2024 Kawasaki KX450 Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

We ride the 2024 Kawasaki KX450! It’s always exciting when a new generation model comes out. Of course, we all wonder how it will compare to the previous generation and how it will compete with the rest of the 450 MX class. This year, Kawasaki went all in on redesigning the KX450 platform, giving it a new motor and chassis design. We also see upgraded electronics and new components in the 2024 Kawasaki KX450 mix. Associate Editor Will Embree clocked over 10 hours of ride time and tested the KX450 on various tracks in many kinds of dirt, in this video he'll talk about what he discovered.

[@bikelifewithalex120]

I'm good at 2022 for now, must say the 24' is the more aesthetic bike.

[@christophervillarreal8565]

2022 Ktm450sxf and I rode it in aggressive map for the first 6 months and when I switched to mellow for shits and giggles I almost shit myself with how stupid I felt running the aggressive map. Having that kind of control and comfort over the bike was a game changer I could push it harder and felt like it never had a fall off point where I needed to shift it just kept pulling and pulling. Nothing better than having the power of the 450 but with all the management that comes with mellowing out the bike.

[@lorenzoromagosa3828]

where do you stand on suspension settings ? Reason I ask is I have a 450 as well, 2024. weight 165 w/o gear and I am feeling the suspension very soft. I am 10 clicks out on forks for compression and on shock 1 turn out on HSC and 10 clicks out on LSC

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

thanks for the question. The suspension on this bike is inherently softer feeling. The forks were redesigned to decrease friction through the stroke, which allows the suspension to work a little more freely. As for clicker settings I believe I was a couple clicks stiffer on fork suspension. Also you might want to try speeding up your fork rebound. It will help the forks stay more planted through rough stuff. For the rear be sure to check your sag, I am 160lbs without gear and I was happy at 102. Try to go 1 or 2 clicks in on LSC and set your rebound to 9-10 clicks out.

[@lorenzoromagosa3828]

@@ultimatemotorcycling Thanks a lot. Will make sure to try this!

[@alexreyes3438]

Off the bat I noticed new disk brake rotors front/back. Previous gen has huge ones. just wish they up the hp to58-60hp

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

You are correct. This new gen KX450 has a 270mm front disc paired with a Brembo caliper and master cylinder and a 240mm rear disc gripped by a Nissin caliper.

[@nathancrittenden8525]

No amateur rider in the world needs 60 horsepower a lot of pros even moan it's too powerful. I think this bike is for the masses and it's about time

[@joelboutier1736]

I saw u didn’t like the lack of low end power. There’s a rubber plug between the battery & air box. Take it out! I think Kawie is trying to hit new emissions & sound requirements so they restricted the air flow to make the bike a little more quiet. Get rid of that rubber plug. U can also make some holes in the air box to give better flow. I think everyone that bought one has done it. That’s where that missing power went. The engine wants to breathe and make a little more noise… that’s all.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

That's true, there is a rubber plug but it was taken out by Kawasaki before our testing began. Holes in the airbox and an upgraded exhaust system will definitely help the KX450 breath a little better. However, we must admit that smooth low end power is not a bad thing. It helps with controllability and can help reduce rider fatigue. Overall the 2024 KX450 is a very rider friendly bike.

[@joelboutier1736]

@@ultimatemotorcycling yeah. Usable power is more important than just plain power.

[@alexistoscano1841]

Thanks man this bike Will be perfect to my im a 250 c class rider

[@nathancrittenden8525]

Think you missed the point from what I could tell he loved the smooth power and your telling him how to get more out of it 😂

[@joelboutier1736]

@@nathancrittenden8525 watch it again. I could have sworn that there were some parts of the curve that he wanted more power