2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

11/18/2023 6:22am
crc245 wrote:
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...

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)

Thanks for the 1.8 rad cap part number.

Nystrom7
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11/18/2023 8:43am

Do you think it’s something an aftermarket ECU map could fix or is it beyond that?

ML512 wrote:
Pipe and ECU should help massively but I'm also concerned about the airbox. The GP team's is wildly different and I've heard the production one changed...

Pipe and ECU should help massively but I'm also concerned about the airbox. The GP team's is wildly different and I've heard the production one changed at the last minute to what we got instead.

crmx105 wrote:
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...

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.

Thats weird that they won't offer filters for oem cage. Where did that info come from?

Cygrace74
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11/18/2023 8:49am
Nystrom7 wrote:

Thats weird that they won't offer filters for oem cage. Where did that info come from?

Most likely they know they don’t like the original design and don’t want to sell a filter that still won’t seal properly and have people blame them

The Shop

Nystrom7
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11/18/2023 9:54am
Nystrom7 wrote:

Thats weird that they won't offer filters for oem cage. Where did that info come from?

Cygrace74 wrote:
Most likely they know they don’t like the original design and don’t want to sell a filter that still won’t seal properly and have people blame...

Most likely they know they don’t like the original design and don’t want to sell a filter that still won’t seal properly and have people blame them

So the stock filter has a poor seal? That sounds weird.

crmx105
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Dunnellon, FL, USA
11/18/2023 10:04am
ML512 wrote:
Pipe and ECU should help massively but I'm also concerned about the airbox. The GP team's is wildly different and I've heard the production one changed...

Pipe and ECU should help massively but I'm also concerned about the airbox. The GP team's is wildly different and I've heard the production one changed at the last minute to what we got instead.

crmx105 wrote:
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...

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.

Nystrom7 wrote:

Thats weird that they won't offer filters for oem cage. Where did that info come from?

Twin Air. There is a reason GP bikes are running a different set up.

jeffro503
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St Helens, OR, USA
11/19/2023 11:13am

I've been on 2 strokes the past 6 + years , and the 24' Kawi 450 has my attention. Looks to be a great bike so far. 

2
TooTallJason
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11/19/2023 1:10pm Edited Date/Time 11/19/2023 1:13pm

Got to break mine in today. Coming off a 21 KTM 450 sx-f, and I am not disappointed. The motor definitely has a different character than the KTM, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I was worried I’d feel like it was missing something at around ~240 lbs, but keep it higher in the rpm and it loves it. 
 

This bike turns really nice though. Got comfortable really quickly. Back end will slide a bit more than the KTM did. Also pleasantly surprised by the suspension, seemed to deal with my weight really well. I think I’ll just throw the correct springs in and run stock valving and go from there. 
 

One thing I can’t figure out is where to access the hour meter within the app though. I couldn’t see it anywhere. 

1
Nate_Z
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Prior Lake, MN, USA
11/19/2023 4:36pm

Had my first ride on the 450X today! Coming off of a 19, 21 and 22 plus a KTM 300XC TPI, was pretty impressed with the new 24! Track was hard pack and slippery so not the best conditions to evaluate overall power, but really appreciated the smooth and tractable power.  New chassis definitely puts more weight on the front end and as as front end steering rider, its a big upgrade! Brembo front brake is awesome as well.

With the softer X suspension, on the harder jump landings, would bottom the forks.  Plan to add a little oil for bottoming resistance, suspension felt very plush.

Overall, very happy after the first ride!

4
Duke28
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11/19/2023 4:43pm
Nate_Z wrote:
Had my first ride on the 450X today! Coming off of a 19, 21 and 22 plus a KTM 300XC TPI, was pretty impressed with the...

Had my first ride on the 450X today! Coming off of a 19, 21 and 22 plus a KTM 300XC TPI, was pretty impressed with the new 24! Track was hard pack and slippery so not the best conditions to evaluate overall power, but really appreciated the smooth and tractable power.  New chassis definitely puts more weight on the front end and as as front end steering rider, its a big upgrade! Brembo front brake is awesome as well.

With the softer X suspension, on the harder jump landings, would bottom the forks.  Plan to add a little oil for bottoming resistance, suspension felt very plush.

Overall, very happy after the first ride!

Does the front end dive or ride low with all that weight on it? 

Nate_Z
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11/19/2023 5:02pm
Duke28 wrote:

Does the front end dive or ride low with all that weight on it? 

