When it comes to KX motorcycles, winning runs in the family. The all-new 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.
Based on the championship-winning KX450 motocrosser, the new cross-country racer boasts an arsenal of factory-style features. Cross-Country specific tuning for the engine, suspension and brakes, complemented by a 21”/18” wheel combination fitted with enduro-type tyres, and convenient standard features like a side stand and skid plate make the new KX450X even more attractive for cross-country competitors.
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. Kawasaki’s electric start on a motocrosser makes restarting the engine as easy as pushing a button on the right grip.
The 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 lightens the clutch actuation when the lever has been pulled in, and a wider clutch engagement range for rider control.
With a 21” front and 18” rear wheels encased in Dunlop Geomax AT81 enduro-type tyres, these are well-suited to situations encountered in Cross-Country riding ensuring that you get the KX450X’s power to the ground.
KX factory-style skid plate to protect the underside of the engine and and facilitate sliding over obstacles.
Convenient side stand comes in handy when stopping away from the paddock area.
High-performance o49 mm inverted coil-spring fork. Super-hard titanium coating on the outer surface of the fork inner tubes helps prevent wear abrasion. Kashima Coat creates a hard, low-friction surface on the outer tubes.
The New Uni Trak rear suspension system mounts the suspension arm below the swingarm, allowing a longer rear suspension stroke. The rear shock features dual compression adjustability, allowing high speed
and low-speed damping to be tuned.
KX450X brake package optimised for Cross-Country riding delivers strong stopping power and a high level of control.
Factory-style o28.6 mm (1-1/8”) Renthal aluminium Fatbar, a popular after market part, is standard equipment. The thick handlebar helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider.
KX450X features a valve train designed by Kawasaki’s World Superbike engineers. Finger-follower valve actuation enables the use of large-diameter valves and aggressive cam profiles.
A short skirt, reinforced external ribs and the use of a bridged-box bottom, featuring internal bracing, contributes to a light, strong piston design. A light piston (243 g) reduces the reciprocating weight and enhances the engine’s performance. Needle bearings to the connecting rod big-end reduces mechanical loss = better engine performance.
Light and nimble handling is achieved thanks to the use of the lean, lightweight chassis of the legendary KX450 motocross bike. A well-balanced, slim aluminum perimeter frame helps keep the overall weight down and allows for light handling and slim ergonomics.
Slim aluminium perimeter frame is a lightweight construction composed of forged, extruded and cast parts. Overall rigidity balance was optimised to deliver both light handling and excellent traction. Engine is used as a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s rigidity balance.
Adjusting engine settings to suit conditions is simple with the three DFI couplers. 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.
The press of a button, riders can activate a separate engine map designed to ensure efficient starts in low-traction conditions. The Launch Control Mode map retards ignition timing, allowing tyres to gain grip, and allowing riders to
focus on their lines.
Lightweight and compact the proven Li-ion Battery helps keep the weight minimal.
The two position footpeg brackets enables riders to vary the footpeg position to find the right fit. The footpeg bracket can be lowered 5mm from the standard position. Lightweight, wide-style footpeg design for excellent grip and superb control.
Upper triple clamp with two sets of handle mount slots and reversible handle mounts offers riders a choice of four handle positions: 25 mm forward, 15 mm forward, STD and 10 mm back.
Top of the fuel tank is designed to allow a flat progression from the seat to the tank, which gives the rider greater freedom of movement when changing riding position. The top surface is slip-resistance for seated grip.
Bodywork on the KX450X features long, smooth surfaces that make it easy to slide. Seams between the shrouds, seat and side covers are flush for moving around on the bike. In-mould graphics on the shrouds are ultra-smooth and ensure the race-style graphics are not easily damaged.
KX450X (KX450KMFNN)
4-stroke, liquid cooled, single cylinder
449 cm3
96.0 × 62.1 mm
12.5:1
DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel injection: o44 mm x 1
Digital DC-CDI
Electric starting
5-speed, return
Wet multi-disc, manual
Perimeter, aluminium
305 mm
307 mm
80/100-21 (51M)
120/90-18 (65M)
49 mm inverted telescopic spring fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping
New Uni-Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
Single 270 mm semi-floating petal disc with dual piston caliper
Single 240 mm petal disc with single piston caliper
2,185 × 820 × 1,265 mm
1,485 mm
335 mm
950 mm
6.2 litres
111.6 kg (includes full fuel tank, all fluids at optimum levels)
Lime Green – 2021 model may show “XC” on the shroud graphic.
