Kawasaki KX450X Buyer's Guide

The Machine's Character

The KX450X is Kawasaki's KX450 motocross platform, reworked for cross-country racing. The liquid-cooled 449 cc single and the aluminum perimeter frame carry over from the motocrosser. The changes are the parts a long race asks for: an 18-inch rear wheel, a 1.6 gal (6.2 L) tank, a kickstand and softer suspension settings. Launch Control comes standard, and you can adjust the suspension at both ends. The spec sheet lists 58 hp and 35 lb-ft at 251 lb (114 kg) wet. That's classic Kawasaki: a proven base, sensible changes and no gimmicks. Honest work.

On paper, this hardware is built for GNCC events, desert racing and aggressive trail riding on closed courses. With 12.0 in (305 mm) of travel up front, 12.1 in (307 mm) out back and 13.2 in (335 mm) of ground clearance, it's set up for terrain nobody has groomed. The 37.6 in (955 mm) seat height marks it as a full-size competition machine, not a trail bike in disguise. Power delivery aims to stay manageable for an amateur racer while keeping a strong mid-range and top end for a fast one. That's a wide target, and the hardware is there to cover it. Built to race.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power	58 hp (43 kW)
Torque	35 lb-ft (48 Nm)
Displacement	449 cc
Engine	Single-cylinder
Cooling	Liquid-cooled
Gearbox	5-speed
Final drive	Chain
Fork	Upside-down (USD)
Front brake	270 mm
Front tire	80/100-21
Rear tire	120/80-18
Wheelbase	58.5 in (1485 mm)
Ground clearance	13.2 in (335 mm)
Front travel	12.0 in (305 mm)
Rear travel	12.1 in (307 mm)
Seat height	37.6 in (955 mm)
Wet weight	251 lb (114 kg)
Fuel capacity	1.6 gal (6.2 L)

Equipment check

Chassis

Front Suspension Adjustable Standard
Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard

Safety

Launch Control Standard

The Numbers Compared

Compare the technical specifications of the Kawasaki KX450X with other bikes in its class.

Head-to-head: Kawasaki KX450X vs. its rivals

Power

58 hp This bike 53 hp Honda CRF 450 R 58 hp KTM 350 SX-F 58 hp Yamaha YZ450F 58 hp Beta RX 450

Torque

35 lb-ft This bike 36 lb-ft Honda CRF 450 R

Displacement

449 cc This bike 450 cc Honda CRF 450 R 350 cc KTM 350 SX-F 450 cc Yamaha YZ450F 449 cc Beta RX 450

Wet weight

251 lb This bike 244 lb Honda CRF 450 R 245 lb Yamaha YZ450F 239 lb Beta RX 450

Seat height

37.6 in This bike 37.8 in Honda CRF 450 R 37.7 in KTM 350 SX-F 38.6 in Yamaha YZ450F 37.2 in Beta RX 450

Alternatives to the Kawasaki KX450X

If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.

Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Kawasaki KX450X. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.