Kawasaki KX450: Enhancements Impress in Performance Testing
The Kawasaki KX450 has faced scrutiny recently, particularly following Jorge Prado’s abrupt exit from the Monster Energy Kawasaki team and Chase Sexton’s initial challenges in the current SuperMotocross season. However, recent evaluations by expert tester Kris Keefer present a more favorable outlook for the bike.
For the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, Keefer opted for a modified KX450 equipped with Pro Circuit’s Stage One kit. His testing reveals that targeted enhancements can significantly elevate the bike’s performance.
Key modifications included upgrades to the exhaust system, piston, suspension, and an optimized ECU. Keefer noted, “Out of all the 450s in 2026, the Kawasaki KX450 seems to respond the best to very few modifications.” He further remarked on the bike’s usability, stating, “In all reality, you’re building kind of your own SR but with a little bit more meat in the mid-range and a little bit easier to ride.”
Keefer’s insights reflect a promising potential for the KX450, emphasizing how minor yet strategic modifications can yield substantial improvements, which may enhance the model’s reputation among riders in the competitive motocross landscape.
