2025 Kawasaki KX450

From feeding young racers starting at the 65cc two-stroke ranks all the way through Team Green’s amateur motocross program, the KX450 is the final destination. This is Kawasaki’s flagship motocross race weapon, the same model you will find soaring through stadiums in AMA Supercross and gunning for victory at Pro Motocross nationals with championship-winning riders like Jason Anderson and Jorge Prado.

After receiving an overhaul in model year 2024 where it received a new frame, updated engine, and revised Showa suspension settings, the Kawasaki KX450 is back for 2025 as a carryover model with minimal changes. You won’t find any differences listed in the technical specifications, but Kawasaki did offer an upgrade to the airbox on the model year 2025, replacing the flat slide-in air filter with a domed air filter which allows the engine to breathe a little easier. The 2024 was criticized as being the “slowest” of the 450 class (note: this complaint was reserved for pro-level riders, as any modern 450cc motocross bike produces outstanding horsepower), but a quick fix was to increase the air intake for quicker acceleration. Kawasaki took note and made the minor production change to the air filter of the 2025 KX450.

The Kawasaki KX450’s 449cc DOHC four-stroke engine delivers big power in a strong, but manageable manner, and while elite riders may find it tame by comparison to other 450 bikes, 90% of riders will find it to be ample. Smartphone connectivity by way of a Kawasaki app allows riders to fine-tune engine performance, and a handlebar-mounted switch allows you to change power modes and select traction control options. Brembo brake components, ODI lock-on grips, and hydraulic clutch are among the other notable points of Kawasaki’s flagship motocrosser.

The 2025 Kawasaki KX450 is available in Lime Green for $10,499.