2024 450 MX Shootout In Depth | Gas Gas vs. Honda vs. Husqvarna vs. Kawasaki vs. KTM vs. Yamaha

The Kawasaki KX450

Second Place: Kawasaki KX450

Test Rider Scores: 2-2-2-2-1-2-2

The all-new 2024 Kawasaki KX450 was the last bike we took delivery of, but was it worth the wait? In short, yes! Is it better than the bike it replaces? Depends on what you hold most important in a 450-class machine: power or handling? Simply put, the KX450 features a new powerplant that in theory, should produce a much-stronger powerband with its downdraft intake and straight intake and exhaust flow. In stock condition, though, the KX boasts a mellower powerband with a softer grunt down low. Thanks to the smartphone tuner app, you can program a more aggressive punch down low into the bike, but it remains far from the most thrilling powerband in the shootout. Where the new KX shines, though, is in the handling department, as the new chassis feels glued to the ground with superb traction in all conditions. The KX now corners with the best of them, yet retains its stable, trustworthy feel at speeds. We’re looking forward to seeing what improvements can be coaxed from the engine.

Rene Garcia on the Kawasaki KX450.

“The Kawasaki is a great bike with a spacious rider triangle. I hopped on it and felt comfortable right away. I trusted the bike almost immediately and it doesn’t have that big feel the past Kawasakis have. 

The KX isn’t wildly powerful but the engine puts out plenty of power that is easy to make good use of,” – Connor Ericsson

“The new Kawasaki engine has adopted a much more linear delivery down low. The power is smooth and easy to manage. Some, like myself, will long for a little more hit and excitement. The new chassis is an amazing improvement over last year. It is extremely comfortable and compliant both in the fast chop and setting up for corners. The bike stays extremely flat and balanced with very little pitching like it suffered from last year. The cornering feels light and agile. Even though the bike is heavier on the scale, it feels significantly lighter on the track.” _ Pat Foster

“The Kawasaki has a smooth power delivery that is strongest from mid-range to top-end. It has slightly less low-end than last year but it is still a well-rounded powerband. The new chassis delivers improved cornering at the expense of a little high-speed stability. Overall, I would say that the new KX450 is an overall improvement.” – Rene Garcia

“The Kawasaki is the least powerful feeling in the bunch but that doesn’t make it the worst engine; it just feels a little lazy. The mapping changes made a difference but they were not as drastic as those on the Yamaha or KTM. This may have the best lean angle of all the bikes, and the KX gave me the most comfort in the shortest period of time.” – Jase Macalpine

“I like the new mellow, yet effective powerband. The engine could use more low-end but what it lacks in overall power, the bike gains in handling. This bike is so predictable and stable, with a safe feel, right from the start. The new chassis corners better and has more front-end connectivity with the ground. I did not get tired while riding this bike. I was the most comfortable on the KX.” – Kyle Puerner

“I fit the new KX well. The rider triangle is really nice and there is a ton of adjustability in the ergos. The engine is a little dull, but the power is super usable and smooth. The forks are soft for me, but the shock has great hold-up. This is the best cornering Kawasaki ever, as the front wheel stays glued to the ground. I feel like it would be easy to coax more power out of this bike.” – Alex Ray

“The changes made to the new Kawasaki are a step in the right direction. The power, however, has shifted from low-end torque to mid-range and top-end. I wish it had a little more grunt off the bottom. The new chassis is plush and forgiving, and the ability to steer this bike with the front end is amazing. It is just as stable as it’s ever been, but now it corners much better. It feels lighter on the track than before, even though it’s gained some weight.” – Kyle Vara

Test Rider Hits

Superb handling at speed and in the rough

Excellent cornering abilities – best ever for Kawasaki

Great suspension balance

New Rideology smartphone power tuner app

Excellent brakes

Test Rider Misses

Soft low-end power delivery

Fork on the soft side for faster/heavier riders

Airbox seems choked up

The cassette-style air filter seems small and prone to clogging