Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1531664
P96 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 KAWASAKI KX450SR but the slight use of traction control prevented the rear wheel from snapping loose under heavy throttle. Suspension is another strong suit for the SR that again sets it apart from the standard KX. The main differences are the extra oil and different valving in the fork. This is recom- mended for the base model's fork but comes standard on the SR. The changes allow the front end to hold up better on bigger hits, which I welcomed on the steep descents of Glen Helen. The bike felt less pitchy front to back and overall had more stability through the bumpy conditions. In the back, the shock stayed planted under power and didn't get out of control when pushed hard. With increased comfort, rider confidence goes up. The KX450SR feels sharper than the standard, giving you better confidence when making quick line changes. The agile feeling of the suspension comple - ments the free-revving engine and further contributes to the bike's lightweight feeling. My only complaint was the lack of a grip- per seat cover. With the extra torque and horsepower, the stock seat feels a bit slippery. Grippier material, ribs or a bump will be useful on this bike. Aside from that, the cockpit is neutral and comfortable. The Kawasaki KX450SR might be the most expensive of the factory edition models avail- able, but at least it's one of the most improved over its base model counterpart. Kawi's Special Racer is a drastic improvement to the standard KX450. While the $3000 uptick is undoubtedly a big pill to swallow, the improve- ments are undeniable. CN 2025 KAWASAKI KX450SR ($13,599) ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT 449.9cc COOLING SYSTEM Liquid VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4-valve BORE X STROKE 96.0mm x 62.1mm COMPRESSION RATIO 12.5:1 STARTING SYSTEM Electric FUELING DFI w / 44mm Keihin throttle body TRANSMISSION 5-speed, Nissin hydraulic clutch FRAME Aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION 49mm Showa coil-spring fork, DLC coatings, fully adj. REAR SUSPENSION Showa single shock, DLC coatings, fully adj. FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.0 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 12.1 in. FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 19 in. FRONT TIRE Dunlop 80/100-21 in. REAR TIRE Dunlop 120/80-19 in. FINAL DRIVE 13t/50t FRONT BRAKE Single Brembo 270mm disc REAR BRAKE Single Nissin 240mm disc SEAT HEIGHT 37.6 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 13.4 in. FUEL CAPACITY 1.64 gal. WHEELBASE 58.5 in. WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 248.2 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S RIDE WEAR Pant: Thor Sportmode Brave Jersey: Thor Sportmode Brave Helmet: Thor Reflex Sport Carbon Boots: Thor Radial Boots Gloves: Thor Sportmode Goggles: 100%