2023 Kawasaki KX450SR Review

Now that we have some clarity regarding 2024 motocross offerings, it’s time to revel in what we had available to us in 2023. For two short but sweet years in 2022 and 2023, Kawasaki offered a KX450SR (the “SR” standing for “Special Racer”). More than simply a color change in the plastics and graphics or anniversary-edition color scheme, this special bike was equipped from Kawasaki with the highest-quality aftermarket items available.

Parts like the Pro Circuit Ti-6 titanium exhaust system, chocolate-anodized Xtrig ROCS (Revolutionary Opposing Clamp System) triple clamps and all-black PHDS (Progressive Handlebar Dampening System) bar mounts, Hinson Racing Billetproof clutch cover, Renthal rear sprocket, D.I.D gold chain, and Showa suspension components coated to the nines are a few of the external highlights, but internally there are even more updates. An SR-specific ECU controls the power delivery and works in unison with the KX450SR’s unique cylinder head that comes ported and polished direct from the factory, and even the subframe receives attention with a reinforced exhaust tab that can be troublesome for regular KX450 owners.

All of these updates showcase that the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR is top of the line and remains a worthy machine for potential 450cc motocross bike buyers to consider, even as we head into 2024 new bike season. Before continuing on, I’d highly suggest refreshing your memory with some thoughts about the bike I scribed after just a few short hours testing it.

Related: 2019 Kawasaki KX450 Mint 400 Racebike Review

This new review comes after obtaining a unit for long-term testing, a Dirt Rider dyno day, and takes into consideration the new information we know about the 2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450 50th Anniversary Edition machines. Read on for our final test of the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR and to learn the reasons why it remains one of my favorite bikes to ride and test.

For an experienced MXer, the KX450SR has the perfect blend of power and usability. All 450cc machines are powerful, but the Kawasaki special racer truly is race-ready. A standard KX450 has one of the best engine packages in class, and the KX450SR takes that power a step further.

Sometimes considered abrupt off-idle in the standard orientation, the SR delivers its power in a more rideable configuration. On our Dirt Rider dyno, the torque curve is delayed: Peaking at the exact same 32.6 lb.-ft. of torque, only 1,200 rpm higher at 7,800 rpm. Comparing each graph, the KX450SR produces less horsepower and torque than the KX450 from 4,300 rpm to 7,000 rpm, which translates into easier quarter-turn throttle transitions and a more friendly character down low and into the middle of the powerband.

From 7,000 rpm to sign-off, the KX450SR peaks at 53.6 hp at 9,500 rpm: 100 rpm higher than the standard KX450 and with 1.7 more hp. This little more than 3 percent increase may not sound like much, but it is noticeable on the track and enhanced by the KX450SR’s updated ECU settings. This model-specific mapping provides a crisp and clean sensation throughout the entire rev range. Even the Pro Circuit Ti-6 complete titanium exhaust supplies a racier tone that every serious track rider will appreciate.

Related: 2022 Kawasaki KX450 Review

On the suspension side, Showa outdid itself on both the looks and stock SR settings. Kayaba (KYB) suspension graced the 2022 model and was also very good, yet the 2023 Showa units are equipped with a firmer base setting which works well for faster and heavier riders.

At 185 pounds and a slightly taller than average 6-foot height which gives me increased leverage, I prefer the stiffer Showa components to both the KYB units of the 2022 and less race-oriented Showa units found on the 2019–2023 standard KX450 models. From the colors to the custom engraving, the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR suspension package has an appearance unrivaled by any production motorcycle, save for the 2023 Honda CRF450RWE, which essentially matches Kawasaki’s handiwork.

The 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR has a suspension package that is not only very close to ideal for aggressive riders in the 180–200 pound range, but also highly tunable. A majority of my suspension testing for Dirt Rider involves stiffening up standard settings, save for the current (2019–2024) Suzuki RM-Z250 and (2021–2024) Kawasaki KX250 (which is a story for another day…), so it’s refreshing to be able to fine-tune the Showa units on the KX450SR with extremely minor clicker adjustments and other free “fixes.” In fact, I typically soften up the settings on the KX450SR, if anything.

