Features of the Kawasaki NEW 2024 KX450 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Handlebar-mounted traction control and power mode switches | Historic 50th anniversary colour and graphics

• 1990-style fluorescent pink and blue “KX” logo on shrouds
• Blue seat
• White number-plate style graphics
• 50th Anniversary emblem on front number plate
• Carefully recreated period Uni Trak logo on swingarm

Overview of the Kawasaki KX450 model range

The KX legacy created a long line of champions. The drive to produce more has not slowed down. Our all-new flagship race machine, the KX450 motorcycle, offers next-level engineering and power to dominate the track. Over the decades, we’ve learned what it takes to win and stay on top. The KX450 embodies this legacy to the fullest. To learn more about the illustrious history of the KX brand, click on the link below:KX 50TH ANNIVERSARY SITE

• Updated 449 cc 4-stroke engine. NEW downdraft intake, NEW cylinder with straight intake/exhaust ports, and NEW centrally positioned exhaust. NEW handlebar-mounted traction control and power mode switches. NEW smartphone connectivity: change engine mapping with your smartphone. NEW Brembo brake components. ERGO-FIT adjustable ergonomics.

FACTORY-STYLE ENGINE COMPONENTS AND TUNING

Championship-proven Performance: The KX450’s engine has always been a strength, but Kawasaki engineers found a way to make it even stronger. Offering smoother low-end torque characteristics and a stronger over-run, the more potent new engine is backed by a host of features like electric start and a hydraulic clutch.

• ENGINE - Even Stronger Engine: Downdraft intake layout and symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust deliver a strong over-run and smooth low-rpm torque characteristics. Redesigned intake offers a much straighter route for air-fuel mix to enter the cylinder, while a centrally positioned exhaust port lines up with the intake for high airflow efficiency—both contributing to increased performance.
• ELECTRIC START - Reliable Starting: Being able to restart an engine quickly during a race can mean the difference between keeping your lead or having to fight your way back through the pack. Electric start makes restarting the engine as easy as pushing a button.
• HYDRAULIC CLUTCH - Light & Responsive: A hydraulic clutch offers direct feel and light lever action. Less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use results in more consistent feeling. The use of coned-disc springs contributes to lighter clutch actuation when the lever has been pulled in, and a wider clutch engagement range, which facilitates control (especially when half-clutching).

FACTORY-STYLE CHASSIS COMPONENTS AND TUNING

Light & Agile: Complementing its acclaimed straight-line performance and nimble handling, a redesigned frame with optimised rigidity balance enables improved cornering performance that remains consistent across a wide range of conditions, while more centralised mass also contributes to the improved handling performance. Premium Brembo brake components and ODI Lock-On grips add to both performance and brand recognition.

• FRAME - Lightweight Aluminium Perimeter Frame: A redesigned frame accommodates the updates to the engine’s intake and exhaust systems, while delivering a high level of both light, nimble handling and a composed character. Optimised rigidity balance contributes to increased front-end feel that translates to improved cornering performance in a wider range of conditions.
• BRAKES - High-Performance Brembo Brake System: Revised brake components include drilled Braking/Sunstar discs (ø270/240 mm) paired with a Brembo caliper and master cylinder at the front and a Nissin caliper and master cylinder at the rear. The high-performance system offers increased controllability on the brakes, contributing to enhanced corner entry.
• SUSPENSION - Race-Ready Suspension: Factory-style ø49 mm inverted coil-spring front fork and New Uni Trak rear suspension offer race-ready suspension performance and adjustability to let riders tune their settings to suit conditions.
• BODYWORK - Slim, Ergonomic Bodywork: Already highly acclaimed for their slim ergonomics, the KX450 receives redesigned bodywork that offers an even smoother rider interface. Newly designed shrouds, side covers, and rear fender are firmer and eliminate hooking points, further facilitating rider movement.
• ERGO-FIT - Adjustable Ergonomics: A choice of four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions allows riders to tailor their riding position to suit body size and preference. Factory-style ø28.6 mm (1-1/8”) Renthal aluminium Fatbar helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider, while a lower, closer grip position helps put the rider in a position that makes it easier to weight the front wheel.
• GRIPS - ODI Lock-On Grips: Medium-compound ODI Lock-On Grips offer excellent grip feel, while their screw-type fastening system greatly facilitates the task of swapping grips.
• COVER - Quick-Release Side Cover: Left side cover can be removed without tools, facilitating access to the air filter element. The element is now secured with quick-release hooks (previously a wing bolt), which makes changing the air filter a much simpler task.

ADVANCED TECH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Power Modes, Kawasaki Traction Control, and Launch Control Mode Accessed from the Left Handle Switches: Complementing an updated Launch Control Mode, the new KX450 and KX450X are the first KX models to offer Power Mode selection and Kawasaki Traction Control at the push of a button. And with smartphone connectivity, riders can adjust engine maps right from their smartphones—another KX first that eliminates the need for accessory equipment.

• POWER MODES - Two Modes to Suit Conditions or Preference: The Power Mode selection button—a first for Kawasaki KX models—replaces the DFI couplers used on the previous model. Using the Mode (M) button on the left handlebar, riders can quickly and easily switch between two engine maps (Normal, Mild response) provided in the ECU.
• KTRC - Kawasaki TRaction Control: Using the Traction (T) button on the left handlebar, riders can quickly and easily select from two levels (Weak, Strong) of traction control to suit conditions and preference. Riders may also elect to turn the system off.
• LAUNCH CONTROL MODE - Holeshot Advantage: Factory-style launch control system increases the chance of getting a good start by helping riders maximise traction when starting on a low-traction surface.
• SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY - Easy Engine Tuning: Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX,” riders are able to access and adjust their bike’s engine maps. Functionality (adjusting fuel and ignition timing) is similar to that offered by the accessory KX FI Calibration Kit used with previous models. Maintenance and setup logs are also available.