Abandoned Kawasaki KFX450R left outside for YEARS! Can it be saved?

[@MichaelSabo]

Hey Guys this is my 2008 Kawasaki KFX450R. I Bought this for 1800 bucks to use in a challenge series against a TRX450R and a YFZ450R. I had a $3000 budget and 6 weeks to complete the build for race day! This was mad fun to do! Thank you for watching and consider subscribing for more content like this! Watch This Quad Compete (Top Quad) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/poibp6RmpbChba8 Watch The Full Engine Build - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJaoh2CXoKmpg5Y

[@martinalamurov6740]

only the engine rebuild looks like 3k

[@MichaelSabo]

@@martinalamurov6740 3k for a top end kit, 1 gear, a shift fork and crank bearings? Lol, where you buying your parts 😂

[@GamerGavin04]

man thata crazy though! 3,000 for a pretty much brand new fourwheeler now thats a steal! Youre making me want to buy a cheap beat up bike and just rebuild it 😂

[@BTR2018]

This is a sick build:)

[@sk8rdude1400]

Could you please do a full video on how you design plastics an where to find those outline templates for the plastics

[@eager400]

For the longest time I always felt Kawasakis were junk because everyone I've been around is clapped out. But then I realized how bad people beat on them and the lack of maintenance. Now I'm impressed how much they take before complete failure. This quad lived a rough life.

[@ButteredToast_93]

The nostalgia is so real for me rn. I'm a little younger than you, but you remind me of the guys I used to ride with when I was 14 and got me into this stuff. Watching these videos has been refueling my passion for motorsports!

[@Springerr]

I'm really enjoying these full build long videos man. keep up the good work and i hope you are dooing well with your recovery

[@MichaelSabo]

I appreciate the love and thank you for the feedback Springer!

[@greysonriegel9403]

@@MichaelSabo Same here dude I absolutely love the videos

[@fordogle8974]

Same

[@litbeta]

@@greysonriegel9403 same

[@dylancookson2112]

Literally the best type of videos. Really really looking forward to another full build

[@MichaelSabo]

REMINDER: For those that purchased or plan to purchase a 2021 Blackout T Shirt, they are a pre-order. This means that they won't be printed until the pre-order sale is over. I expect to be shipping them in mid January 🤘

[@brettluebke1054]

Just started watching your shows. Your good man 👍 Very knowledgeable. Clean & organized. I'm hooked.

[@Nuk.3]

I would love to see a full bike collection video that goes into detail on every quad/ bike/ side by side you own. Since you are recovering from that surgery i think it would be good video. Also loving these videos and good luck on that recovery brother. 👍🏽

[@kansasatvrider2046]

Man you need to get together with that guy again! Has some cool rare toys forsure!

[@MichaelSabo]

Joe? We actually became friends after this and talk on a regular basis 🤘

[@jrp1531]

I don't even ride atvs but I'm addicted to your channel brother!! Keep them coming!

[@Iamdesignproducts]

Just started watching your channel, been working on cars for a while. Usually people start with bikes & quads, but it's something I never considered. Once I buy a house & build out my garage in a few years I'm looking forward to restoring a quad! Entertaining to watch.

[@aaronbrunelle6604]

I really enjoy these full build video's, you do such a great job on all the quads you restore! I bet that quad will last you for a long long time as long as you take care of it.. awesome job mike!

[@MichaelSabo]

Hell yea man! Thank you for the feedback on the longer videos Aaron; glad you're enjoying them!

[@gage12lesher]

@@MichaelSabohow much you want for it go check out the Yamaha warrior I have

[@NJBackyardgarden]

great video ….. it’s amazing the amount of work you put in to these projects

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you, glad to hear you enjoy the builds!

[@ChristopherTevnan]

Mikey always keep throttle gunned up steep hills, fan the clutch while gas is gunned, never keep pumping the throttle. Love the videos. Awesome

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

The KFX450 was a phenomenal machine. Ridiculously fun to ride in the dunes. I know the SXS pretty much killed sport quads but I grew up riding them and they'll always hold a special place in my heart.

