2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X – First Look
Updated engine and frame... and no more couplers!
Kawasaki updated its KX450 motocrosser and KX450X cross country machines for 2024, revising the cylinder head, frame, and brakes. Unfortunately, some of the final specs remain to be announced, including their curb weights, but here’s what we know about Kawasaki’s new 450s.
The 2024 models do away with the previous EFI coupler system in favor of a new handlebar-mounted power mode and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) switch. Riders have a choice of normal or mild engine maps, while KTRC can be toggled between Weak or Strong, or turned off completely. The KX450 and KX450X now offer smartphone connectivity with Kawasaki’s Rideology app. The app allows riders to access and adjust engine maps using their phones instead of the optional KX FI Calibration Kit.
The cylinder head has been updated, with an entirely new layout for the intake system. According to Kawasaki, the redesigned intake tract offers a straighter path for the fuel mixture to enter the cylinder. The intake and exhaust ports were also modified accordingly to improve efficiency.
The exhaust now exits from the center of the cylinder, lining up with the intake ports. This change improves airflow while also allowing Kawasaki to design slimmer bodywork.The aluminum perimeter frame has also been modified, accommodating the new exhaust position. Kawasaki also moved the silencer forward, improving mass centralization.
New radiator shrouds, side covers and rear fender are firmer and designed to eliminate hooking points with the rider’s boots and knees for easier movement. The side covers also adopt a new quick-release system for easier, toolless access to the air filter.
In a first for Kawasaki’s KX models, Brembo will supply the front braking components, including the master cylinder and brake caliper. Nissin will continue to produce the rear brakes, though the 2024 models use a 240 mm disc instead of the previous 250 mm rotor.
The suspension system will again consist of a 49 mm inverted coil-spring fork and a Uni-Trak rear suspension. Kawasaki says the KX450X’s suspension settings have been changed, but specific details will be revealed at a later date.
Kawasaki updated the 2024 KX450’s tires to the new Dunlop Geomax MX34, replacing the previous MX33s. The KX450X runs with Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.
The 2024 Kawasaki KX450 will be available for $10,399, while the KX450X will carry a $10,599 price tag. Both models will come in Lime Green, arriving in showrooms in the fall.
Begin Press Release:
2024 KAWASAKI KX™450 AND KX™450X MOTORCYCLES
For the last five decades, the Kawasaki KX™ lineup has helped paved the path to championships for the motocross heroes of today. The KX family remains one of the most dominant motocross and supercross brand of motorcycles available today, with the KX™450 continuing to be one of the leading motocross bikes in its class. With development cues taken from the Monster Energy® Kawasaki factory racing team, the all-new KX450 is one of the strongest off-road machines on the track. All-new features for 2024 include a new cylinder head, lightweight aluminum frame, center exhaust, and Kawasaki KX first-time features include ODI Lock-On grips, Brembo® brakes, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), riding modes with handlebar mounted switch box, and Bluetooth® connectivity using RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
The KX450 motorcycle is the bike that builds champions. Racers receive the benefit of the industry-leading Team Green™ support network that can be found trackside at events across the nation. Kawasaki riders also have the opportunity to enroll in the Kawasaki Rider Rewards program which offers industry-leading contingency for select races across the country.
KX™450
ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX™450 HIGHLIGHTS:
- NEW Engine tuning
- NEW Cylinder head
- NEW Straight exhaust port and center exhaust
- NEW Smartphone connectivity
- NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
- NEW Brembo brake system
- NEW Lightweight aluminum perimeter frame
- NEW ODI Lock-On grips
- NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
- NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
- NEW KTRC and riding modes
NEW ENGINE
For 2024, Kawasaki changed the layout of the entire intake system, all the way down to the valves which were modified to an ideal port shape and shifted vertically to be symmetrical with the intake and exhaust ports. The intake and exhaust ports were also modified for straighter airflow and improved efficiency. As a result, power is improved across all areas at any throttle position or engine rpm.
The exhaust pipe has been moved to the center of the bike, helping to contribute to both peak power and controllability while allowing for slimmer bodywork. The pipe’s silencer was moved forward as well, contributing to mass centralization and a firmer feel.
