2023 KX450

soggy
Profile picture for user soggy
Posts
8805
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
soggy 4/9/2022 7:25am
4/9/2022 7:25am
Yea looks like old body work on an updated frame? Head looks a bit different.
1
Nate_Z
Profile picture for user Nate_Z
Posts
209
Joined
12/9/2018
Location
Prior Lake, MN, USA
Nate_Z 4/9/2022 7:27am
4/9/2022 7:27am
Awesome, thanks for the pics! New engine and some changes to the frame as well. Looking forward to how this makes this platform even better!
tek14
Profile picture for user tek14
Posts
4932
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa, FI
tek14 4/9/2022 8:49am
4/9/2022 8:49am
That linkage looks so low. Maybe they lowered shock?
1
mx317
Profile picture for user mx317
Posts
5346
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
mx317 4/9/2022 9:28am
4/9/2022 9:28am
I see extra brackets for head stay. I wonder if it will be a shared frame with the 250?
1

The Shop

See All »
FGR01
Profile picture for user FGR01
Posts
6127
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
908th
FGR01 4/9/2022 12:35pm
4/9/2022 12:35pm
tek14 wrote:
That linkage looks so low. Maybe they lowered shock?
Good eye. That and what you can see of the head and intake hints of a Honda-style over the shock downdraft intake.
280driver
Profile picture for user 280driver
Posts
887
Joined
3/22/2017
Location
USA
280driver 4/10/2022 12:40pm
4/10/2022 12:40pm
FGR01 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/09/542807/s1200_278201681_5091618920905631_1637766522248096991_n.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/04/09/542806/s1200_278197489_5091619290905594_3185341438348207021_n.jpg[/img]


Definitely a new motor and rear suspension has been re-worked. Note they have a a cover hiding the rear shock. Also handle-bar mounted mapping so no more switching couplers. Very interested to learn more.
dkurtd
Profile picture for user dkurtd
Posts
1132
Joined
4/15/2018
Location
USA
dkurtd 4/10/2022 1:15pm
4/10/2022 1:15pm
Has a Brembo sticker on the swingarm, are they running Brembo brakes now?
tek14
Profile picture for user tek14
Posts
4932
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa, FI
tek14 4/10/2022 1:29pm
4/10/2022 1:29pm
dkurtd wrote:
Has a Brembo sticker on the swingarm, are they running Brembo brakes now?
Some teams using Brembo (factory/ktm powerparts) brakes in MXGP/EMX-series on Japan made bikes.
It could be rider preference.
#434
Profile picture for user #434
Posts
1913
Joined
3/23/2017
Location
DE
#434 4/10/2022 1:29pm
4/10/2022 1:29pm
Looks like they are following the Honda design. Lowering the shock mount to route the airbox over it and therefore get a steep intake angle.
Looks cool, compact and low.
2
FGR01
Profile picture for user FGR01
Posts
6127
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
908th
FGR01 4/10/2022 3:15pm
4/10/2022 3:15pm
Still awaiting the details for the grand celebration that is sure to be held in honor of the ginormous garbage can muffler finally going away.
8
wr74
Profile picture for user wr74
Posts
205
Joined
4/13/2015
Location
AU
wr74 4/10/2022 3:56pm
4/10/2022 3:56pm
Looks like new subframe design. Joins the main frame at a much higher point than previously which allows the muffler to be brought forwards on the bike. So hopefully no more mega long hanging off the back of the bike mufflers.

Also note the side plate plastic mounting points do not line up with anything, so seems highly likely the 23 production bike will have a new look as well.
3
JBecker 72
Profile picture for user JBecker 72
Posts
1810
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV, USA
JBecker 72 4/10/2022 5:18pm
4/10/2022 5:18pm
That rear brake rotor looks huge as well.
1
280driver
Profile picture for user 280driver
Posts
887
Joined
3/22/2017
Location
USA
280driver 4/18/2022 8:09pm
4/18/2022 8:09pm



