Kris Keefer Compares 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR vs Stock KX450 Bike

The 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR (Special Racer) is here, and Keefer breaks down the differences from the standard KX450, where those changes are felt on the track, if you’re able to feel the difference from last year’s KYB KX450SR setting versus the 2023 Showa setting and if all of this is worth the price difference for the consumer.
Keefer is also joined by Eddie Laret for this video. For reference, Laret is 235 lbs compared to Keefer at 170 lbs.
Track: Glen Helen Raceway
Film: Spencer Owens
Edit: Simon Cudby
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#Kawasaki #Motocross #KrisKeefer

[@jonathangoglin4047]

I’ve been on a Kawasaki for the last 6 years now. Super cool bike, you get a lot for the money. However I switched back to the 250 a couple years ago with no plans to ride 450 ever again. The 250 is so much more fun for my riding style. I’d buy it if Kawasaki made a 250SR

[@Davido50]

That's the bike to get for any Kawasaki guys for sure! I'm a vet guy ..but I'm even interested. Go for it! -NY

[@Davido50]

450 bikes are too much power for most really.

[@JohnHolka]

So hard to beat these bikes🔥💯

[@jonruger]

I didn’t even think of the SR when I was buying my new bike this fall. I want to ride one so bad I love the Kawi it feels like my 07 Honda did.

[@garrickpridemore413]

I want to learn all about this whole suspension setup stuff, but it's just soooo foreign to me right now. Where can I just learn the basics and learn to build from there? I own a 2017 KX 250F and am about 186 lbs. and am trying to figure out how to set up my suspension to best suit my weight/riding style.

[@shawntblin5423]

Should have kept the kayaba forks.

[@williamschuman4951]

100% correct

[@nickp8373]

Jett Lawrence seems to have no issues with the Showa’s. Weekend warriors are funny. I would happily take either one.

[@sdb92]

@@nickp8373 LOL! You’re so clueless if you believe that Lawrence bike’s Showa fork is any close to the one on the Kawie SR that now that is funny! Not to mention that forks are spec’d for every specific brand and model. Again, flat out clueless! 🙄

[@Davido50]

Don't think it will make much difference at all. Not for high level riders!

[@nickp8373]

@@sdb92 Like I said Weekend warriors are hilarious. 🥱

[@williamschuman4951]

I was thinking about the 2022 but not the 2023, now I’m leaning toward the 2023 Yamerhammer 450

[@Davido50]

Can't beat either. Both excellent. I'd choose Yamaha if they were avail near me. Sold out! -Ohio

[@racebiketuner]

Damping reduces vibration. Dampening makes something wet.

[@damienhouques6379]

Hi Kris, what is your opinion about installing a Rekluse Radius CX clutch on 450 ?

[@worldwide1873]

What’s your opinion with this kx450sr vs the yz450f?

[@canamxmr4760]

What’s the chances you can nudge Travis Preston in the Yamaha group to release a special racer version as well?

[@herbcanter2114]

I would choose a 2023 stock YZ450F for THOUSANDS less myself . It STILL has a stronger engine , better suspension and a vastly superior engine mapping system which is handlebar mounted . This bike still doesn't have a handlebar mounted mapping system , all the other bikes do.

[@canamxmr4760]

@@herbcanter2114 I’ve done the custom route. If there was a “factory edition” or “sr” 250F I’d get one.

[@stephenmiley5804]

Front brake feel is easily fixed by sliding brake master cylinder to the left so you only use 2 fingers on fatter part of the lever plus it gives little better leverage ratio to get it closer to a brembo. At least that is my solution :-)

[@kochj0713]

I heard there wasn’t any head work done all it really is is the ECU mapping and exhaust

[@giovannicastignani524]

With all my respect but the KX 450 SR does not come with A-Kit Showa suspensions.

[@Kawiboy]

Come on. Your not 220 brother ... Unless ur 5' 7' ... This bike is more than ANY over weight average Vet needs. Buy stock and go ride.. Put him on an old 426 and he ain't no better on that.. Appreciate it ... Movin on ✌️

[@2216sammy]

2022 SR450 is better .

[@shawntblin5423]

Agreed

[@williamschuman4951]

Oh yea, for sure

[@sdb92]

@C.Nash Are you saying this because of the KYB suspension, right? If so, and own one, could you elaborate on that? Because l understand the rest of the bike is just like the ‘22 version. Anyway, thank you for any info that you may provide.

[@deathwish6778]

It better be for the price difference

[@dustin9035]

3:33, really?

[@herbcanter2114]

LOL

[@trevorortiz3046]

----15,000. (15.7) for me

[@nbeezys]

What a shame. Racer X you can do much better

[@williamkazynski615]

Jason stop being a Julie. BamBam Barcia trumps Anderson all the way. 51 rules, he's aggressive, & Factory GasGas TLD is tops. Peace out.bK819

[@hunter-ct9ky]

No way dude

[@mxdirtcarver9203]

🆘 Don’t buy a 23’ because the new 24’ is coming….