2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

alycium102
Posts
145
Joined
11/14/2017
Location
USA, MN US
11/11/2024 10:03am
CH112 wrote:
What is everyone's input to remove some weight from these bikes? I know exhaust is a good start, clamps maybe the next easiest one? Love the bike, but...

What is everyone's input to remove some weight from these bikes? 

I know exhaust is a good start, clamps maybe the next easiest one? 

Love the bike, but would also like to take some easy weight off if possible 

Wheels as well. Other than that, you e covered the rest. 

crc245
Posts
1325
Joined
10/29/2007
Location
Yorba Linda, CA US
11/11/2024 6:28pm
CH112 wrote:
What is everyone's input to remove some weight from these bikes? I know exhaust is a good start, clamps maybe the next easiest one? Love the bike, but...

What is everyone's input to remove some weight from these bikes? 

I know exhaust is a good start, clamps maybe the next easiest one? 

Love the bike, but would also like to take some easy weight off if possible 

‘Easy’ weight off is tough - We typically add weight with heavier (more durable) tubes, protection (skid plates/disc guards/radiator braces/etc), and personal touches like aftermarket wheelsets/graphics/seat covers/and more…

It’s expensive, but big-ticket weight loss items are usually a Ti exhaust/shock spring/axles and pivot bolts, as well as Phantom or Think! seat foams.Please keep us updated if you go this route and encounter anything out of the norm 👍

Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
11/12/2024 4:29am

Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? 

Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both these items. 

11/12/2024 5:17am
Duke28 wrote:
Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both...

Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? 

Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both these items. 

Man, I sure love the way my ‘24 handles.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

5

The Shop

Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
11/12/2024 5:32am
Duke28 wrote:
Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both...

Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? 

Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both these items. 

Man, I sure love the way my ‘24 handles.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Idk I keep getting a front end wash out on heavy lean angle in flat corners. Everything is set for me. 

Just curious but thanks 

1
yz133rider
Posts
5033
Joined
8/1/2013
Location
Avondale, PA US
11/12/2024 5:43am
Duke28 wrote:
Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both...

Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? 

Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both these items. 

Man, I sure love the way my ‘24 handles.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Duke28 wrote:

Idk I keep getting a front end wash out on heavy lean angle in flat corners. Everything is set for me. 

Just curious but thanks 

Raise the forks a touch more through the clamps give it a try I had the same issue. Everyone here and the mags was saying to run them flush and when I ran them close to flush it would wash so badly for me and my (poor) riding style.

11/12/2024 5:59am

Man, I sure love the way my ‘24 handles.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Duke28 wrote:

Idk I keep getting a front end wash out on heavy lean angle in flat corners. Everything is set for me. 

Just curious but thanks 

yz133rider wrote:
Raise the forks a touch more through the clamps give it a try I had the same issue. Everyone here and the mags was saying to...

Raise the forks a touch more through the clamps give it a try I had the same issue. Everyone here and the mags was saying to run them flush and when I ran them close to flush it would wash so badly for me and my (poor) riding style.

Mine are 3mm above the triple clamp.  

Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
11/12/2024 8:37am
Duke28 wrote:

Idk I keep getting a front end wash out on heavy lean angle in flat corners. Everything is set for me. 

Just curious but thanks 

yz133rider wrote:
Raise the forks a touch more through the clamps give it a try I had the same issue. Everyone here and the mags was saying to...

Raise the forks a touch more through the clamps give it a try I had the same issue. Everyone here and the mags was saying to run them flush and when I ran them close to flush it would wash so badly for me and my (poor) riding style.

Mine are 3mm above the triple clamp.  

Yeh, I’m at 5mm with 105 sag and still can really trust the front in a lean too well sitting or standing in a sweeper. 
I run m59s up front 

Golfnut721
Posts
38
Joined
8/31/2024
Location
HELTONVILLE, IN US
11/21/2024 6:27am

Anyone fond a dealer to flash the 2024 ecu to the 2025 parameters?

DB505
Posts
728
Joined
12/5/2013
Location
Rowlett, TX US
11/21/2024 6:34am
Duke28 wrote:
Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both...

Has anyone here tried the FCP races? Or the new PC link system? 

Just curious if there are any major must need improvements with one or both these items. 

Man, I sure love the way my ‘24 handles.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Duke28 wrote:

Idk I keep getting a front end wash out on heavy lean angle in flat corners. Everything is set for me. 

Just curious but thanks 

I know this should be a Given! But try tire pressure, a1 or 2 lb change can make a difference 

quadmx301
Posts
505
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
11/21/2024 6:39am

Forks flush for me has solved all handling problems. Bike is more stable, and is only slightly more sensitive to body position on initial lean in. The benefit it is once leaned in, it is 10x more stable and still tracks and turns with ease. 