Exhaust now comes out the center of the head between the Y on the new frame. Note the side airbox intake looks like the current but it’s not. It’s the current side panel but the air vent is not deep like stock which leads me to believe it’s non functional and new intake is somewhere else. Again, completely new bike with old plastic to hide all the changes.
13
soggy
Profile picture for user soggy
Posts
8805
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
soggy 4/19/2022 4:51pm
4/19/2022 4:51pm
Tickle said on pulp the 24 will be all new not the 23. Time will tell.
1
aeffertz
Profile picture for user aeffertz
Posts
12660
Joined
7/16/2015
Location
La Crosse, WI, USA
aeffertz 4/19/2022 5:17pm
4/19/2022 5:17pm
Love seeing different brands learning from each other and putting their own spin on it. Yamaha took the plunge and drowned for a few years and now every other brand is safely diving in without drastically changing their current bike.
1
731chopper
Profile picture for user 731chopper
Posts
4227
Joined
1/2/2015
Location
DFW, TX, USA
731chopper 4/19/2022 5:34pm
4/19/2022 5:34pm
soggy wrote:
Tickle said on pulp the 24 will be all new not the 23. Time will tell.
I was/am confused by that since these photos show a new frame and motor.
280driver
Profile picture for user 280driver
Posts
887
Joined
3/22/2017
Location
USA
280driver 4/19/2022 5:42pm
4/19/2022 5:42pm
soggy wrote:
Tickle said on pulp the 24 will be all new not the 23. Time will tell.
731chopper wrote:
I was/am confused by that since these photos show a new frame and motor.
Yeah, seems way early to be doing R&D on a bike that’s over a year away. Maybe an early release ‘24 like KTM does.
1
racinstation
Profile picture for user racinstation
Posts
942
Joined
5/18/2013
Location
Driggs, ID, USA
racinstation 4/19/2022 8:02pm
4/19/2022 8:02pm
Kawi may do a regular 2023 model and then do a later release of a 2023.5 of the SR version in the new chassis. Most Japanese brands have been releasing info in June lately.
4

Pit Row

See All »
racinstation
Profile picture for user racinstation
Posts
942
Joined
5/18/2013
Location
Driggs, ID, USA
racinstation 4/22/2022 8:02pm
4/22/2022 8:02pm
Anderson said today in an interview that he would be on the same bike next Supercross season.
2
280driver
Profile picture for user 280driver
Posts
887
Joined
3/22/2017
Location
USA
280driver 4/23/2022 5:33am
4/23/2022 5:33am
Was he meaning same as in a Kawasaki or same as in the exact same bike?
racinstation
Profile picture for user racinstation
Posts
942
Joined
5/18/2013
Location
Driggs, ID, USA
racinstation 4/23/2022 7:49am
4/23/2022 7:49am
280driver wrote:
Was he meaning same as in a Kawasaki or same as in the exact same bike?
I take it as the exact same bike. He said it would be nice to start next SX season on a platform that he spent this season getting set up and not have to start over with setup and testing.
1
2
soggy
Profile picture for user soggy
Posts
8805
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
USA
soggy 4/23/2022 8:58am
4/23/2022 8:58am
racinstation wrote:
Kawi may do a regular 2023 model and then do a later release of a 2023.5 of the SR version in the new chassis. Most Japanese...
Kawi may do a regular 2023 model and then do a later release of a 2023.5 of the SR version in the new chassis. Most Japanese brands have been releasing info in June lately.
SR version was a one and done I think.
It was meant to be the Tomac edition, then he left the team and Kawi rebranded it the SR.
1
Fangface
Profile picture for user Fangface
Posts
47
Joined
12/9/2020
Location
gent, BE
Fangface 4/25/2022 1:09am
4/25/2022 1:09am
LouisianaMotocross wrote:
I think the new generation isn’t coming out until 24 so one more year of the current. The current bike is really good but here are...
I think the new generation isn’t coming out until 24 so one more year of the current. The current bike is really good but here are my recommendations.

