FIRST LOOK! ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX450

Press release: 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 KX450 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.

ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX450 HIGHLIGHTS:

All hail the Kawasaki engineers! The KX450 they have wrought for 2024 remedies the vast majority of MXA’s complaints. Follow along, please…

ENGINE: For 2024, Kawasaki changed the layout of the entire drivetrain system—from the valve angles to the symmetrical intake and exhaust ports that produce straighter airflow. As a result, power is improved across all areas at any throttle position or engine rpm (hopefully making up the almost 4-horsepower gap with the 2023 shootout winners).

The cylinder head now has a center port exhaust design with a new exhaust system that contributes to both peak power and controllability while allowing for slimmer bodywork. The pipe’s muffler was moved forward as well, improving mass centralization, and has stronger mounts.

BRAKES: Hold on to your hats, folks, because the 2024 KX450 comes with a class-leading Brembo front brake, master cylinder, caliper and lever (getting rid of 2023’s awkwardly shaped brake lever). A Nissin caliper remains on the rear wheel, but the rear rotor has been reduced from its touchy 250mm in 2023 to 240mm in 2024.

ERGONOMICS: The 2024 KX450 will feature all-new bodywork that is much sleeker. The shrouds, side covers and rear fender are all redesigned. Plus, a new quick-release design will be featured on the airbox cover to provide tool-less access to the air filter, which means the 8mm bolt that strips out so easily on the cover is gone for 2024.

Additionally, ODI Lock-On grips will come standard on the KX450 with green accents on the rubber tips and mounting hardware.

ELECTRONICS PACKAGE: Kawasaki previously offered a $700 KX FI Calibration kit and plug-in couplers to make mapping changes. There were no easy-to-use push-button map switches on the handlebars. For 2024, Kawasaki has developed a Bluetooth-connected smartphone app called Rideology that enables riders to access and change fuel and ignition maps with a handlebar-mounted controller, eliminating the old-fashioned plug-in couplers. Two different maps are available to manage Kawasaki’s traction control settings—standard and mild. For 2024, riders will be able to choose their level of traction control, adjust between two power modes, and activate launch control at the push of a button.

CHASSIS: There is an all-new, lightweight, aluminum perimeter frame that features optimized stiffness and frame geometry that is claimed to improve the front-end feel.

2024 KAWASAKI KX250: Since the KX250 was all new in 2023, the only changes it gets for 2024 are new radiator shroud graphics and a solid green seat cover.

SUGGESTED MSRP: The $10,399 retail price for the 2024 Kawasaki KX450 is $800 more than last year’s $9599 MSRP.

THE QIUICK HIT LIST OF KX450 CHANGES

• 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 enhances 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 the Rideology 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).

Retail Price: $10,399

2024 KAWASAKI KX450X CROSS-COUNTRY

The 2024 KX450X comes with all the same upgrades as the motocross bike, only with a few minor differences. 

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.

ADDITIONAL KX450X FEATURES:

• NEW Front and rear tires
• NEW Engine tuning
• NEW Suspension settings

MSRP: $10,599

COMPLETE LIST OF 2024 MOTOCROSS MODELS

 

\