Kawasaki announces new KX250 and KX450 motocross machines
Kawasaki has taken the covers off its new KX250 and KX450 motocross machines, both of which arrive with a KX-X cousin.
Kawasaki’s off-road segment has been given a fresh update for 2026 with the arrival of the new KX250 and KX450 motocross bikes, both of which were developed by the MXGP racing program.
The two models are already available to buy with the KX450 starting from £8,399, while the smaller KX250 will cost you £7,799.
Derived from the brand’s racing program in MXGP - the biggest motocross championship in the world - both bikes benefit from a single semi-floating 270mm disc with a dual-piston Brembo caliper at the front. At the back is a single 240mm disc with a single-piston Brembo caliper, which is again the same across both machines .
Kawasaki’s suspension partner is Showa which has graced the bikes with a 49mm inverted telescopic fork set-up at the front, with adjustable compression and rebound damping. At the rear is a new Uni-Trak set-up with adjustable dual-range (high/low speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.
Fuel capacity for the two bikes is 6.2 litres while the front and rear wheel travel is the same for both - 305mm (front) and 307mm (rear). From there, both machines feature tall seat heights, with the KX450 coming in at 960mm, which is five mm more than the KX250.
ODI Lock-on grips are found on both machines, while the integration of smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from a handheld device.
The KX450 is the standard off-road version of the KX450SR machine that the official Kawasaki Racing Team has been using in the hands of Romain Febvre during the 2025 season. In MX2, Mathis Valin has been in charge of riding the KRT KX250-SR machine based around the standard model available in Kawasaki dealerships.
Finally, both the KX250 and KX450 machines are backed up by the arrival of two KX-X models, which Kawasaki describes as ready to use in ‘hare and hound’ situations.
Both models also enjoy the same standard equipment as the KX250 and 450 machines, while the KX250X gets a 21-inch/18-inch wheel set-up (standard model features a 19-inch at the rear) and is fitted with enduro-type tyres and features like a side stand. The KX450X also gets a side stand as standard and a quick release air-filter side cover on the 450 KX-X.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
