Tough terrain won’t stop us from winning. With championship-proven technology and tuning to take on every challenge, the KX450X motorcycle has what it takes to win outdoors. Get the off-road edge by riding the bike built to stay ahead of the rest.
Downdraft intake layout and symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust deliver a strong over-run and smooth low-rpm torque characteristics. Redesigned intake offers a much straighter route for air-fuel mix to enter the cylinder, while a centrally positioned exhaust port lines up with the intake for high airflow efficiency—both contributing to increased performance.
A hydraulic clutch offers direct feel and light lever action. Less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use results in more consistent feeling. The use of coned-disc springs contributes to lighter clutch actuation when the lever has been pulled in, and a wider clutch engagement range, which facilitates control (especially when half-clutching).
A redesigned frame accommodates the updates to the engine’s intake and exhaust systems, while delivering a high level of both light, nimble handling and a composed character. Optimised rigidity balance contributes to increased front-end feel that translates to improved cornering performance in a wider range of conditions.
Revised brake components include drilled Braking/Sunstar discs (ø270/240 mm) paired with a Brembo caliper and master cylinder at the front and a Nissin caliper and master cylinder at the rear. The high-performance system offers increased controllability on the brakes, contributing to enhanced corner entry.
Factory-style ø49 mm inverted coil-spring front fork and New Uni Trak rear suspension offer race-ready suspension performance and adjustability to let riders tune their settings to suit conditions. Spring rates and damping settings optimised for the cross-country scene offer increased feedback, especially when riding on challenging trails.
Already highly acclaimed for their slim ergonomics, the KX450X receives redesigned bodywork that offers an even smoother rider interface. Newly designed shrouds, side covers, and rear fender are firmer and eliminate hooking points, further facilitating rider movement.
A choice of four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions allows riders to tailor their riding position to suit body size and preference. Factory-style ø28.6 mm (1-1/8”) Renthal aluminium Fatbar helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider, while a lower, closer grip position helps put the rider in a position that makes it easier to weight the front wheel.
While the KX450 features F21”/R19” aluminium rims, the KX450X uses a F21”/R18” combination that facilitates putting the KX450X’s power to the ground. Dunlop AT81 enduro-type tyres complement the KX450X-specific wheels and are well-suited to the situations encountered in cross-country riding.
The Power Mode selection button—a first for Kawasaki KX models—replaces the DFI couplers used on the previous model. Using the Mode (M) button on the left handlebar, riders can quickly and easily switch between two engine maps (Normal, Mild response) provided in the ECU.
Using the Traction (T) button on the left handlebar, riders can quickly and easily select from two levels (Weak, Strong) of traction control to suit conditions and preference. Riders may also elect to turn the system off.
Factory-style launch control system increases the chance of getting a good start by helping riders maximise traction when starting on a low-traction surface.
Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX,” riders are able to access and adjust their bike’s engine maps. Functionality (adjusting fuel and ignition timing) is similar to that offered by the accessory KX FI Calibration Kit used with previous models. Maintenance and setup logs are also available.
