2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

4/30/2024 5:01pm
Markee wrote:
I wasn't planning on buying a new bike this year. I kind of swore off ever buying another 450 because of resale, but selling anything now...

I wasn't planning on buying a new bike this year. I kind of swore off ever buying another 450 because of resale, but selling anything now days is brutal. Sure glad I did though, love this bike. Pup happy too.

 

On the exhaust, I never rode once with all the junk in the exhaust and air box. So I can't compare. This if you simply cut down with a band saw, it still leaves enough for the inner core to sit in.

The tip has a really tough coating that seems to be similar to cerekote / ceramic coating. Used a scotch brite disc to remove paint, torched for color and cooled with WD40. Looks better.

Getting a little head shake. Stock suspension, sag at 105. Forks at the top line. Doesn't feel like the front end is diving. I'm still on the fence on sending the suspension out. Couple laps cruising at my local place.

 

 

Try buying a single stiffer accessory fork spring and put it in one side of the forks.  Totally eliminated the headshake for me, and it was...

Try buying a single stiffer accessory fork spring and put it in one side of the forks.  Totally eliminated the headshake for me, and it was a pretty cheap fix.

Markee wrote:

You running one stock one stiffer?

Yes.

motomike894
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Location
Waterloo, IN, USA
4/30/2024 5:35pm
Moto520 wrote:

YOooooo!  I finally broker my launch control button.  Can i just remove this thing or will it short something out?   

You talking about the older kx button ? 

Moto520 wrote:

What's up Mike?   It's on my 2022.  You been getting a ton of riding in?

I’m starting to now finally, after my near death experience last summer 😂

crc245
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Location
Yorba Linda, CA, USA
4/30/2024 8:12pm Edited Date/Time 4/30/2024 8:13pm
Moto520 wrote:

YOooooo!  I finally broker my launch control button.  Can i just remove this thing or will it short something out?   

alycium102 wrote:
if its an older model you can take it off no problem, just cut off corner of a zip lock bag and then use a small...

if its an older model you can take it off no problem, just cut off corner of a zip lock bag and then use a small zip tie to cover the plug after removing it so water doesnt get down in there. if its the new 24, i doubt you can remove it because it has more functions than just the launch control buttttttt idk for sure

Moto520 wrote:

it's on a 2022.

Throw the white coupler in that launch control plug on the harness and call it a day. It’s the same wiring pattern, just eliminates unnecessary clutter. Works for 2019-2023’s. #Factory

2
Sandusky26
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Eastern, NC, USA
4/30/2024 11:53pm
DB505 wrote:
I’m thinking of a new 24, with the great deals! But I’ve got a 22, that’s OK, not in love with it! Is the 24 THAT...

I’m thinking of a new 24, with the great deals! But I’ve got a 22, that’s OK, not in love with it! Is the 24 THAT much better of a bike? 

I miss my 22

1

The Shop

Smith246
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Jerramungup, WA, AU
5/1/2024 2:20am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I miss my 22

I miss my 22

Do you prefer your 22 over the 24?

Sandusky26
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5/1/2024 3:58am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I miss my 22

I miss my 22

Smith246 wrote:

Do you prefer your 22 over the 24?

Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit messing around and get my Vortex mapped for my 24.

Smith246
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5/1/2024 4:26am
Sandusky26 wrote:
I miss my 22

I miss my 22

Smith246 wrote:

Do you prefer your 22 over the 24?

Sandusky26 wrote:
Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit...

Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit messing around and get my Vortex mapped for my 24.

So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two?

This is my first kx and and I got it because I wanted the most stable bike I could get, and everyone says that is a kx. Not that i feel this bike is unstable but it's definitely a bit more busy than I had hoped. My 23 350sxf is noticeably more planted in the front end coming into choppy corners.

Sandusky26
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Eastern, NC, USA
5/1/2024 5:15am
Smith246 wrote:

Do you prefer your 22 over the 24?

