T
he Kawasaki KX450 is one of the
most anticipated 450cc moto-
crossers of the 2024 model year.
Essentially, the green machine is new from
the ground up—engine, frame, bodywork,
electronics, the works. According to Kawa-
saki, its goal was to build on the strengths
of the outgoing KX450, which was a
well-liked motorcycle during its previous
2019-2023 generation, and make it more of
an "all-arounder" race bike. Did they nail it?
Let's find out.
WHAT'S CHANGED?
For one, the airbox. It has been completely
reformed. Previously, the air intake design
routed air around the rear shock. Now, it
routes the air more up and over the shock for
a straighter, downward shot into the cylinder.
Paired with a new center port exhaust system
that aligns straighter with the intake ports,
this new intake design, Kawasaki claims, is
better streamlined and efficient, resulting in a
smoother and more consistent engine charac
-
ter with a "boost of performance."
VOLUME ISSUE NOVEMBER , P75
WE RIDE THE ALL-NEW (AND WE MEAN
ALL-NEW) KAWASAKI KX450
BY RYAN NITZEN I PHOTOGRAPHY KIT PALMER
OR BETTER
OR FOR WORSE?
F