[@newfonewhodis5156]

we were at th dunes at the 250 r meetup tour with michael and pete hagar and there was way more quads than side by sides it was osm

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

@@newfonewhodis5156 that's bad ass🤘 it's up to us to keep sport quads alive. They'll always be my #1 choice over a SXS.

[@IFIXATVS]

Sport quads are definitely alive and well. SxS is cool but they can’t fit in a truck so easily lol

[@ridaflo8243]

You are definitely the best quad/bike mechanic on KZbin you help me a lot and give me a big understanding on how stuff works really good vid quality

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you bro, I'm glad my videos can help!

[@Bweiler705]

Man after you put the Rossier and carbed it, it really woke that thing up Holy crap! Love the start to finish videos man

[@YaBoyKels1]

The Kawasaki KFX 450R is still my fav of the 450 class, own a 08 myself lol and will be doing some restorations to it soon. You definitely have inspired me my guy, great job on the build!!! I personally love the front end look of the KFX 🦉 lol but your new headlights are even better!! Absolutely have to make those headlight mods myself. Thank you bro!

[@LukeRohrbacher]

do you have any problems with aftermarket support. i wanna get one because it’s a a great deal but i’m worried about not being able to get parts or accessories or anything since they are uncommon quads

[@YaBoyKels1]

@@LukeRohrbacher no not really, some online stores have more parts than others but you can definitely find parts.

[@LukeRohrbacher]

@@YaBoyKels1 good to know, thanks for replying

[@lucaskryscio1500]

These full build videos are outstanding. Can’t wait for more!

[@terrynicewonger5434]

Mike these Full builds after the series is Done are very Cool to Watch appreciate your want to spread and help the Sport Grow!

[@rickyhernandez995]

Got me itching to open up a case on something ever since I’ve been watching your content I’ve been wanting to go pick up a cheap project very inspiring bro keep up the good work💪🏽

[@MichaelSabo]

Hell yea man, glad I can inspire you; you should definitely pick up a project!

[@IFIXATVS]

Start with a 2 stroke and have at it!

[@cv8z231]

Big thumbs up. Always good to here and see something firing back up to life. I'm not sure why some people hate the sound of 4 stroke MX race bike engines. There's something really exciting about the sound of them I think.

[@XJonAye]

It's all about personal preference, I grew up going to nationals before the 4 stroke revolution. The sound and smell of the 2 stroke takes me back to my child hood

[@tyeriksonjohnson1621]

You turned that kfx 450 into a transformer 🔥💪🏽 Optimus would be proud

[@kennynadeau17]

those complete build video are insane! love them! wow! that kfx was in worst shape than i tought! you did and amazing build saving that quad!

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for watching Kenny, glad you like the complete builds!

[@clappedhouse4098]

Build video are by far my favorite

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you man!

[@rmx01indiana]

This thing is badass!! Welcome back from the dead KFX 450R!!! Love Kawi's

[@joemusicman64]

Oh man an hour video. So cool. Dude you rock! No 20 minute whimpy videos from you. Ok I gotta back and watch the rest. Awesome content.

[@MichaelSabo]

Haha, thank you for the love on the longer videos bro 🤘

[@patty2Strk]

These long Build videos are top notch . Thanks Mike

[@jamesbaumbach3294]

Just bought a mint 2012 kfx450r yesterday. Super fun quad, reverse is nice to.

[@MichaelSabo]

Congrats on your new KFX man! Crazy how many times reverse comes in handy.

[@thatyfz33]

Dude always keep these old quad builds coming please!!!!!!!!

[@mikeolson7188]

Michael you should buy yourself a 0-25mm metric micrometer to measure your valve shims.i know the mitutoyo vernier calipers are high quality but a micrometer is a better tool for the job.A decent dial bore gauge,and a set of outside metric micrometers will serve you well young man.Measure twice,build once.I like to see the young guys getting in there and Makin it happen im a semi retired master tech that has spent 46 yrs of my life mastering the trade.Keep up the good work.Just one more thing,if you remove a bearing with the blind bearing puller from the inside race and it was really hard to remove then the bearing can be damaged (flat spots)on the balls so be sure to really clean and check good so you won't have a bearing failure that ends up cleaning house,lol.