Sandusky26 wrote:
Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit...

Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit messing around and get my Vortex mapped for my 24.

Smith246 wrote:
So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two? This is my first kx and...

So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two?

This is my first kx and and I got it because I wanted the most stable bike I could get, and everyone says that is a kx. Not that i feel this bike is unstable but it's definitely a bit more busy than I had hoped. My 23 350sxf is noticeably more planted in the front end coming into choppy corners.

It's hard to say, but I do agree the 24 is busier than the 22. The suspension revale helped a ton, bike was sketchy when it was stock, zero headshake now. I was one of the guys that didn't mind the long feeling of the 22, the 24 turns better. 

Maybe try stiffer fork settings? My bike is supper plush with my stiffer settings, so much that I'm going to be going stiffer myself.

1
5/1/2024 5:22am
Smith246 wrote:

Do you prefer your 22 over the 24?

Sandusky26 wrote:
Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit...

Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit messing around and get my Vortex mapped for my 24.

Smith246 wrote:
So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two? This is my first kx and...

So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two?

This is my first kx and and I got it because I wanted the most stable bike I could get, and everyone says that is a kx. Not that i feel this bike is unstable but it's definitely a bit more busy than I had hoped. My 23 350sxf is noticeably more planted in the front end coming into choppy corners.

Like I told the guy earlier.  Try dropping a single optional stiffer spring in one side of your forks.  I had a bit of twitchiness prior to making this change, and that twitchiness is gone now.  The spring was less than $100, so it is a cheap way to solve the problem if it works for you as well as it worked for me.

2
Smith246
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Jerramungup, WA, AU
5/1/2024 5:45am
Sandusky26 wrote:
Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit...

Yes, but not really a fair comparison. My 22 had a FMF and a Vortex ECU and it just ran really good. I need to quit messing around and get my Vortex mapped for my 24.

Smith246 wrote:
So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two? This is my first kx and...

So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two?

This is my first kx and and I got it because I wanted the most stable bike I could get, and everyone says that is a kx. Not that i feel this bike is unstable but it's definitely a bit more busy than I had hoped. My 23 350sxf is noticeably more planted in the front end coming into choppy corners.

Sandusky26 wrote:
It's hard to say, but I do agree the 24 is busier than the 22. The suspension revale helped a ton, bike was sketchy when it...

It's hard to say, but I do agree the 24 is busier than the 22. The suspension revale helped a ton, bike was sketchy when it was stock, zero headshake now. I was one of the guys that didn't mind the long feeling of the 22, the 24 turns better. 

Maybe try stiffer fork settings? My bike is supper plush with my stiffer settings, so much that I'm going to be going stiffer myself.

I'm thinking I would actually be one of the people that may possibly like the feel of the older model better ha ha.

Forks are currently getting there second revalve. I'm running heavier fork springs and more oil for better hold up but softer valving for some plushness. Maybe im just too used to kyb/ohlins/dal soggio suspension but these showa's transfer alot of feedback into the hands. 

2
Smith246
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Jerramungup, WA, AU
5/1/2024 5:49am
Like I told the guy earlier.  Try dropping a single optional stiffer spring in one side of your forks.  I had a bit of twitchiness prior...

Like I told the guy earlier.  Try dropping a single optional stiffer spring in one side of your forks.  I had a bit of twitchiness prior to making this change, and that twitchiness is gone now.  The spring was less than $100, so it is a cheap way to solve the problem if it works for you as well as it worked for me.

Thanks. I'm already running stiffer springs and more oil for better hold. Have had forks revalved once and they are currently getting done again. Hopefully this time I'm happy 🤞

1
JkopMx
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houston, TX, USA
5/1/2024 6:00am
Smith246 wrote:
So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two? This is my first kx and...

So it's the engine that makes you prefer your 22? What do you feel about the handling between the two?