2
OwenJakes
Posts
1674
Joined
6/30/2023
Location
sebree, KY US
11/21/2024 7:18pm

I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. 

I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the most drastic difference? I did not like my GG 350, it was great but not for me whatsoever. Violent power, twitchy chassis.

crmx105
Posts
618
Joined
5/7/2016
Location
Dunnellon, FL US
11/21/2024 8:29pm
Golfnut721 wrote:

Anyone fond a dealer to flash the 2024 ecu to the 2025 parameters?

One of the reviews said you can't with the 24 ECU. Check the part numbers and see if they are different?

nch209
Posts
480
Joined
1/1/2017
Location
NoVa, VA US
11/21/2024 10:21pm
OwenJakes wrote:
I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the...

I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. 

I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the most drastic difference? I did not like my GG 350, it was great but not for me whatsoever. Violent power, twitchy chassis.

Weight.  Both actual and perceived. I have both bikes and the easy solution is to keep both if you can- it’s not too hard to switch back and forth.  For racing consistency, the kx is hard to beat… for overall fun, the yz is unbeatable. Just my opinion…

It’s easy to get lazy on the kawi, and its nice to switch back and forth.  Do yourself a favor and keep both if possible. 

2
Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
11/22/2024 7:34am

My suspension guy is leaning towards tire rolling and losing contact patch as the main cure to my lean angle attraction issue. No pun intended.

 some of the reviews mentioned the optional Kawasaki can help with traction. So I may try that. I also want to try the FCP cups, the 25 KX 250 trail/head angle is a half degree more relaxed, which is about where the FCP cups would put the 450.

Seems like they all say the new 250 has a great mix of cornering and stability. 

 

quadmx301
Posts
505
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
11/22/2024 12:34pm
OwenJakes wrote:
I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the...

I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. 

I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the most drastic difference? I did not like my GG 350, it was great but not for me whatsoever. Violent power, twitchy chassis.

Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.

The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion. When I rode YZs, it always took a focused effort and perfect technique for me to really make the bike initiate turns. Since that time, I’ll admit to learning a lot more about bike setup and feeling changes more, but during my long YZ250 era (2010-2021), I struggled to confidently corner with consistency. I found myself rear-steering a lot, backing down into turns and wondering where my front tire would end up 🤷🏻‍♂️

I feel like the KX has given me much more confidence, both in a predictable front end, and in acceptable high speed stability, to be able to go wherever I want with it. It really is a great chassis. 

If you can find a good deal, get one. I think you’ll like it. It’s a mild beast, and you’ll love it. 

1
NicNak
Posts
999
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA US
11/22/2024 1:15pm
Duke28 wrote:
My suspension guy is leaning towards tire rolling and losing contact patch as the main cure to my lean angle attraction issue. No pun intended. some of...

My suspension guy is leaning towards tire rolling and losing contact patch as the main cure to my lean angle attraction issue. No pun intended.

 some of the reviews mentioned the optional Kawasaki can help with traction. So I may try that. I also want to try the FCP cups, the 25 KX 250 trail/head angle is a half degree more relaxed, which is about where the FCP cups would put the 450.

Seems like they all say the new 250 has a great mix of cornering and stability. 

 

I believe x trigs helped my front end feel significantly. before i felt like my hands were not connected with the dirt. Now i feel like my hands, bars, clamps, forks, tires are all working synergistically. It almost feels as if the whole front of the bike is 1 piece, instead of 5-6 all bolted together. I love it. 

I run my suspension softer with the x trigs. Some people complain about "rigidity." My front end feels so good in the turns that i'm willing to deal with a hard hit or 2 as a trade off. 

You could try engine hangars too. i have the FCP Hangars but those helped more in the rear of the bike. I originally got them to help reduce vibration as i thought the bike vibrated more than the previous generation. Now I don't even notice the vibration lol. Not sure if i got used to it or when the bike broke in it vibrates less. The PHDS system on the x trigs & the engine hangars seemed to help a ton the first day I installed those but it seems to even have improved since then. 

quadmx301
Posts
505
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
11/22/2024 1:28pm Edited Date/Time 11/22/2024 1:30pm

^ To add on to Nick’s post


FCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so plan to add a click or two of low speed and maybe speed up the rebound.


Glue on grips helped a lot with vibration for me. I’m using the Renthal Kevlar Aramid grips right now. Very cushy, I’m a fan so far  


I ran X Trigs for awhile. Loved the handling feel, not the suspension feel. I like a stiffer setup. X-trigs and a stiff fork did not work for me. The Ride Engineering clamps work much better for me with the stiffer fork. 

Still prefer the X-trig handling marginally over the Ride, but the comfort for me is better with the Ride clamps and my suspension setup. 

2
11/22/2024 1:33pm
quadmx301 wrote:
^ To add on to Nick’s postFCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so...