The front end felt like it was staying higher in the stroke and not riding lower.  Given the track was hard pack and there wasn't much for braking bumps, probably not the best test for front end diving compared to a rougher, softer track.  I think with added oil it will be pretty good for me.

Brent
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11/19/2023 6:34pm
Nystrom7 wrote:

Thats weird that they won't offer filters for oem cage. Where did that info come from?

Twin Air power flow kit shipping late Jan to mid February 2024 - maybe.   Too long to wait IMO. 

OEM filters in short supply I hear….

DT1? No Toil? 
here is your opportunity to get the jump on the slow dutchies at Twin Air,  get on it boys…

2
DSweeney114
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Hitchcock, TX, USA
11/19/2023 6:38pm

South Texas 1st ride review:

Last 3 bikes were 21, 22, & 23 yz450. Loved the stability of the 21 & 22. Never got comfortable on the 23 even after clamps, motor mounts and Enzo suspension. Bike was just twitchy and unpredictable to me.

First thing I noticed on the KX450 was how amazing the stability is, very predictable and can carry momentum where others are off the throttle due to chop. The power is nothing like the powerhouses of Honda or Yamaha but it allows you to carry your speed/ momentum without upsetting the bike. Ergonomics felt great and took no time to get comfy. Only negative is it has 2 maps allowed on the switch but you can only upload 1 map into the map 1 setting and automatically map 2 will be a mellow version of map 1. Also no hour meter in the app.

Overall if you’re looking for a very stable bike right out of the box that’s predictable and confidence inspiring then you need to try one. 

5
crc245
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11/19/2023 6:47pm
Nate_Z wrote:
The front end felt like it was staying higher in the stroke and not riding lower.  Given the track was hard pack and there wasn't much...

The front end felt like it was staying higher in the stroke and not riding lower.  Given the track was hard pack and there wasn't much for braking bumps, probably not the best test for front end diving compared to a rougher, softer track.  I think with added oil it will be pretty good for me.

You’re onto something on the adding oil front, that’s exactly what I’m predicting will help as well. Went in a few clicks on compression, which held it higher, but the action wasn’t as plush. 
 

Question: What fork height did the KX450X come set at? Went from 5mm (OE spec) to 2.5mm on a standard KX450 and really appreciated the change. Wouldn’t be surprised if some like to flush em’ out for extremely fast MX and off-road use.

RCMXracing
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11/19/2023 7:00pm
South Texas 1st ride review: Last 3 bikes were 21, 22, & 23 yz450. Loved the stability of the 21 & 22. Never got comfortable on...

South Texas 1st ride review:

Last 3 bikes were 21, 22, & 23 yz450. Loved the stability of the 21 & 22. Never got comfortable on the 23 even after clamps, motor mounts and Enzo suspension. Bike was just twitchy and unpredictable to me.

First thing I noticed on the KX450 was how amazing the stability is, very predictable and can carry momentum where others are off the throttle due to chop. The power is nothing like the powerhouses of Honda or Yamaha but it allows you to carry your speed/ momentum without upsetting the bike. Ergonomics felt great and took no time to get comfy. Only negative is it has 2 maps allowed on the switch but you can only upload 1 map into the map 1 setting and automatically map 2 will be a mellow version of map 1. Also no hour meter in the app.

Overall if you’re looking for a very stable bike right out of the box that’s predictable and confidence inspiring then you need to try one. 

“Only negative is it has 2 maps allowed on the switch but you can only upload 1 map into the map 1 setting and automatically map 2 will be a mellow version of map 1.”

Think Keefer said you can overwrite map 2 also if currently selected map is map 2 when you upload new map.

So if above is true then would map 1 be a stronger version of map 2 automatically (reverse of what you’re saying)?

crmx105
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11/19/2023 7:00pm
Duke28 wrote:

Does the front end dive or ride low with all that weight on it? 

Nate_Z wrote:
The front end felt like it was staying higher in the stroke and not riding lower.  Given the track was hard pack and there wasn't much...

The front end felt like it was staying higher in the stroke and not riding lower.  Given the track was hard pack and there wasn't much for braking bumps, probably not the best test for front end diving compared to a rougher, softer track.  I think with added oil it will be pretty good for me.

What is the stock oil volume on the 24? The 19 -23 was a really low 310cc.

DSweeney114
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Location
Hitchcock, TX, USA
11/19/2023 7:06pm
South Texas 1st ride review: Last 3 bikes were 21, 22, & 23 yz450. Loved the stability of the 21 & 22. Never got comfortable on...

