The Kawasaki KX450 is back again for 2024 with a range of new updates that not only make the off-roader more competitive but also bring it into the present. Kawasaki’s KX series has always been one of the many considerations in the motocross world when purchasing a new bike and while updates have always been made almost consistently, the 2024 model year KX450 series sees some things completely new. Now, if you’ve been paying attention to MXGP this year, you’ll recognize the bike as the one used by Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Romain Febvre. Febvre ranked third in points with a total of 347 points.
From a new engine layout to better electronics, the KX450 gets a complete overhaul. Changes have been made to the frame of the bike as well as the styling. The company has also added Bluetooth connectivity to plug into the bike's engine mapping functions eliminating the need for dongles and cables. In another first for the KX series of bikes, Kawasaki is using Brembo calipers and master cylinder to provide stopping power on the front brakes. Overall, it could be said that this is the Kawasaki KX450’s biggest update since 2019.
10 Bluetooth Connectivity
Kawasaki has brought the KX450 into the modern age with the addition of Bluetooth connectivity on the bike. Now, of course, there is no instrument cluster, and you can’t make and receive calls on the fly because it’s not that kind of system. Instead, you pair your phone to the bike using Kawasaki’s Rideology app. This allows you to access and adjust engine maps using your phone similar to what Yamaha does with its Power Tuner app. This means you do not have to deal with any wires that come with the KX FI Calibration Kit.
9 New Electronics
We’ve already told you about the Bluetooth connectivity option, but that’s not all. Kawasaki has also done away with the EFI Coupler system and the bike now has handlebar-mounted toggle switches that allow you to change Traction control and power modes. There are two levels of traction control to choose from as well as the option to turn it off completely. The power modes are basically two engine maps, namely a mild tune and a normal one, that can be changed into while on the move. Launch control also comes standard on the Kawasaki KX450.
8 Reworked Intake And Exhaust
Kawasaki says that the engine gets a completely new layout with an all-new cylinder head. The intake tract has been redesigned to form a straighter path for fuel entering the cylinder. The exhaust valve, too, has been centered on the cylinder head to allow for better airflow efficiency. This also allows the muffler to sit closer to the engine. Now, numbers have yet to be revealed, but according to Kawasaki, the changes to the engine’s layout have helped increase power across the rev band. For context, the outgoing model’s 449cc liquid-cooled engine currently produces 51.9 horsepower and 32.6 pound-feet of torque.
7 New Frame
A reworked engine and a new exhaust mean the chassis had to be tweaked. The double downtube now splits just above the header making the arms longer than before and changing the geometry. Kawasaki has also made the chassis lighter and added some stiffness which, overall, should result in better balance and agility. Like the engine performance figures, Kawasaki has yet to reveal all of the numbers including rake, trail, wheelbase, and even the curb weight.
6 New Brakes And Tires
In a first for any KX series bike, Kawasaki has added the Brembo name to the braking components. This comprises a Brembo master cylinder and caliper at the front biting down on a 270mm petal-disc rotor supplied Braking. The rear caliper, unfortunately, continues to be produced by Nissin to provide stopping power. The rear rotor, however, is now a 240mm petal disc provided by Sunstar instead of the 250mm one on the 2023 model. Tires, too, have been upgraded to the new Geomax MX34 tires from Dunlop that replace the old MX33s.
5 Ergo-Fit Continues To Come Standard
The 2024 KX450 continues to have Kawasaki’s Ergo-fit components. The foot pegs can be adjusted up and down in two positions while the handlebar can be adjusted to four different positions. This allows riders to tailor the bike to better suit their preferences by adjusting for body size, handling preference, and riding style. There are more ergonomic components on the KX450 such as new shrouds and side panels which Kawasaki says eliminates hooking points with the rider’s knees and boots allowing for better mobility on the bike. There is also a new set of ODI Lock-On Grips which Kawasaki says provide ‘excellent’ grip feel.
4 New Design
All of this means a complete redesign for the bike and aside from the tell-tale dirt-bike silhouette, the KX450 looks brand new. Aside from the hooking point elimination, the radiator shrouds and side panels also give the bike a more complete look. The side cover has been designed with a new quick-release mechanism for better access to the air filter. The rear fender has also been reworked, and the exhaust ends a lot closer to the engine than before. The design changes not only make an aesthetic difference, however, as they all serve to bring the majority of weight closer to the center which in turn also means better agility.
3 Same But Slightly Different Suspension
Suspension does not change. The Japanese manufacturer continues to use a 49mm Showa upside-down fork up front combined with the A-KIT technology. The rear consists of a Uni-Trak suspension system and features adjustable dual-range compression damping. Travel on the springs are set at 12 inches and 12.1 inches for front and rear respectively and both are fully adjustable. While this is what the KX450 had in the previous model, the differences for 2024 are a little more elusive. Kawasaki has said that the suspension settings have been changed but has also said that the details of this will be revealed later on.
2 KX450X Also Updated
Now of course the KX450 also comes in a cross-country variant called the KX450X. All the changes mentioned above have been made to the cross-country racer as well including the design, the new frame, Brembo front brake, and the new engine layout. The electronics, too, have been carried over to the 450X adding handlebar toggles for traction control and power modes, as well as Bluetooth connectivity via the Rideology App. Visually, there is very little to differentiate the two. However, differences do exist and those are in the form of taller 21”/18” front/rear wheel combo, Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, and a side stand that comes standard on the Kawasaki KX450X.
1 $800 Over The Outgoing Model
The new 2024 Kawasaki KX450 is priced at $10,399. This is an $800 increase over the outgoing model’s 9,599 price tag, but it also is a decent upgrade with all of the new components and electronics. For those of you more oriented towards desert and trail races, the KX450X will be priced at $10,599 at launch. At this price point, both the KX bikes from Kawasaki are costlier than the Yamaha YZ450 series. As well as the Honda CRF450 series. On the other hand, they also undercut KTM’s 450 SX-F and 450 XC-F. Both bikes are set to go on sale from November 2023 onwards.