WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
In order to enhance the vehicle’s handling, turning, traction, and overall feel, the engine mounts used by FCP Racing are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum.
MXA has been doing continual testing to determine which modifications are required and which are not required for the Kawasaki KX450, which was completely new for the year 2024.
WHAT’S IT COST? $449.00
WHICH THINGS STAND OUT?
In the case of the FCP Racing engine mounts for the 2024 Kawasaki KX450, the following is a list of distinctive characteristics that stand out.
First, the position of the stock mount.
The Kawasaki KX450, which will be released in 2024, is the first motorcycle to use head-stay mounting points that can be interchanged.
The stock position, which is front, and the optional position, which is backward, were both put through their paces with our test riders before the FCP head stays and front mounts were installed.
The new KX450 has performed exceptionally well in terms of cornering when the mounts are in their stock configuration.
With the 2024 model, the head angle has been increased by one degree, which contributes to increased tip-in comfort when turning. The prior chassis, on the other hand, no longer has the “long” feel to it.
This results in a shorter wheelbase, and some of the vehicle’s stability has been compromised.
While we were driving in high-speed zones, we discovered that the front end had a tendency to oversteer during times of high activity.
2) Mounts that are optional.
The “rearward” position of the KX450 head stay is slightly different from the standard position; nonetheless, the mounting location and the 5mm hole drilled in the middle are the most visible differences between the two.
This, unfortunately, did not have as big of an impact on handling as we had anticipated.
The handlebar vibration was reduced, which was the most visible change.
However, the straight-line stability and cornering remained pretty near to the same.
It is important to remember that the suggested torque specifications for Kawasaki’s head stays are 30 N/m for the two 8mm bolts and 50 N/m for the 10mm bolt.
3) FCP mounts.
The FCP head stays are CNC-machined from aluminum, while the front engine mounts are CNC-machined titanium.
On the track they cut vibration down and improved lean-angle traction, allowing you to cut in and out of ruts even easier than the stock bike with more precision.
The FCP mounts on the KX450 gave it a plusher feel in the bumps. MXA test rider Josh Fout said, “Out of all the bikes I’ve tested the FCP mounts on, the KX450 improved the most.
The torque settings are important to set correctly, because a different torque setting on the bolts will affect the feel.
If I wanted to make three easy changes to the 2024 KX450, I would go with the FCP mounts, 51-tooth rear sprocket with a longer chain (four extra links to lengthen the wheelbase), and a Twisted Development remapped Vortex ECU.”
(4) Details.
Aftermarket engine mounts and head stays are AMA-legal to use on your bike in the 450 B and C stock classes.
They also fit the 2024 Kawasaki KX450X cross-country machine, which has the same chassis with softer suspension settings and an 18-inch rear wheel.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Our only complaint is that the FCP head stays are expensive.
MXA RATING: If you want to squeeze every bit of comfort and performance out of your 2024–2025 Kawasaki KX450, this is the final piece of the puzzle.
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