South Texas 1st ride review:

Last 3 bikes were 21, 22, & 23 yz450. Loved the stability of the 21 & 22. Never got comfortable on the 23 even after clamps, motor mounts and Enzo suspension. Bike was just twitchy and unpredictable to me.

First thing I noticed on the KX450 was how amazing the stability is, very predictable and can carry momentum where others are off the throttle due to chop. The power is nothing like the powerhouses of Honda or Yamaha but it allows you to carry your speed/ momentum without upsetting the bike. Ergonomics felt great and took no time to get comfy. Only negative is it has 2 maps allowed on the switch but you can only upload 1 map into the map 1 setting and automatically map 2 will be a mellow version of map 1. Also no hour meter in the app.

Overall if you’re looking for a very stable bike right out of the box that’s predictable and confidence inspiring then you need to try one. 

RCMXracing wrote:
“Only negative is it has 2 maps allowed on the switch but you can only upload 1 map into the map 1 setting and automatically map...

“Only negative is it has 2 maps allowed on the switch but you can only upload 1 map into the map 1 setting and automatically map 2 will be a mellow version of map 1.”

Think Keefer said you can overwrite map 2 also if currently selected map is map 2 when you upload new map.

So if above is true then would map 1 be a stronger version of map 2 automatically (reverse of what you’re saying)?

From my understanding of what keefer and ML have reported is that if you upload a map in map 2 it won’t correlate like we would think it would. ML can you clarify that please. 

1
280driver
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11/20/2023 4:45am

IMG 0418
More air to the motor is said to show big increase in power.

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Nate_Z
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11/20/2023 6:52am
crmx105 wrote:

What is the stock oil volume on the 24? The 19 -23 was a really low 310cc.

Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed to be the right amount.

crmx105
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11/20/2023 8:19am
crmx105 wrote:

What is the stock oil volume on the 24? The 19 -23 was a really low 310cc.

Nate_Z wrote:
Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed...

Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed to be the right amount.

Ok thanks. Looked it up on Race Tech and they had the 24 on there and it says 370cc for the 24 KX so maybe lower oil height and spring rate(?) might be the only difference between the MX an the X?

lumpy790
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11/20/2023 9:11am

IMG 3560

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lumpy790
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11/20/2023 9:12am

IMG 3559.jpeg?VersionId=NItddGKUU7.XCIgY5W4

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lumpy790
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11/20/2023 9:14am

IMG 3561 0

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11/20/2023 9:17am
crmx105 wrote:

What is the stock oil volume on the 24? The 19 -23 was a really low 310cc.

Nate_Z wrote:
Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed...

Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed to be the right amount.

crmx105 wrote:
Ok thanks. Looked it up on Race Tech and they had the 24 on there and it says 370cc for the 24 KX so maybe lower...

Ok thanks. Looked it up on Race Tech and they had the 24 on there and it says 370cc for the 24 KX so maybe lower oil height and spring rate(?) might be the only difference between the MX an the X?

From the 2024 KX450 and 450X service manual

image-20231120121633-1

2
NicNak
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11/20/2023 10:12am

well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull a holeshot.

15
1
280driver
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11/20/2023 10:18am
NicNak wrote:
well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull...

well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull a holeshot.

And Febvre sure was fast on the slow machine.

1
1
MXer391
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11/20/2023 11:36am
NicNak wrote:
well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull...

well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull a holeshot.

That dude goes fast no matter what bike he's riding

6
soggy
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11/20/2023 11:42am Edited Date/Time 11/20/2023 11:42am
NicNak wrote:
well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull...

well the new "slow" 2024 KX450 just pulled the holeshot in vet 35 + at mini o's....kind of interesting that such a slow machine could pull a holeshot.

MXer391 wrote:

That dude goes fast no matter what bike he's riding

On the flip side a fast bike won’t make a slow rider fast. 

 

 

1
crmx105
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11/20/2023 3:21pm
Nate_Z wrote:
Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed...

Not sure about the standard 450, but in the manual for the X, it states that 310cc of oil.  From previous setups, I found 350-370 seemed to be the right amount.

crmx105 wrote:
Ok thanks. Looked it up on Race Tech and they had the 24 on there and it says 370cc for the 24 KX so maybe lower...

Ok thanks. Looked it up on Race Tech and they had the 24 on there and it says 370cc for the 24 KX so maybe lower oil height and spring rate(?) might be the only difference between the MX an the X?

From the 2024 KX450 and 450X service manual

From the 2024 KX450 and 450X service manual

image-20231120121633-1

Race Tech site was wrong on the factory setting but not on the recommended. Lol 

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