NEW CHASSIS
An all-new lightweight aluminum perimeter frame retains the praised handling character of the previous model, with optimized stiffness and dimensions that help improve the front-end feeling and traction while riding in various conditions.
NEW BRAKES
For the first time in KX history, a Brembo braking system will adorn the front of the KX450, including a master cylinder and brake caliper for excellent stopping power controllability. A Nissin braking system will remain on the rear of the motorcycle for a combined braking package that produces seriously fast lap times.
NEW ERGONOMICS
Improving the overall ergonomics while maintaining the KX machine’s pure racing style was a priority for Kawasaki engineers. The 2024 KX450 will feature all-new bodywork that allows riders to change their riding position more easily. The shrouds, side covers and rear fender all received updates to their design, condensing the KX450’s overall appearance for a lighter-looking feel while adding to the mass centralization of the bike itself. A new quick-release design will be featured on the side cover, facilitating convenient, tool-less access to the air filter.
For added rider comfort, ODI Lock-On grips will come standard on the KX450. This innovative grip system bolts the grips to the handlebar and will simplify the process of replacing grips . The grips will be accented with green details in the rubber tips and mounting hardware, continuing the motorcycle’s sharp racing image
NEW INSTRUMENTS & TECHNOLOGY
A new traction control and power mode switch enhance the left handlebar, marking another first for the KX line of motorcycles. Riders will be able to choose their level of KTRC assistance (strong, weak or off), adjust between power modes (normal or mild response) and activate launch control at the push of a button.
Power mode mapping can now be adjusted using RIDEOLOGY THE APP, another KX-series first. Instead of using the current accessory FI calibration kit, riders will now be able to adjust fuel and ignition timing and keep a maintenance log using Bluetooth connectivity from their smartphone.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
KAWASAKI KX450
- Color: Lime Green
- MSRP: $10,399
- Availability: Fall
KX™450X
Returning along with the KX450 for 2024 is the all-new KX™450X receiving all the same new features, but with added off-road settings to further expand and solidify the KX family of off-road motorcycles. With the strength and power of the all-new KX450 behind it, the KX450X makes every off-road adventure exciting and fun. Additional new features exclusive to the KX450X include Dunlop AT81 front and rear tires, optimized engine tuning and optimized suspension settings.
ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX™450X HIGHLIGHTS:
- NEW Cylinder head
- NEW Straight exhaust port and center exhaust
- NEW Smartphone connectivity
- NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
- NEW Brembo brake system
- NEW Lightweight aluminum perimeter frame
- NEW ODI Lock-On grips
- NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
- NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
- NEW KTRC and riding modes
ADDITIONAL KX™450X FEATURES:
- NEW Front and rear tires
- NEW Engine tuning
- NEW Suspension settings
The 2023 KX450X is an off-road cross-country competition model that features the same championship-proven technology found on KX race machines and has been purposely tuned for off- road competition. The motorcycle shares many winning traits with its KX450 counterpart including the engine, frame, chassis, and styling. That successful base is paired with unique cross-country tuning, softer suspension settings and shorter gear ratios that help create the optimal handling package for the race-ready off-road KX lineup.
KAWASAKI KX450X
- Color: Lime Green
- MSRP: $10,599
- Availability: Fall
KAWASAKI TEAM GREEN™ RACER REWARDS
The Kawasaki Team Green™ Racer Rewards program offers contingency for eligible KX riders at motocross and off-road events throughout the nation.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
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I hate how Kawasaki and all the other manufacturers decided to price their bikes like the over-priced European makers in both dirt and street starting about 10-years ago. I am on Kawasaki's mailing list and own a Ninja. I get previews and special offers on a regular basis including their new brand of limited-edition athletic shoes. What I have also been getting the last couple years is $1,000-2,000 off on select KX models. Basically, the 250 and 450's. These bikes as I mentioned are way overpriced and like the US auto industries truck prices, seem to be priced to discount. If getting $2,000 off a KX 450 with a rebate, that leaves little to no room to negotiate the price. I guess in reality you are buying at a new inflated list price with a discount certificate to apply and nothing more. I am not in the market for dirt bike anymore and certainly not one that could be a house down payment!