^ To add on to Nick’s post


FCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so plan to add a click or two of low speed and maybe speed up the rebound.


Glue on grips helped a lot with vibration for me. I’m using the Renthal Kevlar Aramid grips right now. Very cushy, I’m a fan so far  


I ran X Trigs for awhile. Loved the handling feel, not the suspension feel. I like a stiffer setup. X-trigs and a stiff fork did not work for me. The Ride Engineering clamps work much better for me with the stiffer fork. 

Still prefer the X-trig handling marginally over the Ride, but the comfort for me is better with the Ride clamps and my suspension setup. 

I put the Kawasaki accessory engine hangers on mine, and I was very happy with the change.  I’ll look for X-Trigs next.  I’m happy with the way the bike feels and handles, but I hate picking my bike up mid-race and having my bars all twisted due to the rubber bar mounts.

3
OwenJakes
Posts
1674
Joined
6/30/2023
Location
sebree, KY US
11/22/2024 3:11pm
OwenJakes wrote:
I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the...

I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. 

I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the most drastic difference? I did not like my GG 350, it was great but not for me whatsoever. Violent power, twitchy chassis.

quadmx301 wrote:
Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion...

Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.

The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion. When I rode YZs, it always took a focused effort and perfect technique for me to really make the bike initiate turns. Since that time, I’ll admit to learning a lot more about bike setup and feeling changes more, but during my long YZ250 era (2010-2021), I struggled to confidently corner with consistency. I found myself rear-steering a lot, backing down into turns and wondering where my front tire would end up 🤷🏻‍♂️

I feel like the KX has given me much more confidence, both in a predictable front end, and in acceptable high speed stability, to be able to go wherever I want with it. It really is a great chassis. 

If you can find a good deal, get one. I think you’ll like it. It’s a mild beast, and you’ll love it. 

This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike that will TURN lol. I’m after one. 

hubbardmx50
Posts
2774
Joined
11/17/2016
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
11/22/2024 5:34pm
Rode another 24 last weekend and felt a ton of vibration in the bars. What gives? Rest of the bike was awesome. He had the Broc...

Rode another 24 last weekend and felt a ton of vibration in the bars. What gives? Rest of the bike was awesome. He had the Broc Tickle map, airbox opened up and muffler core removed. I was expecting the bike to be slow as hell and it absolutely ripped. Way more meat than my 23. 

I’m wondering if the engine mounts were loose or  something like that.  Either that, or if there is something weird about the stock bars.  I swapped...

I’m wondering if the engine mounts were loose or  something like that.  Either that, or if there is something weird about the stock bars.  I swapped the bars on my ‘24 to Pro Tapers before I ever rode it, and I have never felt the vibration some people are complaining about.

The second bike I rode had stock bars and I definitely noticed it more. 

quadmx301
Posts
505
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
11/22/2024 7:11pm
OwenJakes wrote:
I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the...

I am heavily considering getting one of the 24's. 

I am coming off of a yz250 2 stroke if I switch. What is going to be the most drastic difference? I did not like my GG 350, it was great but not for me whatsoever. Violent power, twitchy chassis.

quadmx301 wrote:
Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion...

Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.

The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion. When I rode YZs, it always took a focused effort and perfect technique for me to really make the bike initiate turns. Since that time, I’ll admit to learning a lot more about bike setup and feeling changes more, but during my long YZ250 era (2010-2021), I struggled to confidently corner with consistency. I found myself rear-steering a lot, backing down into turns and wondering where my front tire would end up 🤷🏻‍♂️

I feel like the KX has given me much more confidence, both in a predictable front end, and in acceptable high speed stability, to be able to go wherever I want with it. It really is a great chassis. 

If you can find a good deal, get one. I think you’ll like it. It’s a mild beast, and you’ll love it. 

OwenJakes wrote:
This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike...

This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike that will TURN lol. I’m after one. 

I think you’ll be happy. 105mm sag, start with 3mm fork height and work your way to flush if it’s to aggressive for you. 

NicNak
Posts
999
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA US
11/22/2024 8:59pm
quadmx301 wrote:
^ To add on to Nick’s postFCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so...

^ To add on to Nick’s post


FCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so plan to add a click or two of low speed and maybe speed up the rebound.


Glue on grips helped a lot with vibration for me. I’m using the Renthal Kevlar Aramid grips right now. Very cushy, I’m a fan so far  


I ran X Trigs for awhile. Loved the handling feel, not the suspension feel. I like a stiffer setup. X-trigs and a stiff fork did not work for me. The Ride Engineering clamps work much better for me with the stiffer fork. 

Still prefer the X-trig handling marginally over the Ride, but the comfort for me is better with the Ride clamps and my suspension setup. 

Glue on grips are a must! I ran lock ons for 5 years before this but switched back to glue ons. 

