When it comes to KX motorcycles, winning runs in the family. The cross-country KX450X motorcycle is powered by technology that hails from a legacy of champions and tuned to take on the toughest terrain. Get the off-road edge on the bike built to ride ahead of the rest.
One of the KX450’s greatest strengths is its engine, and that performance is available on the KX450X. In addition to the hard-hitting fuel-injected 449 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single, the KX450X also shares the electric start, hydraulic clutch and the multi-map programmable race ECU of Kawasaki’s flagship motocrosser.
The powerful fuel-injected 449 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single from the KX450 features finger-follower valve actuation (a valve train designed by Kawasaki’s World Superbike engineers) and downdraft-style intake to deliver hard-hitting performance and a flat torque curve that facilitates getting on the gas. Engine maps optimised for the cross-country scene deliver a broad spread of useable power.
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.
Like the KX450, 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).
Lightweight and designed for the rigours of off-road riding, the ECU contains multiple programmable engine maps to offer riders an advantage on the race course. Using the provided DFI couplers, riders are able to easily switch from one to another of the three engine maps to suit riding conditions. The plug-and-play style system is quick, easy and stress-free. Each of the three maps can be reprogrammed using the optional KX FI Calibration Kit.
Complementing the powerful engine, the lean chassis from the KX450 offers light, nimble handling. High-grade suspension and brake components, and slim, adjustable ergonomics all add to off-road riding performance.
The well-balanced frame from the KX450 contributes to the KX450X’s light weight, light handling, and slim ergonomics.
High-performance suspension comes directly from the KX450. Spring rates and damping settings optimised for the cross-country scene offer increased feedback, especially when riding on aggressive trails.
The KX450 brake package optimised for cross-country riding includes a large-diameter o270 mm front disc complemented by a o240 mm disc at the rear, KX450-type front master cylinder and KX450X-specific pads, delivering strong stopping power and a high level of control.
The narrow frame and minimalistic bodywork offer a slim riding position that facilitates control, and a smooth, flat rider interface.
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 o28.6 mm (1-1/8”) Renthal aluminium Fatbar is standard equipment. The thick handlebar helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider, and helps put the rider in a position that makes it easier to weight the front wheel.
The demands of cross-country courses are vastly different from those of supercross and motocross tracks. Accordingly, in addition to cross-country wheels and tyres, the KX450X’s suspension and brake systems have been optimised for the cross-country scene.
While the KX450 features F21”/R19” aluminium rims, the KX450X uses a F21”/R18” combination that facilitates putting power to the ground. Dunlop AT81 enduro-type tyres complement the KX450X-specific wheels and are well-suited to the situations encountered in cross-country riding.
KX factory-style skid plate and a convenient side stand are both standard equipment. The sturdy skid plate helps to protect the underside of the engine, and facilitates sliding over obstacles encountered on the trail, while the side stand comes in handy when stopping away from the paddock area.
4-stroke Single
449 cc
96.0 × 62.1 mm
12.5:1
DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel injection: o44 mm x 1
Digital DC-CDI
Electric
Liquid-cooled
Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
5-speed, return
2.727 (60/22)
1.750 (28/16)
1.412 (24/17)
1.188 (19/16)
1.000 (19/19)
0.875 (21/24)
3.923 (51/13)
Wet multi-disc, manual
Chain
Perimeter, aluminium
o49 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping
New Uni Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload
305 mm
307 mm
27.6?
120 mm
42? / 42?
80/100-21 51M
120/90-18 65M
Semi-floating o270 mm petal disc
Dual-piston
o240 mm petal disc
Single-piston
2,185 × 820 × 1,265 mm
1,485 mm
335 mm
950 mm
111.6 kg
107.0 kg
6.2 litres
KX450KPFNN