We have been going full bore on trying different KX450 clutches and the next in line was Rekluse’s APEX system. This is the first time I have tried the Rekluse APEX system and came away pretty damn impressed! The Rekluse APEX clutch system is a clutch upgrade for the Kawasaki KX450 and after spending time with it, it’s clear why Rekluse considers this their flagship manual clutch. From durability to lever feel, the APEX delivers noticeable improvements over the stock setup. Here is what I felt after spending several hours on the APEX system.
Performance & Feel
Right away, the most noticeable change is how smooth and consistent the clutch feel is over the course of a longer moto. The lever pull is more predictable (better engagement feel) and can be tuned using the included spring options (we chose the red spring option), allowing riders to choose between maximum power transfer or a lighter pull to reduce arm pump. On the KX450, this translates to better control coming out of corners, smoother engagement and more consistent clutch action during heavy abuse.
Durability & Engineering
The standout feature of the APEX system is Rekluse’s patented Fixed-Pin hub design. Instead of steel clutch plates digging into an aluminum hub (which causes notching over time), the APEX uses steel-on-steel contact. This is said to dramatically reduce wear, helps maintain consistent clutch feel, and extends service life compared to the OEM clutch. This is a big win for riders who put serious hours on their bikes.
Power Transfer & Heat Management
The included TorqDrive clutch pack increases the number of friction plates, which boosts torque capacity and improves power transfer to the rear wheel (more rear wheel connectivity). The clutch feels more connected under hard acceleration and holds up better under abuse in a longer moto, especially in deep sand, deeply tilled starts, or long motos. Improved oil flow and billet aluminum components also help manage heat, reducing fade.
Installation & Adjustability
The APEX is a comprehensive kit, including a billet pressure plate, Fixed-Pin hub, TorqDrive clutch pack, basket sleeves, springs, and a billet clutch cover. Installation is straightforward for experienced mechanics and once installed, the clutch is highly tunable to match rider preference and riding style.
Downsides
The biggest drawback is price at $1199.99— the APEX is a premium system and costs significantly more than stock replacement parts. However, when you factor in increased durability, better performance and longer service intervals, many riders will find the value justified. Proper setup is also important; taking time to dial in spring combinations will ensure the best results.
Overall Opinion
For Kawasaki KX450 riders looking for maximum durability, smoother engagement, less vague feel and improved power transfer, the Rekluse APEX clutch is one of the best manual clutch upgrades available for the KX450. It’s especially well-suited for aggressive riders, racers and anyone tired of dealing with clutch fade/vague feel during a moto and/or hub notching. The stock clutch on the KX450 doesn’t hold up well to any type of abuse so this Rekluse APEX system is a performance/durability modification that is a smart purchase.. While it’s not cheap, the performance and longevity gains make it a real viable option for you to think about if you plan on keeping your KX450 long term.