This is my first kx and and I got it because I wanted the most stable bike I could get, and everyone says that is a kx. Not that i feel this bike is unstable but it's definitely a bit more busy than I had hoped. My 23 350sxf is noticeably more planted in the front end coming into choppy corners.

Sandusky26 wrote:
It's hard to say, but I do agree the 24 is busier than the 22. The suspension revale helped a ton, bike was sketchy when it...

It's hard to say, but I do agree the 24 is busier than the 22. The suspension revale helped a ton, bike was sketchy when it was stock, zero headshake now. I was one of the guys that didn't mind the long feeling of the 22, the 24 turns better. 

Maybe try stiffer fork settings? My bike is supper plush with my stiffer settings, so much that I'm going to be going stiffer myself.

Smith246 wrote:
I'm thinking I would actually be one of the people that may possibly like the feel of the older model better ha ha. Forks are currently...

I'm thinking I would actually be one of the people that may possibly like the feel of the older model better ha ha.

Forks are currently getting there second revalve. I'm running heavier fork springs and more oil for better hold up but softer valving for some plushness. Maybe im just too used to kyb/ohlins/dal soggio suspension but these showa's transfer alot of feedback into the hands. 

I have got accustomed to the KYB feel- and have KYB on my 24 kx 450.

 

 Have already transferred over some friends to KYB on their 24 kx 450 as well . 

 

the showa can be made very good but it will definetly have a different feel ( less top of the fork plushness mainly) 

 

consider putting some kx250f KYB forks on it - or give my guy Craig decker at enzo at the texas location a shot - my showa he did was pretty close on the top stroke to my current KYB.

3
dmm698
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USA
5/1/2024 6:23am
MXer391 wrote:

Just got word they upped the rebate again on these bad boys. I had myself completely talked out of another 450 but...

Yup. My dealer just posted that they have a $2000 rebate now.  Just pull the trigger.  You won’t be disappointed.  I sure love mine.  Use the...

Yup. My dealer just posted that they have a $2000 rebate now.  Just pull the trigger.  You won’t be disappointed.  I sure love mine.  Use the money you saved to buy a slip on muffler.

MX529 wrote:
My dealership has them $500 less then I paid a month ago at $7398 right now..   wonder if they would price match at this point...

My dealership has them $500 less then I paid a month ago at $7398 right now..

 

wonder if they would price match at this point?? 🤔

Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc fee?

yz133rider
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Avondale, PA, USA
5/1/2024 6:24am

They’re under 8k out the door at tricounty in wv and sport cycles in nc 

2
MXer391
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5/1/2024 6:43am
yz133rider wrote:

They’re under 8k out the door at tricounty in wv and sport cycles in nc 

you doing it?

Smith246
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5/1/2024 6:52am
JkopMx wrote:
I have got accustomed to the KYB feel- and have KYB on my 24 kx 450.    Have already transferred over some friends to KYB on...

I have got accustomed to the KYB feel- and have KYB on my 24 kx 450.

 

 Have already transferred over some friends to KYB on their 24 kx 450 as well . 

 

the showa can be made very good but it will definetly have a different feel ( less top of the fork plushness mainly) 

 

consider putting some kx250f KYB forks on it - or give my guy Craig decker at enzo at the texas location a shot - my showa he did was pretty close on the top stroke to my current KYB.

I think i have come accustomed to that feel aswell, I really like alot of initial plushness.

Gonna try one more revalve and see how that goes. If still not 100% happy I have a set of a-kit kyb outer tubes from a yzf, they are the same diameter as the kx. All I'll need is the cartridge and some new axle lugs and I'll have complete kyb forks for the kx.

I would definitely use Enzo but as I'm in Australia it's a little too far to send my suspension ha ha.

yz133rider
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5/1/2024 7:10am
yz133rider wrote:

They’re under 8k out the door at tricounty in wv and sport cycles in nc 

MXer391 wrote:

you doing it?