1. Better clutch longevity
2. Map switch in handlebar/ app for phone
3. Less Jerky down low
kb228 wrote:
The low end jerkyness is the only thing i hate about mine. Otherwise the thing is shweet
quadzrulebro wrote:
I felt the same thing, then I went with Jody’s advice and added a tooth to the rear. Now I only use 2nd gear in the...
I felt the same thing, then I went with Jody’s advice and added a tooth to the rear. Now I only use 2nd gear in the tightest of corners. I don’t notice the jerkiness in 3rd.
I had the same feeling on my kx250 as i changed it into a X for trail riding. My solution: went up 2 teeth rear sprocket 52T and I taped out all the holes in airbox . Went to black coupler instead of green. My bike is very smooth downlow :-) and ride a gear higher :-)
johndog
Profile picture for user johndog
Posts
7
Joined
4/27/2022
Location
Graham, FL, USA
johndog 4/27/2022 9:20am
4/27/2022 9:20am
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with KTM and Yamaha and Honda updating their bikes recently
7
Mr. Afterbar
Profile picture for user Mr. Afterbar
Posts
2417
Joined
5/13/2019
Location
Green Bay, WI, USA
Mr. Afterbar 4/27/2022 9:55am
4/27/2022 9:55am Edited Date/Time 4/27/2022 9:57am
johndog wrote:
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with...
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with KTM and Yamaha and Honda updating their bikes recently
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as it already is although I'm sure a new bike would improve sales for '23.
2
1
johndog
Profile picture for user johndog
Posts
7
Joined
4/27/2022
Location
Graham, FL, USA
johndog 4/27/2022 10:11am
4/27/2022 10:11am Edited Date/Time 4/27/2022 10:12am
johndog wrote:
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with...
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with KTM and Yamaha and Honda updating their bikes recently
Mr. Afterbar wrote:
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as...
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as it already is although I'm sure a new bike would improve sales for '23.
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the 5th year on this model so it will be all new because every 4 years is the standard for Japanese model's for major upgrades but covid changed that to 5 as production slowed
11
mattyhamz2 4/27/2022 10:15am
4/27/2022 10:15am
johndog wrote:
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with...
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with KTM and Yamaha and Honda updating their bikes recently
Mr. Afterbar wrote:
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as...
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as it already is although I'm sure a new bike would improve sales for '23.
johndog wrote:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the...
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the 5th year on this model so it will be all new because every 4 years is the standard for Japanese model's for major upgrades but covid changed that to 5 as production slowed
He didn’t say the 24 would be the 6th year. He said a new bike in 24 would mean 5 years of the current bike. Your last sentence acknowledged that…
3
johndog
Profile picture for user johndog
Posts
7
Joined
4/27/2022
Location
Graham, FL, USA
johndog 4/27/2022 10:22am
4/27/2022 10:22am
Mr. Afterbar wrote:
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as...
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as it already is although I'm sure a new bike would improve sales for '23.
johndog wrote:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the...
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the 5th year on this model so it will be all new because every 4 years is the standard for Japanese model's for major upgrades but covid changed that to 5 as production slowed
mattyhamz2 wrote:
He didn’t say the 24 would be the 6th year. He said a new bike in 24 would mean 5 years of the current bike. Your...
He didn’t say the 24 would be the 6th year. He said a new bike in 24 would mean 5 years of the current bike. Your last sentence acknowledged that…
2023 is the 5th year of production on that bike so it would only make sense to make a major revision on that year as 4 was the standard but Covid moved it to 5 so again there is no way Kawasaki waits for 2024 model to make such major changes considering they already have the spy photos that prove my point and disproves you and the other person with terrible math skills
8
Mr. Afterbar
Profile picture for user Mr. Afterbar
Posts
2417
Joined
5/13/2019
Location
Green Bay, WI, USA
Mr. Afterbar 4/27/2022 10:25am
4/27/2022 10:25am
johndog wrote:
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with...
2023 new bike for sure no way Kawasaki waits to 2024 which would be 6 years until a major revision they need to stay competitive with KTM and Yamaha and Honda updating their bikes recently
Mr. Afterbar wrote:
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as...
A new bike in '24 would be a 5 year life of this current chassis. The bike is excellent. Doesn't need upgrading to be competitive as it already is although I'm sure a new bike would improve sales for '23.
johndog wrote:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the...
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 that's the 6th year not sure what math your doing but its not correct either way 2023 would be the 5th year on this model so it will be all new because every 4 years is the standard for Japanese model's for major upgrades but covid changed that to 5 as production slowed
Not sure why you'd count '24 if that's a new bike. I think you may need to recheck your own math.
3
1
Kyle978
Profile picture for user Kyle978
Posts
1713
Joined
10/7/2013
Location
Dirt, NM, USA
Kyle978 4/27/2022 10:30am
4/27/2022 10:30am
johndog - your math sucks and you probably haven't ridden the latest KTM, Yamaha and Honda's if you think Kawi needs to update this bike to "stay competitive".

IMO the KTM and Honda took steps backwards with their new chassis, and the Yamaha only suits some people really well.
2
1

Post a reply to: 2023 KX450