FULL REVIEW

Kawasaki KX450 2024 review

The smoothest-hitting 450 out there, planted and easy to live with. Linear power that rewards a smooth rider.

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Summary

Two and a half hours on the 2024 KX450 on loam. The Showa suspension and new frame make it very planted, dropping into ruts beautifully, and the engine has the smoothest hit of any 450. Brembo front brake is new and strong. It feels slightly shorter than the 2023 bike, so flat corners ask for commitment, and the Rideology app is deep to the point of daunting.

Pros

  • Smoothest power hit of all the 450s
  • Very planted, drops into ruts exactly right
  • New Brembo front brake is strong
  • Easy to live with: pop-off filter cover, adjustable pegs and bars

Cons

  • Linear power feels less aggressive than some rivals
  • Feels shorter than 2023, less sure in flat corners
  • Tight sections need first gear more than ideal
  • Rideology app is deep and can be daunting

Two and a half hours across seven sessions on the 2024 KX450, on a loamy track, five in daylight and two in the evening. The finish is much sleeker and more modern than before, and the little things, the pop-off air filter cover, adjustable footpegs and bars, optional frame braces, make it easy to live with.

The engine

It’s probably the smoothest hit of all the 450s. The power is linear and controllable, which some riders will love and others will find less aggressive than the competition. KTRC traction control, power modes and launch control all run off the handlebar cluster, though you can’t switch maps at racing pace, only at idle.

Handling and brakes

It’s very planted over the chop and drops into ruts exactly how you’d want. It feels a touch shorter than the 2023 bike, so flat corners without ruts ask for a bit more commitment, and tight sections need first gear more than I’d like. The new Brembo front brake is strong, and sensitive if you’re not used to it. Overall, a great piece of machinery for vets, weekend riders and racers alike.

Who it's for

Riders who want a smooth, controllable 450.
Vets and weekend riders who value planted handling.
Racers who ride smooth rather than aggressive.

Who it's not for

Riders who want an aggressive, hard-hitting engine.
Anyone who wants to switch maps at racing pace.
Riders who dislike a deep app menu.

Bottom line

A great piece of machinery that suits a smooth rider. Planted, modern and easy to live with, if you can commit in the flat corners.

Common questions

How does the KX450's engine compare to other 450s?

It's probably the smoothest hit of any 450 I've ridden. The power is linear and controllable, so it rewards a smooth rider. If you want an aggressive, hard-hitting motor that rips your arms off, you'll find this one tame. Traction control, power modes and launch control all run from the bar cluster.

Is the 2024 KX450 good for vets and weekend riders?

Yes, it suits them well. It's very planted over the chop and drops into ruts exactly how you want, and the linear power is easy to manage when you're not race fit. Adjustable footpegs and bars let you set it up around your size and riding position too.

Are there any handling weaknesses I should know about?

It feels a touch shorter than the 2023 bike, so flat corners without ruts ask for more commitment from you. Tight sections also need first gear more often than I'd like. In ruts and over chop, though, it's genuinely excellent, thanks to the Showa suspension and the new frame.

At GBP 9,149, is it worth the money?

I scored it 8.3, so yes for the right rider. You get the smoothest 450 power out there, planted handling, a strong new Brembo front brake and thoughtful details like the pop-off filter cover. Just know the Rideology app is deep to the point of being daunting, and maps only switch at idle.

More 450

Other 450 we've tested