2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

Brent
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5857
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8/16/2006
Location
Temecula, CA, USA
11/20/2023 3:51pm
280driver wrote:

And Febvre sure was fast on the slow machine.

Romain’s factory prototype  SR 450 is unfortunately not the same motorcycle as the 2024 production version of the bike, except they are both green. 

 

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2
heathkiller
Posts
27
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9/14/2018
Location
USA, GA, USA
11/20/2023 4:51pm
280driver wrote:

And Febvre sure was fast on the slow machine.

Brent wrote:

Romain’s factory prototype  SR 450 is unfortunately not the same motorcycle as the 2024 production version of the bike, except they are both green. 

 

Thank you for that 

2
jonesaustin
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2653
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7/6/2009
Location
Austin, TX, USA
11/20/2023 4:54pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2023 4:55pm

so much about adjustments, so little about how the thing looks and feels riding. I mean, it's only a pretty RADICAL new KX450 but yeah let's just focus on dialing it in smh.

1
need2ride
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843
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Location
the scene, CA, USA
11/20/2023 5:09pm

Looks like a green Honda. Sounds like a 350

1
6

The Shop

cmotodad
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1008
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Location
Yorba Linda, CA, USA
11/20/2023 5:30pm

I have a well set up 2020 KX450. PC link, PC pipe, correct gearing, suspension revalves. The 24 is so good! Front brake is a huge bonus. Does not feel fast  but it is deceiving fast on a track. Drives forward very quickly. Take lap times on the faster YZ and CR on a rough track, you will be quicker on the KX on any track JMO

9
cameron96
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836
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CA
11/20/2023 7:13pm

I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike.

perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive bike.

or because it had reliability issues close to production 

There’s no way they reshaped the frame just for a smoother pull. 
 

also curious when someone gets their hands on the alternate motor mount.  

4
11/20/2023 7:20pm
cameron96 wrote:
I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike. perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive...

I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike.

perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive bike.

or because it had reliability issues close to production 

There’s no way they reshaped the frame just for a smoother pull. 
 

also curious when someone gets their hands on the alternate motor mount.  

I don’t think any theory you mentioned is remotely accurate. 

1
soggy
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8833
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12/3/2018
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USA
11/20/2023 7:51pm
cameron96 wrote:
I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike. perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive...

I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike.

perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive bike.

or because it had reliability issues close to production 

There’s no way they reshaped the frame just for a smoother pull. 
 

also curious when someone gets their hands on the alternate motor mount.  

Have we even see Dyno numbers??

all these suggestions are very crack pot. 

cameron96
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10/4/2016
Location
CA
11/20/2023 7:57pm
cameron96 wrote:
I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike. perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive...

I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike.

perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive bike.

or because it had reliability issues close to production 

There’s no way they reshaped the frame just for a smoother pull. 
 

also curious when someone gets their hands on the alternate motor mount.  

I don’t think any theory you mentioned is remotely accurate. 

Yea gotta admit I’m just pretty bored.  
 

Curious to see what comes of this bike.  

Sandusky26
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7/28/2021
Location
Eastern, NC, USA
11/20/2023 8:32pm
cameron96 wrote:
I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike. perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive...

I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike.

perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive bike.

or because it had reliability issues close to production 

There’s no way they reshaped the frame just for a smoother pull. 
 

also curious when someone gets their hands on the alternate motor mount.  

soggy wrote:

Have we even see Dyno numbers??

all these suggestions are very crack pot. 

Yes, it's a tad slower than the 23 through the mid range.

1
1
11/21/2023 3:42pm

So right now I can get a 2023 SR for less than the 2024.  For those that own both, which way would you go?

racinstation
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Location
Driggs, ID, USA
11/21/2023 4:11pm

So right now I can get a 2023 SR for less than the 2024.  For those that own both, which way would you go?

I have a regular 23 and a 24.  I have ridden the SR.  The SR is awesome, but the new chassis is better in every way.  I firmly believe that with some mapping changes the 24 will be in the power hunt.  Right now stock vs stock most guys are faster on the 24 because of the chassis and the linear power delivery.  

1
crc245
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Yorba Linda, CA, USA
11/21/2023 5:13pm

So right now I can get a 2023 SR for less than the 2024.  For those that own both, which way would you go?

