Dirt Bikes

2026 Kawasaki KX450 Technical Overview

Features and specifications of Kawasaki’s standard-model 450cc motocross bike for 2026.

Updated: December 30, 2025

There are three standard-model 450cc motocross bikes that didn’t receive mechanical updates for 2026, and one of those is Kawasaki’s KX450. Differentiating this year’s KX450 from that of the previous two years of the current-generation platform is easy as the 2026 machine is the only one with blue in the radiator shroud graphics.

No mechanical revisions doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to write about the KX450 though. Quite the contrary in fact, as this motorcycle boasts a lot of impressive features (some of which are unique to it) and sneaky good performance on track that’s appreciated by the Dirt Rider test team.

While shooting static photos for our 2026 450 Motocross Shootout at Lake Elsinore Raceway, we pointed our cameras all around the 2026 Kawasaki KX450 to highlight its many features and help readers learn more about the bike as a whole.

Kawasaki’s KX450 is in the third year of its current generation, and MY26 updates are strictly cosmetic.Jeff Allen

Its fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc single-cylinder engine cranks out 53.1 hp and 33.1 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel, as measured by the Dirt Rider dyno.Jeff Allen

Sporting a rather restrictive muffler and header pipe with resonance chamber, Kawasaki has one of the quietest 450cc motocross bikes around.Jeff Allen

Team Green is one of three manufacturers that outfits its 450cc motocrosser with a Nissin hydraulic clutch in 2026, the others being Honda and Yamaha.Jeff Allen

On the left side of the Renthal Fatbar 839-bend handlebar are buttons that control engine stop (red), map selection (blue), Kawasaki Traction Control (green), and Kawasaki Launch Control Mode functions. On the right is an electric start button, which has been a KX450 feature since 2019.Jeff Allen

Kawasaki depends on a Showa 49mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork and Showa shock to suspend its full-size motocross bikes, and the KX450’s spring rates are 5.0 Nm front and 54 Nm rear.Jeff Allen

There are two extra head stay mounting holes on each side of the KX450’s aluminum perimeter frame for Kawasaki Genuine Accessories’ optional upper engine brackets.Jeff Allen

Gearing is 13/50 on the KX450 as well as the KX250 and KX450SR.Jeff Allen

Kawasaki was the first manufacturer to spec Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires on a motocross bike, and that was the KX450 in 2024. It’s the only Japanese 450cc motocross bike with such rubber in 2026 too.Jeff Allen

Mix-matching brake brands isn’t common practice in the dirt bike world, but there are two manufacturers that do—Kawasaki and TM. Binders on the KX450 are a Brembo dual-piston front caliper and Nissin single-piston rear caliper.Jeff Allen

If you see a current-generation KX450 with blue hues in the stock radiator shroud graphics, you can bet it’s a 2026 model.Jeff Allen

The 2026 Kawasaki KX450 weighs 250 pounds wet on our automotive scales.Jeff Allen

2026 Kawasaki KX450 Specs

MSRP:	$10,599
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
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:	53.1 hp @ 9600 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	33.1 lb.-ft. @ 6800 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ Keihin 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Aluminum perimeter
Front Suspension:	Showa 49mm closed-cartridge 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
Front Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 270mm semi-floating disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX34; 80/100-21 / 120/90-19
Rake/Trail:	27.0°/4.6 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.6 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	250 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	kawasaki.com