[@ChristopherTevnan]

This 450R is a awesome quad, motor sounded smooth and top end had alot of power. Great video mike

[@fordogle8974]

This or the Honda u just did is prolly my fav build

[@mr.statefarm9525]

Loved seeing these compete in Top Quad! Glad you are taking the time to make these videos! They truly highlight all the little details of the build. Great video 🤙

[@lasonhayes5473]

Great vid man love it gets me motivated to do my own builds🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you bro 🤘

[@jbmotorsports8783]

Me to lol

[@abbybonilla4511]

I watched the shorter videos of this project and I had no clue the KFX450 had parts in common with a Suzuki LT-Z 400! Also perfect timing coming home from work for this! :)

[@crismorgan7]

Surprisingly alot of suzuki and kawasaki interchange such as the rm and kx

[@MichaelSabo]

I appreciate you watching the video bro and thanks for watching the shorter KFX videos too 🤘

[@MichaelSabo]

I believe Kawasaki and Suzuki were partnered at one time; back when the LTZ400 and KFX400 were basically identical minus the plastics.

[@abbybonilla4511]

@@MichaelSabo I subbed to you channel sometime last summer out of boredom while in trade school in WA, and this pretty much is like a new episode of a good tv show when it comes, it comes so I instantly get excited

[@MichaelSabo]

@@abbybonilla4511 thank you for subscribing man, that's a huge compliment!

[@Alexftp]

That quad is a absolute weapon been on one a few years ago not saw one now for a while there’s not many in the uk

[@aaronbenns9051]

Its one of the best looking sport quads in my opinion

[@Lracer61]

The kfx was always my favorite 450. Great video!

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for watching bro! 🤘

[@dominicsickler6040]

Wow, this is awesome build, I actually watched whole video without feeling don't want to watch, ur my favorite creator

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for the love Dominic! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stewartabel]

This was brilliant. Really enjoying these videos, thanks again!

[@jorgesoto8680]

These are the kind of videos i love. Keep up the great work michael 👍

[@jeremylove1122]

I bought a 08' KFX450R Monster Energy edition last year with very low hours garage kept it looked brand new its a pretty good machine

[@chrisphillips5741]

I love the sarcasm in your videos. Awesome channel to follow.

[@farrintaylor5932]

I'm pretty happy that you Finish That Quad

[@boognation]

Can literally sit at my desk and watch these build videos from start to end. Love what you do mechanical but the graphic designing with the graphics was really Impressive! I’m at photographer / videographer so I do a lot of photoshop and editing and I was very impressed to say the least. I wish I was your neighbor 🤣 I would spend hours in your garage learning and giving a extra hand. You deserve a million subs keep grinding and inspiring 🤘🏼!

[@ryooperdude3144]

Great video. Start to finish. 👍👍

[@toocurious5440]

You really help me man with tuning out my parents arguing man I love you bro keep up the work

[@JamesDavis-to1hn]

You built another great quad! Congrats...

[@MichaelSabo]

Thanks James! 🤘

[@Yabadoop]

Im 13 and i do this for a living! I get paid for the builds i make

[@videosforfun5558]

Very cool build

[@alecbergemann9593]

Hey mike! This is literally the same stuff we do at my shop, rebuilding old projects. Currently building a raptor 660r, a ltz400 to a 502cc and a kfx700

[@connormacquarrie1831]

love these long build vids!! thanks for the content hustle!!! yewwww

[@boydsvalley6thgen]

Mike! I have a real problem,a watch your videos at night and,I keep falling asleep. Some people watch ASMR some watch I watch quad builds. we are not the same.

[@MichaelSabo]

Lol, this is a serious problem dude; you might wanna get that checked out 😂

[@treeguyable]

Who hasn't tried to take a nut / bolt off, in the wrong direction, because obviously , we don't always know. ? Gotta love surprises.