Good spot to be in, but man that's tough! I love the 2019 -2023 design, with the SR being my favorite production bike built to date. With 21.5/22mm offset clamps and a PC linkage with accompanying spring rate increase, it would be even closer to the handling of the 2024+ chassis. However, no one wants to toss those clean 23mm Xtrigs on the shelf, have to spend extra on the complete linkage assembly, or be on an older design come selling time. I'd personally wait until the aftermarket has a "fix" for the 2024 air filter/airbox design or wait for Spring rebates/2025 models, but that's just the conservative in me. Honestly, I'd even consider going standard 23' KX450 (at their smoking deals) and building it to suite over just starting with the KX450SR base for a year or two. 

I really like that the new platform didn't mess with all the good Kawi has had going for the last few years, and know that an increase in low-to-mid HP and torque will come in time for those riders who "want" it. It's already sneaky fast and the majority do not "need" that, it's just a different character than what most of us have grown accustomed to. Short, waffling answer: Can't go wrong either way.

Note, this perspective comes from a 2020 KX450 owner only testing the 24' for the time being (7.5 hours in); I bought my personal ride at the height of Covid for $6,999 OTD and have loved it for over 100 hours. New owners who have just spent full-pop for the first batch may have differing opinions...Recency bias is very real in our moto media, and I don't recall even one outlet doing a compare and contrast between the 23' and 24' with MX34 tires on both, same day. Yes, the 2024+ is the latest and greatest, but don't forget just how good we've had it with some tasteful mods on the 2019 - 2023's.

1
TooTallJason
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11/10/2020
Location
Denver, CO, USA
11/21/2023 5:40pm

Quick question from a first time KX owner, are the footpeg bolts one time use? The manual uses the same language for the bolts as the cotter pin. 

-MAVERICK-
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Ontario, CA
11/21/2023 11:41pm
 

 

1
1
11/22/2023 4:23am

My local dealer, Grapevine Powersports finally got one in and called yesterday saying it was ready for pickup. When I asked what the OTD price was they said $14,100.00. They said it's the only one they are getting until late January so no deal to be had. Looks like I'll be keeping my 22' for a few more months. 

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11/22/2023 4:24am Edited Date/Time 11/22/2023 4:24am

So right now I can get a 2023 SR for less than the 2024.  For those that own both, which way would you go?

crc245 wrote:
Good spot to be in, but man that's tough! I love the 2019 -2023 design, with the SR being my favorite production bike built to date...

Good spot to be in, but man that's tough! I love the 2019 -2023 design, with the SR being my favorite production bike built to date. With 21.5/22mm offset clamps and a PC linkage with accompanying spring rate increase, it would be even closer to the handling of the 2024+ chassis. However, no one wants to toss those clean 23mm Xtrigs on the shelf, have to spend extra on the complete linkage assembly, or be on an older design come selling time. I'd personally wait until the aftermarket has a "fix" for the 2024 air filter/airbox design or wait for Spring rebates/2025 models, but that's just the conservative in me. Honestly, I'd even consider going standard 23' KX450 (at their smoking deals) and building it to suite over just starting with the KX450SR base for a year or two. 

I really like that the new platform didn't mess with all the good Kawi has had going for the last few years, and know that an increase in low-to-mid HP and torque will come in time for those riders who "want" it. It's already sneaky fast and the majority do not "need" that, it's just a different character than what most of us have grown accustomed to. Short, waffling answer: Can't go wrong either way.

Note, this perspective comes from a 2020 KX450 owner only testing the 24' for the time being (7.5 hours in); I bought my personal ride at the height of Covid for $6,999 OTD and have loved it for over 100 hours. New owners who have just spent full-pop for the first batch may have differing opinions...Recency bias is very real in our moto media, and I don't recall even one outlet doing a compare and contrast between the 23' and 24' with MX34 tires on both, same day. Yes, the 2024+ is the latest and greatest, but don't forget just how good we've had it with some tasteful mods on the 2019 - 2023's.

Not sure I agree.

I got a great deal on the 23 SR and pulled back my deposit on a 24.

Sold the Xtrigs for a solid price after I found a clean set of Luxon 21.5 with bar mounts.

Already had the full link and knuckle and correct spring.

Same fix I did for my 19.

Looking forward to riding g a 24 as I will most likely wait for a 25.

 

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2
NicNak
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1099
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2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA, USA
11/22/2023 10:11am
Not sure I agree. I got a great deal on the 23 SR and pulled back my deposit on a 24. Sold the Xtrigs for a...

Not sure I agree.

