2025 450 MX Bike Shootout | In Depth

The 2025 Kawasaki KX450.

FOURTH PLACE: 2024 KAWASAKI KX450 

Test Rider Scores: 3-4-2-3-3

The Kawasaki KX450 was all-new in 2024 and finished second in our shootout, thanks mostly to its excellent handling character that inspired boatloads of confidence in riders with its excellent cornering abilities and stability at speed. The bike was not the most powerful by any means and riders searched for more horsepower by carving large holes in the restrictive airbox, lowering the gearing, and adding aftermarket exhausts and ignitions. We were surprised to learn that the only changes made to the 2025 bike were a larger air filter and a wider range of adjustability in the Kawasaki Rideology smartphone app, but stoked to discover that the power gains made available by the app changes are quite noticeable! We were pleased to find that with a more aggressive map setting installed, the 2025 bike is more powerful than our ’24 bike with a swiss-cheese airbox and an aftermarket exhaust. The KX450 actually finished in a three-way points tie for second, but was edged to fourth overall  

Pat Foster on the Kawasaki KX450. 

“As a bigger guy the Kawasaki is very comfortable and roomy without feeling too big. The engine is effective at putting hood power to the ground and it makes its power with revs rather than torque. The KX does everything well in the handling department; it feels planted on the straights yet nimble in the corners and in the air.” – Pat Foster

“I was shocked to feel how much power could be unlocked by the Rideology app as compared to last year. The Kawasaki is a lot more competitive power-wise this year, but its strength is definitely in suspension and handling. The KX feels so planted to the ground.” – Donn Maeda

“The Kawasaki is easy to ride and I like its mellow powerband. The bike is extremely stable and predictable, and the suspension has good balance. The fork and shock complement each other perfectly, with great overall balance.” – Eric Mascho

“The KX is the best handling bike in the class. It is super stable and it still corners great. It is really hard to upset the chassis in any track condition. The new mapping options really allow the bike to breathe, and in stock condition, it runs better than the bike I raced last year with a pipe and cut airbox.” – Kyle Puerner

“The engine is way more exciting this year and it has good overrev and it pulls hard in each gear. The wheels are stuck to the ground and I really love the shock. The fork is a bit soft for me, but the bike handles well and I trust it!” – Alex Ray

TEST RIDER HITS

Brembo front brake has massive power and excellent feel.

Chassis is regarded as one of the best in class with flawless handling character.

Overall engine performance is improved noticeably by new mapping options.

Bike has a quiet exhaust note.

The most adjustable ergonomics with four bar positions and two footpeg positions.

TEST RIDER MISSES

The engine still feels choked up and seems to rev slowly.

KX lacks some low-end grunt and throttle response.

Forks are soft for some riders.