Kawasaki understands there are a variety of 450cc dirt bike buyers. Many want an affordable ride they can take to the track and simply enjoy (KX450). Others spend more time off-road, conquering the terrain and pushing themselves to new levels (KX450X). Others still appreciate the finer things in life, the cream of the crop. For those individuals who seek the best of the best, the 2025 Kawasaki KX450SR is calling your name.
Originally introduced in 2022 with a follow-up in 2023, the 2025 model year returns with more refinements than ever. The SR nomenclature stands for Special Racer, the designation Kawasaki gives to all of its factory race machines. Produced as a limited-edition model, this exclusive bike retails for $13,599.
Read on to learn more about the 2025 Kawasaki KX450SR and what makes it one of the most unique (and expensive) 450cc motocross bikes available on dealership floors.
The best Kawasaki has to offer returns for 2025: the KX450SR. Besides the DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds and arched front fender stickers, this is how they arrive on dealership floors. Check that, the perfectly blued Pro Circuit Ti-6 exhaust system’s head pipe will take an hour or so of ride time to obtain!Mark Kariya
A fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke single-cylinder engine has a final displacement of 449cc. The bore and stroke returns at 96.0 x 62.1mm with a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Internally identical to the KX450, save for polished ports and custom ECU tuning, the KX450SR showcases what Kawasaki engineers can accomplish with a little extra lead time and R&D budget.Mark Kariya
Pro Circuit builds the premium Ti-6 titanium exhaust to proprietary Kawasaki standards. Fitment is very similar to PC’s customer spec, but Kawasaki durability and sound requirements call for slight modifications.Mark Kariya
Differing from Pro Circuit’s own Ti-6 and Ti-6 Pro designs, the KX450SR outlet is visibly smaller than that of PC’s off the shelf customer spec. A carbon fiber end-cap gives the SR that factory look.Mark Kariya
The KX450SR’s factory look extends to the Hinson Racing Billetproof clutch cover, with Kawasaki engraving premiering front and center. We love oil windows here at Dirt Rider, and Kawasaki neatly tucks one behind the rear brake pedal.Mark Kariya
An enlarged air filter element was found on the 2025 Kawasaki KX450 and finds its way onto the KX450SR as well. The filter cage is identical between both models, and quite restrictive, which is why the aftermarket already has solutions. No-tools access makes air filter changes a breeze.Mark Kariya
ODI clamp-on grips and Kawasaki’s multifunction electronics package. The red button is the kill switch, blue is the aggressive map (an SR exclusive), and green controls traction control. Electronic rider aids include power modes (M), Kawasaki Traction Control (T), and Kawasaki Launch Control mode.Mark Kariya
Xtrig supplies the ROCS (Revolutionary Opposing Clamp System) Tech triple clamps with 23mm offset and Progressive Handlebar Dampening System (PHDS) bar mounts. Built to exact Kawasaki standards, they differ from Xtrig’s own offerings. These items are also available with a combined retail price of $833.20 directly from Kawasaki for KX450 and KX450X owners.Mark Kariya
At the bottom, the black anodized fork lugs stand out almost as much as the Kashima uppers and titanium oxide (TiO2) lowers. The Brembo brake assembly and 270mm front rotor stop the KX450SR in a hurry.Mark Kariya
In the rear, Showa perfectly applies the shock sticker on the Kashima-coated body. Featuring a 16mm shock shaft and 54 Nm spring, settings are identical to that of the KX450. A bright gold D.I.D ERT3 chain stands out in any photo, and is a quality upgrade over standard black 520 assemblies.Mark Kariya
The green anodized high-speed compression damping adjuster and black assembly are SR exclusives. The secret to keeping your frame rails factory fresh: 3M Scotch-Brite, and its 7447 and 7448 hand pads are always good to have around the moto garage.Mark Kariya
Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar and Xtrig PHDS bar mounts provide optimum comfort and ergonomic adjustability.Mark Kariya
An all-green Renthal Fatbar pad replaces the standard black unit found on the KX450. The label on the bottom left: Our individual serial number to access Kawasaki’s smartphone connectivity via Rideology the App. Found in the dongle behind the removable airbox cover, all owners must use their individual serial to connect their Kawasaki KXs.Mark Kariya
Renthal supplies the Fatbar 839-bend handlebar, Fatbar pad, and black rear sprocket on the KX450SR. Enhanced by a D.I.D ERT3 gold chain, the 13/50 combination and 114-link chain positions the rear axle center-forward in relation to the available range.Mark Kariya
Dunlop Geomax MX34 sneakers are the brand’s premier intermediate-terrain motocross tire, and found on both the 2025 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450SR. Standard sizing is 120/80-19 on each bike, but the KX450SR will easily pull a 120/90-19 if so desired.Mark Kariya
Kawasaki wants to enhance its SR branding moving forward, and absent from the 2025 edition are any energy drink affiliations. The eye-catching Xtrig ROCS Tech triple clamps, Kashima upper fork tubes, titanium oxide (TiO2) lower fork tubes, and metallic magnesium-gold cylinder head cover are found only on the KX450SR.Mark Kariya
KX450SR-exclusive graphics complete the ensemble. Renthal, Hinson Racing, D.I.D, NGK, and Dunlop are race team sponsors and also supply many of the trickest parts available on the KX450SR.Mark Kariya
The limited-edition Special Racer is available in dealerships now, with an MSRP of $13,599. Team Green racers have access to industry-leading contingency and support at amateur races across America. Perfect for vet and 450 Limited classes alike, the 2025 Kawasaki KX450SR is the premier offering from the brand.Mark Kariya
2025 Kawasaki KX450SR Specs
MSRP:
$13,599
Engine:
DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement:
449cc
Bore x Stroke:
96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:
12.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:
55.3 hp @ 9,300 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:
34.5 lb.-ft. @ 7,300 rpm
Fuel System:
EFI w/ Keihin 44mm throttle body
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Frame:
Aluminum perimeter
Front Suspension:
Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
Showa shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.1 in. travel
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