Next year maybe, i gotta atleast ride the 350 2 seasons. These deals make me all itchy trigger finger tho!!

1
tylerp319
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Lawton, OK, USA
5/1/2024 7:14am

Front wheel*

1
MXer391
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5/1/2024 8:24am
yz133rider wrote:

They’re under 8k out the door at tricounty in wv and sport cycles in nc 

MXer391 wrote:

you doing it?

yz133rider wrote:

Next year maybe, i gotta atleast ride the 350 2 seasons. These deals make me all itchy trigger finger tho!!

Same lol. I need to stay off the internet...

yz133rider
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5/1/2024 8:25am
MXer391 wrote:

you doing it?

yz133rider wrote:

Next year maybe, i gotta atleast ride the 350 2 seasons. These deals make me all itchy trigger finger tho!!

MXer391 wrote:

Same lol. I need to stay off the internet...

I had to delete Facebook because of marketplace and all the endless temptations lmao!!

4
Sandusky26
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5/1/2024 8:30am
yz133rider wrote:

Next year maybe, i gotta atleast ride the 350 2 seasons. These deals make me all itchy trigger finger tho!!

MXer391 wrote:

Same lol. I need to stay off the internet...

yz133rider wrote:

I had to delete Facebook because of marketplace and all the endless temptations lmao!!

Both you guys have more money than me. Go buy a damn bike and thank me later.

2
gharmon
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5/1/2024 8:51am
yz133rider wrote:

Next year maybe, i gotta atleast ride the 350 2 seasons. These deals make me all itchy trigger finger tho!!

MXer391 wrote:

Same lol. I need to stay off the internet...

yz133rider wrote:

I had to delete Facebook because of marketplace and all the endless temptations lmao!!

Damn if that ain't the truth button the flip side I can't sell shit on FB anymore no matter how low you go. People just are not spending any money.

 

MX529
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Wilmington, NC, USA
5/1/2024 9:44am Edited Date/Time 5/1/2024 9:47am
Yup. My dealer just posted that they have a $2000 rebate now.  Just pull the trigger.  You won’t be disappointed.  I sure love mine.  Use the...

Yup. My dealer just posted that they have a $2000 rebate now.  Just pull the trigger.  You won’t be disappointed.  I sure love mine.  Use the money you saved to buy a slip on muffler.

MX529 wrote:
My dealership has them $500 less then I paid a month ago at $7398 right now..   wonder if they would price match at this point...

My dealership has them $500 less then I paid a month ago at $7398 right now..

 

wonder if they would price match at this point?? 🤔

dmm698 wrote:
Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc...

Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc fee?

It’s $7398 plus $546 in sales tax, plus $99 doc fee puts you at $8036 OTD 

paid $7838 OTD for my 2020 KX 450


on my 24 KX450 paid $7899 plus $560 NC tax, and  $99 doc fee = $8643 OTD on 3/23/24

 

3
Markee
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5/1/2024 9:46am
MX529 wrote:
Southfork is such a user friendly track..  we ran two District 13 races at ECMX last year..one NCMX a race at ECMX..  that’s a fun track...

Southfork is such a user friendly track.. 

we ran two District 13 races at ECMX last year..one NCMX a race at ECMX..  that’s a fun track also

 

Did you ever get a chance to ride or race the original layout at ECMX? Loved it. Haven't raced the "newer" layout. 402 Trails designed the new layout but all the sand I guess got mixed into the base, its totally different.

dmm698
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5/1/2024 3:24pm
MX529 wrote:
My dealership has them $500 less then I paid a month ago at $7398 right now..   wonder if they would price match at this point...

My dealership has them $500 less then I paid a month ago at $7398 right now..

 

wonder if they would price match at this point?? 🤔

dmm698 wrote:
Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc...

Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc fee?

MX529 wrote:
It’s $7398 plus $546 in sales tax, plus $99 doc fee puts you at $8036 OTD  paid $7838 OTD for my 2020 KX 450 on my...

