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2007 Kawasaki KFX50 - Kid Kool Fun - First Ride: 2007 Kawasaki KFX50 And KFX90


KFX90Embellishing upon the foundation formed by the 50, the KFX90 is a model aimed at riders 12 years and older who have more motor skills and more quad experience, yet the ATV is just as friendly to first-timers thanks to the same adjustable restrictors that its smaller sibling also possesses. However, once the rider's skills are improved, the KFX90, with its more aggressive 18x7-8 front and 18x9-8 rear Maxxis tires and bigger 89cc air-cooled engine, is ready to be exploited in the hands of a talented young pilot. The motor is also C.A.R.B. certified and equipped with a USFS-approved spark arrestor. Fortunately, the larger ride got a slightly wider stance, too-all the better to handle increased performance capabilities of both the engine and rider. The midrange power lets the machine rip and push the limited suspension to the stops in quick order. Our tester, along with the other micro speedsters on hand at the intro, had the rear end clanking on the moderate landings. Some of the noise could be written off as chain slap but not all of it. Maybe here's a spot for the aftermarket to step in-longer-travel shocks on minis? We won't be surprised to see a demand, as our tester was quite impressed with the big KFX and was throwing serious roost with it. In fact, the KFX90 is so sweet that it has us contemplating a 90cc comparison next year-we just need to round up more mini ATV testers who think riding laps for hours in scorching temps is a ton of fun.

KFX90 SpecificationsMSRP: $2149

Engine: Air-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder

Displacement: 89cc

Bore x stroke: 47.0x51.8mm

Carburetion: Mikuni PTE 16mm

Starting: Electric

Transmission: Continuously variable automatic

Final drive: Chain

Front suspension type/travel: A-arm with twin shock absorbers/2.8 in.

Rear suspension type/travel: Swingarm with single shock absorber/2.9 in.

Front tires: AT18x7-8 tubeless

Rear tires: AT18x9-8 tubeless

Front brakes: Dual mechanical drums

Rear brake: Hydraulic disc

Wheelbase: 38.0 in.

Claimed dry weight: 254 lb

Ground clearance: 5.9 in.

Length/width/height: 56.1/35.6/NA in.

Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal.

Colors: Lime green, white

Speed-limiters to match skillEnough power and traction to thrill

Weak front brakesLimited wheel travel

Get a paper route now, as $2149 will take some time to earn

OpinionSean FoosAge: 14Height: 5'4"Weight: 80 lbAbility: NoviceQuad: KFX90The KFX90 was a lot faster and was set up for more experienced riders. The 90's weakness was the suspension. When I went over a whoop section or braking bumps, the suspension kicked up in the rear and swapped from side to side. It would also bottom a lot in the rear. Other than that, it handled really well and I could put in some fast laps. The rear disc brake was nice in the turns because it really grabbed. The front brakes were weak-I had to pull hard on the lever to make them work. The bigger tires helped a lot in the turns because they hooked up and the ATV felt very stable. I also felt that I could really drift the quad through turns, and it never wanted to flip.


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