The latest edition of the Kawasaki KX450 motocross bike has been launched, with changes made across the bike in the model’s first generation change since 2018.
Among the headline changes for the 2024 Kawasaki KX450 are those which apply to the engine, which are designed to provide more performance.
Focusing on performance rather than rideability is arguably a bit of a rarity with 450cc dirt bikes, but, to achieve the greater outputs from the motor, Kawasaki has symmetrically- and centrally-aligned the engine’s intake and exhaust. The silencer on the exhaust has also moved forwards in a mass centralisation effort. Additionally, there is a new cylinder head, and adjustability in the position of the top engine mount.
Chassis adjustments have also been made on the new Kawasaki KX450, with the aim of providing more feel at the front tyre. The weight of the frame over the previous generation is also reduced. The bike’s bodywork has also been modified and slimmed-down, partly thanks to the centralisation of the exhaust, to improve ergonomics.
Smartphone connectivity has also been brought to the 2024 KX450, with the possibility to tune engine mappings from Kawasaki’s “Rideology the App KX” mobile app, which also contains maintenance logs. On the bike, two engine maps are available to choose from, with ‘Normal’ or ‘Mild’ maps available to select using the ‘M’ (‘Mode’) button on the left bar.
Other electronic adjustability is available in the form of Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), which appears now for the first time on a KX450. Two options are available - simply 'Strong' and 'Weak'.
In terms of additional technical parts, the new bike features ODI Lock-On grips and a Brembo front brake (Nissin remains at the rear), which are both first for the KX range.
The new-generation Kawasaki KX450 has already seen on-track success in the hands of Romain Febvre, who has been running the new bike for the factory Kawasaki team since the beginning of the 2023 MXGP World Championship, and who won Race 2 at the MXGP of France at Villars-Sous-Ecot, one of the toughest and sketchiest hard pack tests of the 2023 season.
The 2024 Kawasaki KX450 will be available in dealers from November 2023. UK pricing is still to be announced, although US pricing is set at $10,399 (£8265.13 at time of writing, June 2023).
Visit the Kawasaki UK website to find your nearest Kawasaki dealer.
Sources: Press release (Kawasaki UK), Keefer Inc. Testing.