It’s $7398 plus $546 in sales tax, plus $99 doc fee puts you at $8036 OTD 

paid $7838 OTD for my 2020 KX 450


on my 24 KX450 paid $7899 plus $560 NC tax, and  $99 doc fee = $8643 OTD on 3/23/24

 

Thanks , so should be 7398+99$ doc fee out the door as an out of state cash buyer, should be no sales tax. I’d finance and let the cash ride in a savings account earning 5% but I think that would force my hand to pay sales tax and make it not worth it. 
My 19 was roughly 6750 or so in November of 19 after the team green money. Doesn’t even make sense to buy early and team green them when rebates are as high as they are now. 

MX529
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Wilmington, NC, USA
5/2/2024 9:46am
MX529 wrote:
Southfork is such a user friendly track..  we ran two District 13 races at ECMX last year..one NCMX a race at ECMX..  that’s a fun track...

Southfork is such a user friendly track.. 

we ran two District 13 races at ECMX last year..one NCMX a race at ECMX..  that’s a fun track also

 

Markee wrote:
Did you ever get a chance to ride or race the original layout at ECMX? Loved it. Haven't raced the "newer" layout. 402 Trails designed the...

Did you ever get a chance to ride or race the original layout at ECMX? Loved it. Haven't raced the "newer" layout. 402 Trails designed the new layout but all the sand I guess got mixed into the base, its totally different.

Been a minute since I was last there

That track is a pure sand track, very deep under race conditions, last race it rained the night before so practice and first Moto was a mud fest.. second Moto was very tacky, finished 3 overall last October 

MX529
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Wilmington, NC, USA
5/2/2024 9:48am
dmm698 wrote:
Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc...

Is that 7398 Out the door if you're an out of state buyer paying cash? Or is it 7398 + 450 Freight + setup + doc fee?

MX529 wrote:
It’s $7398 plus $546 in sales tax, plus $99 doc fee puts you at $8036 OTD  paid $7838 OTD for my 2020 KX 450 on my...

It’s $7398 plus $546 in sales tax, plus $99 doc fee puts you at $8036 OTD 

paid $7838 OTD for my 2020 KX 450


on my 24 KX450 paid $7899 plus $560 NC tax, and  $99 doc fee = $8643 OTD on 3/23/24

 

dmm698 wrote:
Thanks , so should be 7398+99$ doc fee out the door as an out of state cash buyer, should be no sales tax. I’d finance and...

Thanks , so should be 7398+99$ doc fee out the door as an out of state cash buyer, should be no sales tax. I’d finance and let the cash ride in a savings account earning 5% but I think that would force my hand to pay sales tax and make it not worth it. 
My 19 was roughly 6750 or so in November of 19 after the team green money. Doesn’t even make sense to buy early and team green them when rebates are as high as they are now. 

Not sure what the being out of state tax policy is?? 
 

surely they’d hit you up with State sales tax upon purchase? 

Markopolo400
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St. Paul-ish, MN, USA
5/2/2024 10:00am

I have to pay sales tax in the midwest buying bikes in MN while I live in WI.

Finance or cash doesnt make a difference.

dmm698
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5/2/2024 12:15pm Edited Date/Time 5/2/2024 12:16pm
MX529 wrote:

Not sure what the being out of state tax policy is?? 
 

surely they’d hit you up with State sales tax upon purchase? 

I've Purchased new bikes at a dealer from 3 different states of which i'm not a resident, paid cash, and did not have to pay sales tax. Some states may have reciprocity agreements that avoid this, or "dealer must deliver out of state" to avoid collecting, but i've never had to deal with that. 

dmm698
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955
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USA
5/2/2024 12:20pm

I have to pay sales tax in the midwest buying bikes in MN while I live in WI.

Finance or cash doesnt make a difference.

Sucker, have Ballz or I handle it for you next time...

 

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