Going from track to track in Southern California, I never strayed more than two clicks of compression in either direction across varying conditions on both the fork and shock. Fork height changes, sag adjustments, and shock high-speed compression tuning changed exactly what I expected them to, and there is little guesswork or uncertainty in the current platform. As a rather picky individual on both the suspension and handling fronts, consider me impressed.

Value is a difficult metric to measure as it means something different for everyone, but I’d have an easy time arguing that the value of the KX450SR is extremely high—especially in relation to all other 2023 and 2024 motocross offerings. Not only are tasteful modifications already handled for new owners, but the time, cost, and delay in obtaining these parts is a non-factor.

First-time buyers who may not be mechanically inclined or have the ability to install such aftermarket pieces have no excuse owning the bike of their dreams. With everything handled by Kawasaki, potential owners do not have to worry that anything was stripped or damaged during the installation process.

And then there’s the value of detail.

On the suspension front, little nuances grace the KX450SR. From the Kashima-coated upper fork tubes to the black-anodized lugs, green fork caps with silver leaflets engraved, and adjustment positions noted on the shock assembly, this bike truly has that factory look and feel. The Pro Circuit header has a deep blue hue as soon as a few tanks of gas are run through.

Related: 2023 450cc Special-Edition Motocross Bikes To Buy

Even the bronze-colored valve cover and akadized aluminum Hinson Racing clutch cover give the SR an appearance all its own. I’d urge potential owners and motocross enthusiasts alike to compare base models like the KX450 to these one-of-a-kind special renditions like the KX450SR: The difference is easily identifiable on showroom floors when one takes the time to compare them side by side.

Finally, there is value in having detailed information behind a model, knowing the current design is a proven shootout winner, and understanding that parts are readily available. There is a playbook owners can reference and guide them through any difficult times. With a 2019–2023 baseline behind Kawasaki’s SR package, current owners like me know them like the back of our hands. Not so on all-new models, which leads to the next point…

2024 brings a new KX450 and KX450 50th Anniversary Edition into the fold. Unfortunately, absent from the catalog is a new SR model. Potential 2024 buyers will not only be forced to be extremely patient as new bikes arrive in dealerships, but also forbearing for basics like aftermarket plastics, graphics, and accessories to become readily available. It’s the nature of all-new designs; it simply takes time for suppliers to catch up.

Having not yet ridden the new model, I cannot make any performance comparisons. However, going back to value, I have heard of current discounts for the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR which are extremely enticing. Such discounts will not likely be offered on incoming 2024 models until a much later date, if ever (possibly spring 2025). With a 2024 retail price of $10,399, it’s fair to assume that prospective Kawasaki buyers could be right close to that same number for the accessory-laden 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR in the current climate.

Related: 2024 Kawasaki 50th Anniversary Edition Motocross Bikes First Look

If you are the type who has to have the latest and greatest, by all means wait for the 2024 Kawasaki KX450 or KX450 50th Anniversary Edition to hit dealership floors. If you are more interested in a proven platform that could soon be considered an oldie but a goodie, give the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR a look.

With a sense of reflection, I am sad to see the Special Racer exit from Kawasaki’s 2024 catalog. The 2024 Kawasaki KX450 50th Anniversary Edition is exciting and certainly a looker, but it just doesn’t compare to the accessory- and performance-driven KX450SR philosophy. I appreciate my time with the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR and simply love this design. For a rider who values performance above all else, it should be near the top of your list.

For traditionalists who are conservative enough to appreciate “old” and proven designs, it’s unbeatable. For futurists, let me know how that 2024 compares once you have put enough time on it to make that comparison. In the meantime, catch me at the track on my 2019–2023 design grinning from ear to ear.

Thank-you to Kawasaki for allowing us to spend more time with the bike, and Glen Helen Raceway, Cahuilla Creek MX, LACR MX, Lake Elsinore MX, Perris MX, and Fox Raceway for providing excellent practice facilities. Also, 6D, Gaerne, O’Neal, and EKS Brand for the riding gear. Lastly, technicians Aaron Johnson and Mike Chavez for assisting with bike setup and providing positive settings suggestions.

Helmet: 6D ATR-2 Target

Goggle: EKS Brand Lucid

Neck Brace: Atlas Air

Jersey: O’Neal Hardwear Air V.23 Slam

Gloves: O’Neal Airwear Slam V.23

Pants: O’Neal Hardwear Air V.23 Slam

Boots: Gaerne SG 12