2020 Kawasaki KX450

The 2020 Kawasaki KX450 enters the second year of its current production cycle following a complete overhaul in 2019 in which the brand’s flagship motocrosser received an all-new electric-starter-equipped engine, a hydraulic clutch, Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, and an updated twin-spar aluminum frame. The revisions made to this year’s model include new radiator-shroud graphics, and the color of the number-plate backgrounds has been changed from white to green. Although the KX450 received no mechanical modifications for MY20, the extensive updates made to it in 2019 were more than enough to keep the green machine at the front of the 450cc motocross-bike class for the second year in a row.

The engine is very lively yet easy to use, the suspension offers a great balance between plushness and performance, and the frame combines just enough flex to absorb impacts comfortably with sufficient stiffness to deliver nimble handling characteristics. Kawasaki upped rear brake rotor size from 240mm to 250mm in 2019, and the larger-diameter disc makes the brake a little too touchy and easy to lock up, but the Nissin hydraulic clutch has a remarkably easy pull.

Motocross is about building the most focused tool for speed, period. There are times when an amazing engine stands out. Or plush suspension. Or razor-sharp turning ability. The new-for-2019 Kawasaki KX450—no more "F"—is about balance, a highly desirable trait that helped earn it the title of Best Motocross Bike.

2019 450cc Motocross Shootout

2019 Kawasaki KX450 First Look

2019 Kawasaki KX450 Dyno

2019 Kawasaki KX450 First Ride Review

2019 Kawasaki KX450 Componentry