2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

Because I live in the tundra of the frozen upper midwest and theres no point in having a brand new whip sit in my garage for the next 5 months just to look at lol.

I'm just waiting for someone to put a pipe on it. I bet that things a rocket without the restrictive stock exhaust.

Thanks, yeah that was what i tought of aswell it sounds like an older 2 smoke vibration up in the feets 😂 when they mention it.

Well its time to change my old 20 anyway and i think i will be very happy with a 24.

A really good quick read review from Dirtbike Test https://dirtbiketest.com/fresh-dirt/first-impression-2024-kx450/

From riding multiple 350's over the past several years, and RMZ 450's before that, the smooth power delivery is a major selling point to me. Lots of good reviews and info in thread. Keep it coming. I may need a '24 green bike to pair with my '74 green bike. 50 years apart would be cool. 

Put another hour on mine today after taking out the airbox plug. As a 240lb guy that is a decent B rider and rides east coast tracks it’s still slow. Probably feels worse since I’m coming off an SR with race gas and a twin air intake kit. Track was muddy and I could feel it. For everyone that wants a 350 from a Japanese brand this and run it in the smooth map and you’ve got it! First tuner with an ECU is getting my money, bike turns amazing compared to my SR. I don’t regret the 24 at all it just needs more power which is something you can easily get and the turning could not be bought on the last bike

All sounds good!  I’m interested in the 450 X ! 

I'm super interested in the 450X as well, I do a lot of desert riding and racing. I wish they would include a bigger gas tank and some handguards though. Its super cool hearing how many parts will transfer between the bikes, I have a 22 KX450SR and heavily debating cannibalizing the front triple and KYB forks onto the the 24 KX450. 

I’ll be keeping my SR another year after hearing about the engine. 

Does anybody know if the new 24 lower chain slider will bolt onto the 23 model? 

Probably otd at $11K maybe?

I have the 50 year thing with my 73 Elsinore 250 and 2023 CRF450R. That's what decided between green and red for me because I was looking at a KX450 also.

It will not

Would have been sick! thanks for letting me know. 

Legitimate question - what will the aftermarket ECU do for the bike that someone couldn't "tune" for with the stock ECU and the Kawi app?

I'm big in the tuner car market, run a Motec or stock ECU with a tuner, at the end of the day they accomplish the same thing (other than additional inputs/outputs etc with the Motec).

The parameters on the stock ECU lock you in a very safe window. With a Vortex tuning is unlimited.  I think that an aftermarket muffler will help a ton, a ECU will help, but I do believe there is going to be some restriction with the current air box design. BUT, with that being said, the bike in stock form is just fine for 90% of us. 

ML, do you have any pics of the intake Febvre is using?  I would be interested to see the differences.

Bomb us with pictures of those beautiful 24 models 😀

No arguments there

Generally curious (not trying to smart guy anyone ha) - so in a nutshell, with an aftermarket ECU one could advance the timing (or increase the fueling) further than the stock ECU would allow into a "dangerous" window as it related to knock and combat it with a race fuel.

Yes in theory you are correct. The aftermarket e us also have more data points you can tune so you can be more precise. 

Would appreciate greatly someone posting pics of the innards of the muffler, screen(s) removal, etc. even better a YouTube vid… 

Has anyone checked around when aftermarket cans or full exhaust will be available?

- Near future owner of a 2024 KX450… I’m buying this bike damnit! Will be my first Kawasaki 

Rupert-style photo dump:

1. New power profile. When the objective is more controllability, this is what we get. Less torque and more pleasant than before, especially off-idle. #SneakyFast

2. Same as on 2019-2023’s, one of the first things new owners need to do with first oil change is clean the oil screen (located near the engine stamp behind the black plastic cover with an 8mm). With no center case gasket, the excess gasket material that is on the outside of your cases (and usually pressure washers off straightaway) is also on the inside of your cases. It can accumulate at this screen and is good preventative maintenance to clean it.

3. Just like on previous Kawi’s: It’s a good idea to blow out any water that resides in the frame after washing. I lean mine back on a stand so the rear wheel is touching the ground, and use compressed air in both sides of the optional foot peg mounts to clear it out. 

4. Yes, the frame tabs for skid plates return. However, the lower rail shape is completely different than the curvature of the 2019-2023 design. Can’t wait for the aftermarket to catch up as there is very little clearance from bottom of engine to frame rails when casing, which always makes me nervous.

5. Same seat since 2019. Anyone want to bet Kawasaki produces this same base till 2027; likely through end of 250F production of this generation…

6. If your map switch was routed from the dealer like this, politely ask for your prep fees back. This was the first unit I saw in the wild and Temecula Motorsports did this buyer DIRTY (on assembly and also pricing). All of the media bikes are routed properly behind the clutch MC, and this is a recipe for roost damage/disaster.

7. Can’t change shock rebound adjuster when on the stand. Kinda’ frustrating that it has to be loaded for access…

8. New cage design takes a second or two to figure out: Take your time and it all fits together nicely. Air filter changes will be a breeze with the purchase of a second filter and cage assembly. Educated guess, but more filter changes will be required compared to previous design: Less surface area and more full-throttle riding will dirty em’ up right quick.

9. New hose clamps on the 24’…Kinda’ wonky. Watch your hands and sponges on them when washing/cleaning/detailing your new ride.

10. Water pump routing for 2024 and beyond. A little more exposed over previous design for you off-road guys, just so you’re aware. 

11. New solid plumbing behind the header to accommodate radiator redesign. With a smaller radiator on the left side due to the raised frame-Y, I’d throw a 1.8 cap on there asap…All media bikes came with them. (Kawasaki PN 49085-1077)

Different maps to try for new owners…

1. Chavez: Fuel adjustments only

2. Borky: Ignition only

3/4. Tickle: Both fuel and ignition changes…

I liked the one I rode last weekend so much I bought one of my own. Didn’t make it at home for 10 mins before seeing if Carbon Skid plate fit. 😂 CRM fit with some minor trimming around the waterpump area to clear the head pipe. But the tabs on the frame lined up. It will do until I can get a proper one from CRM.

Be careful with the air box/filter maintenance. Twin Air is not offering an OEM style filter for the 24. They will be offering a Power Flow kit but won't be available until Jan/Feb.

To give some difference on the perimeters of the Vortex Vs stock ECU and app. Here is a screen grab of Vortex tuning program. This is only showing from 0-6k RPM.

The GP bikes look like they are using a much larger filter element.

I was told they are using the 23 Element