[@MichaelSabo]

Haha, it happens more than we think I'm sure

[@sawyerslezak2471]

Love your videos Mike, can't wait for the next project!!

[@MichaelSabo]

I appreciate you watching them 🤘

[@ILLST_SILVERADO_]

Love these full build videos started watching after the 426 Honda build

[@roblewis7186]

Full build videos!!! I absolutely love these!!!

[@MichaelSabo]

Glad you're liking the full build videos Rob!

[@roblewis7186]

@@MichaelSabo yeah man they are awesome!! Do you offer port service for heads on quads? I've seen your work and it is impressive! I know you're still recovering but if it's available I'll hit you up once you're healed.

[@MichaelSabo]

@@roblewis7186 thanks for having the confidence in me to do your porting. Right now I don't do customer work but I think in the future I will be offering that. I'd really like to get a flow bench so I can show tangible difference to customers.

[@roblewis7186]

@@MichaelSabo makes total sense bro. Well if you decide to start offering, I'll hit you up!!

[@BraapEffex]

Awesome Video. I gotta give you a lot of credit for doing all the editing and filming! It's a lot of work brotha 👍 💯

[@TheSuperRandomShow1]

Just a heads up, when heating stainless steel like that. You actually cook the chromium out of the material making it a lot more susceptible to rust. But you got it painted up. Just if you ever decide to leave the bare stainless on a future build. Bad ass work, you have a new subscriber

[@Jackson-256]

I love watching your videos because they are very entertaining and informational and WAY BETTER then school 😂

[@murftupperware1012]

Hey mike I just wanted to say thank you because I’ve got a 03 CRF450r and It being my first bike I’m absolutely terrified of rebuilding it. And seeing your videos really puts a real world touch to rebuilds compared to the business by the book builds that you find on here. I’m a dirtbike guy but seeing these quads really gives me an appreciation for them and the people that fix and ride them! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@Insanity_420]

There all pretty easy to be honest, take lots of pictures of the tear down for reference and buy a manual if you don't have one cuz it has all the torque specs and it's covers everything from how to adjust your valves to a complete disassembly and reassembly.

[@Insanity_420]

And be extremely clean and organized.

[@flakksbuyselltrade]

I love these full build vids

[@Turbowagon]

Old videos but just a tip. Filing a clutch basket will buy a little time but you end up making the slots even more loose on the tabs on the plates and it will wear even faster from there

[@MichaelSabo]

Not sure if you watched the entire video but I agree with you 100% Only for when in a pinch. Thank you for watching 🤘

[@Turbowagon]

@@MichaelSabo still in the middle of watching lol but I actually just hit the point in the video where you're working on the baskets and talking about it as Im typing this lol. Good timing.

[@ricochetey]

That Kawi is a rippa now nice work again Mike!

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you bro!

[@BostonBanshee]

These videos are unreal amazing content mike as always!!🔥🔥👌👌

[@MichaelSabo]

I appreciate it brotha! 🤘

[@chief1193]

Awesome work! Very knowledgeable! My OCD would have replaced all the bearings, just me. You are a very skilled mechanic, awesome work!

[@briceknight4290]

Man i love how you teach people tricks and tip s and talk about using quality mic tools most people dont understand there are certain thing you cant cheap out on like a micrometer or torque wrench i was like duh you cant cheap out on those thing but my girl had to remind me i m a master mechanic for european vehicles and diesel . but like i said love the content man your a down to earth good dude and your just real you dont fake nothing keep it up hope you continue to do great things and prosper god bless you boss man sabo

[@danimal9503]

Theese one hour build videos are great I love watching them good content as always keep up the great entertainment 👍

[@just_in_time5518]

Nice video brother! Great content!

[@kevbot5.0keller66]

I had a kfx with stage 2 hot cams, dasa pipe, intake , ported and a programmer. That thing was a beast.

