How Much Power Does the 2026 Kawasaki KX450 Make?

The current-generation (2024–2026) Kawasaki KX450 is deceivingly fast. The 2026 model’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc single-cylinder engine sends 53.1 hp and 33.1 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheel, as measured on our in-house dyno. Those figures are higher than the 2023 model by 1.2 hp and 0.5 lb.-ft. of torque at peak, but the KX450 mill of today isn’t as highly praised as the 2019–2023 model in the powerplant department due to its character.

“One of the biggest complaints with the 2024–2026 KX450 is that it lacks excitement in the engine department,” test rider Casey Casper said. “Overall output is good, especially on the dyno, and I consistently vouch for this bike in that smooth can also be fast. However, the current model’s engine isn’t as thrilling as the previous-generation design: A good lap time engine doesn’t equate to an exciting one.”

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