ATVs Four Wheelers: 2007 Kawasaki KXF 50 & 90 ATVs Review & First Impression

writer: Bryan Nylander
photographer: Bryan Nylander

The mini quad war just heated up with two new entries from Kawasaki. Gone is the shared-with-Suzuki-KFX50 of old and in its place are two junior sized ATVs, the KFX50 for the six and up and the KFX90 for the 12 and older group. Both share a chassis and plastic and at first glance, they look more like twins. But a closer inspection reveals the differences between these siblings. The rear grab bar is unique to each and on the 50 there is a kill tether that mom or dad can hold while they walk behind their young tyro. Should he or she get in trouble, a quick tug on the leash silences the motor and lets the parent hop in to fix the problem. The two models both come with features like electric starting, a singleshock swingarm rear suspension, A-arm's up front, dual mechanical front drum and single hydraulic rear disc brakes along with an adjustable throttle stop and a CVT transmission with a speed limiter. As if that's not enough, the new KFX's require a key to start - so they can be stored without the worry of junior taking it out for a neighborhood jaunt when his folks aren't home. Safety and control were major factors in the design to ensure a safe introduction into the sport for any neophyte.Embellishing upon the basis formed by the 50, the KFX90 is a model aimed at riders with more motor skills and more ATV experience. Like its smaller sibling, it also has the speed limiters but the more aggressive Maxxis tires are a giveaway to its potential in the hands of a talented young pilot. Either one is a good match for kids of all sizes. Only the near 100 degree heat and the enticement of a jump in the pond at the Pitchell Ranch track kept our young tester from wearing out the two machines at the intro. We'll have the full story in our November issue, in the mean time here's the specs and features of the latest from Kawasaki:

2007 KFX50 Features and Benefits

− Reliable 49cc air-cooledfour-stroke overhead-cam engine produces user-friendly power that can bemanaged by entry-level riders

− Continuously variableautomatic transmission

− Electric push-buttonstarting with kick-start backup

− Electrically-operated fuel enrichener automatically opens fuel passage during crankingfor easy starting

− Two front drum brakes and a rear disc brake slow things down in a hurry

− All three brakes areactivated by the handlebar-mounted brake levers to simplify operation

− Centrifugal clutch on thetransmission allows engine braking under certain conditions for added slowingpower

− Wide stance for stablehandling

− Aggressive sport ATV designsimilar to larger KFX models

− Steel chassis for durability

− A-arm front suspension

− Swingarmrear suspension

− Chain drive

− 5.3" ground clearance

− Full floorboards

− Screw-type throttle limiterand collar in the CVT allow parents to set speed and power limits to suit theiryoungster's skill and experience

− Ignition-cutoff tether allowsan adult to immediately stop engine operation by pulling the tether line.

− Keyed ignition switchprevents starting without a key

− C.A.R.B. certified withUSFS-approved spark arrestor

KFX50 Specifications*

Engine	Air-cooled, four-stroke, singlecylinder
Displacement	49.5cc
Bore x stroke	39.0 x 41.4mm
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Carburetion	Keihin PTE 16
Ignition	Solid state CDI
Transmission	Continuously Variable Automatic
Final drive	Chain
Frame	Double cradle, steel
Suspension front / wheel travel	Single A-arm with twin shockabsorbers / 2.8 in.
Suspension rear / wheel travel	Swingarm with single shock absorber / 2.9in.
Front tire	AT16x8-7 tubeless
Rear tire	AT16x8-7 tubeless
Front brakes / rear brake	Dual mechanical drums / Hydraulicdisc
Overall length	55.1 in.
Overall width	34.7 in.
Wheelbase	38.0 in.
Ground clearance	Center of chassis -- 5.3 in.
Track Front/Rear	27.2 / 27.6 in.
Fuel capacity	1.5 gal.
Dry weight	232 lbs.
Color choices	Lime Green, White
MSRP	$1,749

2007 KFX90

Features and Benefits

− Reliable 89cc air-cooledoverhead-cam engine produces user-friendly power that's easily managed byentry-level riders

− Continuously variableautomatic transmission (CVT)

− Electric push-buttonstarting with kick-start backup

− Electrically-operated fuel enrichener automatically opens fuel passage during crankingfor easy starting

− Wide stance for stablehandling

− Aggressive sport ATV designsimilar to larger KFX models

− Steel chassis for durability

− Two front drum brakes and arear disc brake for excellent stopping power

− Centrifugal clutch on thetransmission allows engine braking under certain conditions for added slowingpower

− A-arm front suspension

− Swingarmrear suspension

− Chain drive

− 5.9" ground clearance

− Maxxistires - 18 X 7-8 front, 18 X 9-8 rear

− Full floorboards

− Throttle-limiting screwallows parents to limit throttle opening to help new riders gain experience atslower speeds

− Keyed ignition switchprevents starting without a key

− C.A.R.B. Certified withUSFS-Approved Spark Arrestor

KFX90 Specifications*

Engine	Air-cooled, four-stroke, singlecylinder
Displacement	89cc
Bore x stroke	47.0 x 51.8mm
Compression ratio	10.8:1
Carburetion	Mikuni PTE 16
Ignition	Solid state CDI
Transmission	Continuously Variable Automatic
Final drive	Chain
Frame	Double cradle, steel
Suspension front / wheel travel	Single A-arm with twin shockabsorbers / 2.8 in.
Suspension rear / wheel travel	Swingarm with single shock absorber / 2.9in.
Front tire	AT18x7-8tubeless
Rear tire	AT18x9-8 tubeless
Front brakes / rear brake	Dual mechanical drums / Hydraulicdisc
Overall length	56.1 in.
Overall width	35.6 in.
Wheelbase	38.0 in.
Ground clearance	Center of chassis -- 5.9 in.
Track Front/Rear	26.8 / 26.0 in.
Fuel capacity	1.5 gal.
Dry weight	254 lbs.
Color choices	Lime Green, White
MSRP	$2,149