450 is still in its first year of manufacturing, nothing has been changed on the model. There all the same.

[topdollr]

where did you see the "other" frame? Do you have any pics or a website link for us to check out?

[FastGuy68]

QUOTE (KFXrider1228 @ Jan 18 2008, 04:41 PM)

Different frame? The kfx 450 is still in its first year of manufacturing, nothing has been changed on the model. There all the same.

I'll try to post a couple of photos ......but believe me there are at least two different frames available as I have seen at a dealer.

[FastGuy68]

I submit the following evidence of at least one change to the frames....notice the holes with plugs in the early version and the lack of holes in the later version.

[topdollr]

thanks for the pics.

It would be interesting to see if there are any other changes

[4wheelinmatt]

The plugs are probably just for drainage??? I have pulled the plug next to my foot peg a few times to drain water out from washing. Thats all there probably there for, no big deal.

[FastGuy68]

I was able to speak with a guy from Kawasaki USA and he did say that there was a new version that came out and that there is added bracing and gussets but thats all he would say. I have not been able to see both versions next to each other to do a full comparison. I got the feeling that Kawasaki was wanting to keep this low key so they wouldn't have people avoiding buying an earlier model over the updated one as there are still quite a few left to be sold.

[johnjakob1977]

QUOTE (FastGuy68 @ Jan 19 2008, 12:54 AM)

I was able to speak with a guy from Kawasaki USA and he did say that there was a new version that came out and that there is added bracing and gussets but thats all he would say. I have not been able to see both versions next to each other to do a full comparison. I got the feeling that Kawasaki was wanting to keep this low key so they wouldn't have people avoiding buying an earlier model over the updated one as there are still quite a few left to be sold.

I have seen on this forum as well as talking with other people when I go places to ride. Alot of people have had the same complaint after a "small or slow wreck" the frame bends at where the stem bolts to the frame.

I always thought the holes were from a molding process.

[topdollr]

QUOTE (FastGuy68 @ Jan 18 2008, 10:54 PM)

I was able to speak with a guy from Kawasaki USA and he did say that there was a new version that came out and that there is added bracing and gussets but thats all he would say. I have not been able to see both versions next to each other to do a full comparison. I got the feeling that Kawasaki was wanting to keep this low key so they wouldn't have people avoiding buying an earlier model over the updated one as there are still quite a few left to be sold.

Can you get some more pics of the frame at different views? If you can do that I can snap some of mine and try to get the same views so we can compare.