Kawasaki's X Factor: Are the 2023 KX450X and KX250X the ultimate do-it-all cross-country bikes?

Take some of the best motocross bikes on the planet and make them suitable for off-road and enduro racing. That's just what Kawasaki has done with the new X-model 250 and 450 four-strokes.
We learn exactly what's different on these mean green machines and MotoHead's Dave Willet puts them through their paces at a lush venue.

[@DN4AGDX]

Put a 3 gallon fuel tank with a brake and headlight and it would be almost perfect. IMO.

[@listomoto]

cross country bike maybe a rally like motorcycle. this is not for slow technical enduro riding.

[@PBmxer]

I have the 22 kx250x. I was surprised how much I liked it right out of the gate. I ride it on all terrain. It even does really well in hard enduro conditions. Brilliant bike!

[@MotoHead]

Good to know!

[@jimbob12382]

Uk, I have the 23 450 I’m running 13/45 I only do green lanes & byways the gearing is ideal for a constant 55-60mph to do the road work and I’m only doing light riding, I use putoline n tech pro oil and change every 5-8 hours with oil filter every other, always a spare filter and changed every ride, chain I use a did ervt narrow x ring chain it’s much better than the stock as I got a lot of clatter and was constantly adjusting, the maps I’m running black block, bikes done 37 hours valves are still in spec I’ll do the top end and tuning chain at 150 hours as I’m never really valve bouncing,

[@billsharko3007]

These bikes need a larger capacity fuel a 1.6 gallon tank on a cross country bike is not a good choice. Kawasaki should make a model like the Yamaha WRs with a larger tank, head light ,taillight and a wide ratio transmission or a 6 speed and they would have a GREAT bike.

[@gkling33]

I understand people get paid to be producers, but LOSE THE MUSIC, or turn it waaaay down. We don't watch dirtbike videos to hear techno music, we want to hear the bike, or commentary

[@EGGZ1983]

Nice review. Just a question. I've ridden mostly trails on a mx bike (KX450F) would it be Silly for me to get a 250x for the tighter stuff.. simply because of my height and weight. 6ft 7, 110kg. Would the 250x feel tiny and bottom out because of settings or do you think i can adjust to suit?

[@zaneelliot6963]

It's never silly to own more bikes

[@jongib6096]

Great bikes. Love these Moto X versions .. But the YZ250FX is better with that suspension and 6 speed transmission imo

[@aaronj8600]

If they put the Klx450r gearing in it , I’d buy one tomorrow

[@MindlessPrimate]

Anyone know what light kit is on that? I got a 2023 250x and want to ride at night

[@stefanc2242]

Do they offer the lighting kit for the states? I haven’t seen anything for them and would love a headlight on mine.

[@tennredneck101]

Same. Did you find one? I can’t find a kit for anything stateside newer than ‘18 and I’d like a headlight on a ‘22 450x!

[@stefanc2242]

@@tennredneck101 No Sicass racing claimed they were going to make one but haven't. I don't want to fry anything by trying to make my own, still out of luck at this point I guess.

[@tommyodonnell6250]

Who makes the light kit?

[@ducatikawasaki1290]

Acerbis Universal VSL Headlight. I have it in white, best Dirtbike/enduro headlight by far. LED. Super low draw won’t drain your battery.

[@DuhYaThink]

Bring back the KDX 220 R with all the latest tech and I’d buy one in a second 👍🏻

[@REKT_Industries]

I have a KDX200 with drum brakes, still runs.

[@DuhYaThink]

@@REKT_Industries Oh yeah 👍🏻 had a 86” kdx200 that was great.

[@REKT_Industries]

Mines 83 , and have a kdk 250 with front disk that needs a rebuild. My shoulder still hurts 20 years later after sending it into a ditch and flipping over the bars with no helmet 😂

[@DuhYaThink]

@@REKT_Industries That will do it. 🫣

[@ronlawson5819]

I wish we got the light kits in the states

[@OtisFlint]

Nope, buy a Yamaha or a KTM. The transmission alone on the KX prohibits it from being a "do it all" bike. Both the blue and orange bikes have a variety of advantages.

[@aliennetwork08]

I’m really leaning toward the 250X for my next bike . Kx100 can sit for a while hahah or sell

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Kawasaki seem at the top of their game. So many improvements for 2023, across many of their bikes. So so appealing.

[@RIDEreviewRELOAD]

Jus added a 2022 250 to the stable. Fantastic!

[@ducatikawasaki1290]

250X should be marketed as a hard enduro weapon.

[@gareththornton3917]

Hi dave what's the best choice the yam wr 250 or this many thanks

[@crisibarra6850]

Which headlight is that on the KX450X ??

[@matthewtoes6433]

It needs a 9 litre fuel tank for 3 hour race

[@kevinholscher2172]

How long can you ride with it before refueling?

[@two-up]

Hi great material very nice ride ;)

[@kica-0802]

Engine level things change ?

[@Boots2Bike]

Are these bikes suitable for the track too?

[@OnroadOtter]

Easily, they're nearly identical to the motocross versions, its just softer suspension and one inch smaller rear wheel. Just stiffen up the suspension and they'll pretty much ride the same as the mx version

[@ryangalbraith7080]

I have a 23 kx250x and it’s pretty much the motocross version with a kickstand,a extra tooth on the rear sprocket,softer springs on the front forks and the rear tire is wider.

[@tg8150]

Plastics & fasteners are junk. That huge ass pipe looks ridiculous Kawi. No thx.

[@shrubitup]

Right, everyone just loves the loud bikes these days!

[@ryanxmx31]

Save the offroad stuff for the 2 strokes

[@brandonfowler4240]

I prefer my Honda crf450rx over a Husky tx300. Both great but different stokes for different folks.