P100
2020 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
SHOOTOUT
KAWASAKI
KX450
K
awasaki is another manufacturer who
rolled into 2020 on an unchanged
platform. The KX450 is identical to
last year's model, which nearly won our
shootout. The 2019 runner-up remains
a worthy contender in 2020 but didn't
rate quite as high this time. The Kawi was
bumped off the overall podium, but only by
one point. Actually, it's worth noting that the
top four bikes in our overall tally were only
separated by a single point each.
As for engine performance, the Kawa-
saki was an excellent performer. Power is
robust and quick-revving, with a nice linear
pull that doesn't feel too explosive as it has
in the past. With a super-wide midrange,
this is the bike you can lug around the
entire track in third gear (if you're into that).
Even in the aggressive map setting (switch-
able by way of DFI couplers), its big power
remains smooth and linear, letting you build
speed in a very controlled manner.
Handling is just as controllable on the
KX. Its ability to get leaned over in corners
was another strong point. It's light and
flickable going into turns, and once leaned
over, the KX holds a line very well with a
planted feeling throughout. Several testers
commented they could put the Kawi wher-
ever they wanted in the turns. "It never felt
like the front was going to tuck," said one
tester. "I was able to jump into hard-pack
4
th
Place
