brake and a Nissin lever for the
clutch. It feels like you broke a
lever during practice and were
forced to grab a spare from the
toolbox. No performance draw
-
back, just a first impression with
the green machine.
When the new-gen KX450
was introduced in 2024, we
were a little disappointed with
its power. It was less exciting
to ride than the previous model,
and it felt the most controlled
during any shootout test. While
the motor is untouched for
2026, the technical engineers
have allotted more wiggle room
inside their Rideology app and
opened up the parameters for
more engine tuning. They gave
us a map developed by Kawa
-
saki's test rider, Broc Tickle, and
it instantly changed the motor's
feel. By increasing the fueling
and ignition values, it added
more bottom end to our KX and
improved torque. Instead of feel
-
ing slow and lethargic, the bike
P108
QUICKSPIN I 2026 Kawasaki KX450
The Kawasaki KX450 returns for 2026 with virtually
no changes.
PHOTOS: RYAN NITZEN
The cockpit is instantly com-
fortable. It's a classic Japanese
motocrosser with a long, flat
seat and wide footpegs. The
plastics are slim and flow even-
ly throughout the rider triangle,
making it easy to move for-
ward or backward on the bike.
The ODI grips offer great feel
and are a far cry from the old,
vulcanized grips on the 2019-23
Kawis. My only complaint about
the cockpit is the mismatched
controls, a Brembo lever for the