I got a great deal on the 23 SR and pulled back my deposit on a 24.

Sold the Xtrigs for a solid price after I found a clean set of Luxon 21.5 with bar mounts.

Already had the full link and knuckle and correct spring.

Same fix I did for my 19.

Looking forward to riding g a 24 as I will most likely wait for a 25.

 

I agree with running the 23 model for a while until prices come down a little. Seems like the dealers are smoking crack if they think someone is going to pay $14,100 for a kawi, unless the buyer is just rich & shitting out hundred dollar bills at breakfast.

Power Motorsports in Oregon has em for around 11,500 so i'd go there & even pay to ship it. Motoshippers will ship anywhere in the country. 

Also, I ran the 21.5 off-set for about month & also ran the 23 mm off set concurrently. What I found crazy is I felt reallllly good with the 21.5 mm but I ran faster lap times on 23 mm x-trigs consistently for 3-4 weeks at the local cali tracks. So just depends if you are looking for COMFORT in the tighter turns or looking for best lap times. Type of riding matters, personal preference also. Not saying which one is better, i'm just expressing my experience. 

 

4
TooTallJason
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626
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11/10/2020
Location
Denver, CO, USA
11/22/2023 10:45am

Sounds like all you guys need to cultivate better relationships with your salespeople and dealer. 

I'm not trying to blow my dealer up in case they did me a solid they weren't supposed to, but if anyone wants to know where I got mine under 10K OTD, shoot me a DM. 

1
3
11/25/2023 2:15pm

Ok so what’s the reason for changing the rear hub?  The new one on the 24’ looks massive compared to the last generation. I’ve tortured the 19’, 20, and 22’… not a single failure.

Any explanation on why they beefed it up? - weight difference on the hub?

DB505
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730
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12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX, USA
11/25/2023 4:06pm
cameron96 wrote:
I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike. perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive...

I wonder if they are sandbagging the HP in this bike.

perhaps to make the SR a monster to drive up sales of a more expensive bike.

or because it had reliability issues close to production 

There’s no way they reshaped the frame just for a smoother pull. 
 

also curious when someone gets their hands on the alternate motor mount.  

The thing is it’s a 450! It’s got more than any of us can use, not to say that people don’t WANT more! But it’s easy to get more out of it! 

Nate_Z
Posts
209
Joined
12/9/2018
Location
Prior Lake, MN, USA
11/25/2023 4:25pm
Ok so what’s the reason for changing the rear hub?  The new one on the 24’ looks massive compared to the last generation. I’ve tortured the...

Ok so what’s the reason for changing the rear hub?  The new one on the 24’ looks massive compared to the last generation. I’ve tortured the 19’, 20, and 22’… not a single failure.

Any explanation on why they beefed it up? - weight difference on the hub?

Would guess there is some impact on chassis stiffness with the new hub, but purely a guess

1
RCMXracing
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891
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Location
N., TX, USA
11/27/2023 8:26pm Edited Date/Time 12/12/2023 4:58pm
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...

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. 

More map app stuff (Edited additional info at bottom)

Unless I’m blind, dumb, stupid or both I can’t find much information in manual about the map app other than where to find the dongle on the bike, locate the pin# on dongle…

So put that pin # in the app, bumped the starter, did a scan and it found it no problem - success

Loaded a map, says it’s overwriting etc., all good… here’s where it’s odd, there is no “save” after this writing, when you back out of that page it will ask you to save. There’s a lot of this in the app, no save until you back page

As all this is going on, uploading, the blue and green lights on the map/TC/kill switch are flashing, ok cool something is in process… now save in the app (back out and it will ask) all good, but the lights keep flashing, with no idea if new map is really IN there and lights flashing prob till batt dead, I tried kill sw, nope, ok, bump starter, lights went out. Success?! No clue because even though there is a “detail” and “gauge” in the app it doesn’t show what map by name (you can name them) is in there

note: there are Kawasaki street bike YouTube vids for that app, but nothing for the KX version of the app

New info: There’s a gear top left of app on “home page”, in there you will find help/tutorial and FAQ… the first time I used this app and selected Tutorial or FAQ the page was blank, dunno if server is slow or what, waited and waited and pages eventually loaded (also try rebooting app)

There’s some good info in the Tutorial/FAQ but still not the best guide, one thing I learned is to stop blinking lights you can hit kill sw but gotta HOLD 2 sec (I bumped starter to get them out) - edited for a 3rd time 12 Dec: You can get lights out with kill sw, but it’s longer than 2 sec, just keep pushing till out

2
jeffs
Posts
72
Joined
8/26/2011
Location
Nipomo, CA, USA
11/27/2023 9:16pm
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...