[@Rugsadventures]

I love the videos bro keep up the great work. And can I just say I am happy this is all one video i enjoyed very much.

[@minidraglife6732]

i’ve been binge watching all ur videos 😂😂 feels good to have a new one to watch

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for watching all my videos bro, that helps more than you know; glad you like them 🤘

[@leedimatteo5078]

amazing restoration !

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you Lee!

[@dylantucker809]

Love the videos man found your channel and it’s all I watch now!!

[@OdysseyOffroad]

One of my favorite builds. Such a great machine. What meticulous job you did. Awesome 🤘 - Joe

[@Bjorn-cr7um]

Nice work as always!

[@MichaelSabo]

I appreciate it man, thank you for watching!

[@jessebach6783]

You’re really good at what you do

[@gregd.88]

Love a basket case! That should only take a day or two to get fixed up. Piece of cake.

[@fleashman]

Just bought three of these, two running but not well for 1000-1500 and one in the same exact shape as yours for $500. Need them all ready to go within a few weeks lol. Wish me luck

[@jrockett666]

Love the L.O.G in background 🤙🏼

[@derrickphillips6607]

Wow, that turned out to be a bad ass build. Awesome job..💥💥💪🧠

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you Derrick! 🤘

[@bigmike9527]

Dude killer job man that thing looked amazing in green with all the upgrades and all the colors really popped 🤘.but that was the most neglected and abused bike I've ever seen and the amount of shade tree work was ridiculous..

[@yoboymg7387]

You guys HAVE to get a LTR450 project they’re the most interesting machines

[@MichaelSabo]

I agree; I've been wanting to do one for a long time

[@knicklicht7945]

Absolute Machine handling that glass fiber with no gloves

[@fordhearter]

As always great videos and awesome quads..keep them coming man.

[@HitchBmx]

So sick! Stumbled across the grape ape vid no have watched 3+ hours on your channel! Haha, inspiring to a young mechanic man, keep it up

[@trumpfancardanostakepool4737]

Great watching.

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for watching!

[@connersnow298]

Awesome vid and edits and filming and build and toys and shop and tools. I’m glad your doing good.

[@38possum]

Nice clean work that you do.

[@Insanity_420]

The biggest problem I've run into with the kfx450r is the tps sensor sometimes is off, and adjusting it is weird. I spliced the wires to read the voltage with a voltmeter. I have a 2008 kfx 450r with the feul custom intake and f header, lexx pipe, stage 2 cam, numara high compression piston and power commander 3 programmer. 1st through 3 gear almost to close in my opinion but changing sprockets takes care of it.

[@sabadabigarage1595]

Mitutoyo caliper link?

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

Dude So good!!!

[@MichaelSabo]

🤘🤘

[@timjohnson9230]

Quad turned out sick. Waiting for the day when you do a LTR. I'm sure you'll show me a few tricks I haven't done to mine yet.

[@MichaelSabo]

Thanks bro! I'll get my hands on an LTR eventually

[@floridatrailrider305]

Great content Sabo!

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you man! 🤘

[@dennisbrooks186]

Love theong vids like this. At the end of a build. I still want the as u go vids too lol. But to have a long build vid like this, with unseen footage is just badass. B.c. we think we know thr build, then watch the long one, and it's like whoah, what a difference!!!!

[@MichaelSabo]

Awesome feedback man! This is the format I am going for because of feedback like this 🤘

[@timmydavis6624]

Man im still digging into your vids bro i can watch your content for as long as you put it out a regular guy who doesnt act better than that knows his stuff SABO THA BOSS

[@marklloyd3513]

Awesome build 🙂

[@barryshisler3720]

That is one awesome machine I'm 63 years old but I would love to have that to play with

[@mikga45]

For stuck caliber just hook up a air hose to it from your compressor and give it a shot of air the piston will pop right out. Simple. When I worked on cars that had calibers that were rusted and had the piston locked up the compress air always worked.

[@deborahwilliams9907]

Do you still have it???? Mines being rebuilt by Tranghese currently. Would love to discuss ur decision on carb swap