1
OwenJakes
Posts
1674
Joined
6/30/2023
Location
sebree, KY US
11/22/2024 9:18pm
quadmx301 wrote:
Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion...

Apart from the obvious - 2 vs 4 stroke, etc.

The way the KX handles is much more front end biased than the YZ250 in my opinion. When I rode YZs, it always took a focused effort and perfect technique for me to really make the bike initiate turns. Since that time, I’ll admit to learning a lot more about bike setup and feeling changes more, but during my long YZ250 era (2010-2021), I struggled to confidently corner with consistency. I found myself rear-steering a lot, backing down into turns and wondering where my front tire would end up 🤷🏻‍♂️

I feel like the KX has given me much more confidence, both in a predictable front end, and in acceptable high speed stability, to be able to go wherever I want with it. It really is a great chassis. 

If you can find a good deal, get one. I think you’ll like it. It’s a mild beast, and you’ll love it. 

OwenJakes wrote:
This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike...

This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike that will TURN lol. I’m after one. 

quadmx301 wrote:

I think you’ll be happy. 105mm sag, start with 3mm fork height and work your way to flush if it’s to aggressive for you. 

Im excited to see if I can find one. Any durability concerns?

quadmx301
Posts
505
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Murrieta, CA US
11/23/2024 5:58am
OwenJakes wrote:
This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike...

This is exactly what I want to hear. I can make my YZ turn because of setup and time on it but I want a bike that will TURN lol. I’m after one. 

quadmx301 wrote:

I think you’ll be happy. 105mm sag, start with 3mm fork height and work your way to flush if it’s to aggressive for you. 

OwenJakes wrote:

Im excited to see if I can find one. Any durability concerns?

No. Holds up great. 40+ hrs on mine and no breakage. 

2
motomike894
Posts
1570
Joined
9/6/2009
Location
Waterloo, IN US
11/23/2024 9:27am
quadmx301 wrote:
^ To add on to Nick’s postFCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so...

^ To add on to Nick’s post


FCP mounts on mine too. Great mod. Well worth the $. My shock wallowed when I put them on, so plan to add a click or two of low speed and maybe speed up the rebound.


Glue on grips helped a lot with vibration for me. I’m using the Renthal Kevlar Aramid grips right now. Very cushy, I’m a fan so far  


I ran X Trigs for awhile. Loved the handling feel, not the suspension feel. I like a stiffer setup. X-trigs and a stiff fork did not work for me. The Ride Engineering clamps work much better for me with the stiffer fork. 

Still prefer the X-trig handling marginally over the Ride, but the comfort for me is better with the Ride clamps and my suspension setup. 

NicNak wrote:

Glue on grips are a must! I ran lock ons for 5 years before this but switched back to glue ons. 

You’re welcome bro

1
49weasel
Posts
972
Joined
4/12/2013
Location
CANAL WINCHESTER, OH US
11/23/2024 9:47am Edited Date/Time 11/23/2024 9:47am

Any one run the Xpr vortex ecu ? Spoke with Chad there last and he’s claiming some pretty numbers with the ecu and his suggested airbox mods.  

1
Duke28
Posts
220
Joined
12/18/2019
Location
Moto town, TX US
11/23/2024 12:41pm
49weasel wrote:
Any one run the Xpr vortex ecu ? Spoke with Chad there last and he’s claiming some pretty numbers with the ecu and his suggested airbox...

Any one run the Xpr vortex ecu ? Spoke with Chad there last and he’s claiming some pretty numbers with the ecu and his suggested airbox mods.  

I’ve thought about doing this mod as well. I have a vortex I can remap but not sure I want to cut up the air box. Seems like enough dirt coats the filter as it is! 

707motoman
Posts
134
Joined
11/16/2018
Location
Petaluma, CA US
11/23/2024 3:06pm

Came off a 24 yz450. My 24 kx has  stock suspension with 40cc of oil added to the forks. Vortex ECU straight from MT Racing (Vortex US Distributor). I gutted the stock can, opened up the air box and added a tooth out back. The power on the bike is great! 

2
NicNak
Posts
999
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA US
11/23/2024 4:01pm
49weasel wrote:
Any one run the Xpr vortex ecu ? Spoke with Chad there last and he’s claiming some pretty numbers with the ecu and his suggested airbox...

Any one run the Xpr vortex ecu ? Spoke with Chad there last and he’s claiming some pretty numbers with the ecu and his suggested airbox mods.  

Yes I do. Chad claims 8.5 more hp with an exhaust, vortex, air box! 

My vortex is phenomenal. I ran map 1 for a while, ran map 3 for a while but map 4 is moneyyyy. I’ve been on map 4 for several months & never switch off map 4 now. 
 

Bike rips & I get awesome starts 🤙

1

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