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. 

RCMXracing wrote:
More map app stuff (Edited additional info at bottom) Unless I’m blind, dumb, stupid or both I can’t find much information in manual about the map...

More map app stuff (Edited additional info at bottom)

Unless I’m blind, dumb, stupid or both I can’t find much information in manual about the map app other than where to find the dongle on the bike, locate the pin# on dongle…

So put that pin # in the app, bumped the starter, did a scan and it found it no problem - success

Loaded a map, says it’s overwriting etc., all good… here’s where it’s odd, there is no “save” after this writing, when you back out of that page it will ask you to save. There’s a lot of this in the app, no save until you back page

As all this is going on, uploading, the blue and green lights on the map/TC/kill switch are flashing, ok cool something is in process… now save in the app (back out and it will ask) all good, but the lights keep flashing, with no idea if new map is really IN there and lights flashing prob till batt dead, I tried kill sw, nope, ok, bump starter, lights went out. Success?! No clue because even though there is a “detail” and “gauge” in the app it doesn’t show what map by name (you can name them) is in there

note: there are Kawasaki street bike YouTube vids for that app, but nothing for the KX version of the app

New info: There’s a gear top left of app on “home page”, in there you will find help/tutorial and FAQ… the first time I used this app and selected Tutorial or FAQ the page was blank, dunno if server is slow or what, waited and waited and pages eventually loaded (also try rebooting app)

There’s some good info in the Tutorial/FAQ but still not the best guide, one thing I learned is to stop blinking lights you can hit kill sw but gotta HOLD 2 sec (I bumped starter to get them out) - edited for a 3rd time 12 Dec: You can get lights out with kill sw, but it’s longer than 2 sec, just keep pushing till out

Great Question. I'm having the same problem. Can someone please make a step by step video showing how to use the app?

 

RCMXracing
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891
Joined
8/10/2011
Location
N., TX, USA
11/27/2023 9:29pm
jeffs wrote:
Great Question. I'm having the same problem. Can someone please make a step by step video showing how to use the app?  

Great Question. I'm having the same problem. Can someone please make a step by step video showing how to use the app?

 

I edited my post, more info at bottom…

11/28/2023 3:10pm

Anyone know when oem parts will be available? And if the new brembo front brake lever is the same as Ktm, husky, etc?

Nate_Z
Posts
209
Joined
12/9/2018
Location
Prior Lake, MN, USA
11/28/2023 4:30pm

Anyone know when oem parts will be available? And if the new brembo front brake lever is the same as Ktm, husky, etc?

My dealer was able to look up parts on their system, front brake is 100% off a KTM, even the torx master cylinder screws are the same.  

1
RCMXracing
Posts
891
Joined
8/10/2011
Location
N., TX, USA
11/29/2023 2:03pm

IMG 1391 0.jpeg?VersionId=Ci.2IIsXQoIMG 1389 0IMG 1384
Here’s the guts of 2024 KX450 muffler: two screens in the perf-core and a stamped baffle (not removable but could be pressed flush or cut/modified).

Not sure I wanna Guinea Pig this muffler by cutting screens or modding baffle, concerned about effect on back pressure possibly hurting performance.

Thoughts? For anyone that’s cut out screens, modded baffle on this or another bike are there any gains? If so where?

2
Nate_Z
Posts
209
Joined
12/9/2018
Location
Prior Lake, MN, USA
11/29/2023 2:41pm
RCMXracing wrote:
Here’s the guts of 2024 KX450 muffler: two screens in the perf-core and a stamped baffle (not removable but could be pressed flush or cut/modified). Not...

IMG 1391 0.jpeg?VersionId=Ci.2IIsXQoIMG 1389 0IMG 1384
Here’s the guts of 2024 KX450 muffler: two screens in the perf-core and a stamped baffle (not removable but could be pressed flush or cut/modified).

Not sure I wanna Guinea Pig this muffler by cutting screens or modding baffle, concerned about effect on back pressure possibly hurting performance.

Thoughts? For anyone that’s cut out screens, modded baffle on this or another bike are there any gains? If so where?

Thanks for sharing, that has to be the most restricted silencer I've seen on a modern 450 mx bike! 

2

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