Kawasaki KX450SR specifications
Kawasaki · Motocross
Total Motorcycle describes special fuel-injection mapping for powerful yet controllable engine characteristics, a Launch Control Mode using dedicated traction control, ignition and fuel maps to maximize tire grip for strong starts, similar to the system on the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory racers, and a 240mm petal rear disc with a Nissin caliper.
DirtBikeTest found the suspension holds up in the stroke a little better with improved bottoming control but still under-sprung for faster or heavier riders near 200 lb, and both testers felt more comfortable on the standard compression settings as the track got rougher. There were no airbox mods like those many riders had made to help their 2024 and 2025 KX450 breathe.
Kawasaki KX450SR
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Displacement | 449cc |
| Bore x stroke | 96.0x62.1mm |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel system | DFI with 44mm Keihin throttle body |
| Front brake | Single semi-floating 270mm Braking/Sunstar petal disc with Brembo master cylinder and dual-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 240mm Braking/Sunstar petal disc with single-piston caliper |
| Rear tire | 120/80-19 |
| Wet weight (curb) | 238.2 lb |
| Rake (caster angle) | 26.6° |
| Trail | 4.5 in |
| Ignition | Digital CDI with handlebar-controlled power modes |
| Length x width x height | 86.0x32.3x50.0 in |
| Starting MSRP | $13,699 |
| Class | Motocross |
| Engine | 4-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Transmission | 5-speed, return shift, with wet multi-disc manual clutch and hydraulic clutch actuation |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Front suspension travel | 12.0 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 12.1 in |
| Front tire | 80/100-21 |
| Seat height | 37.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 58.5 in |
| Fuel capacity | 1.64 gal |
| Ground clearance | 13.4 in |
| Frame | Aluminum perimeter |
| Electronic rider aids | Power Modes, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), Launch Control Mode |
| Special features | Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX , ERGO-FIT |
| Destination charge | $650 |
Exhaust, power modes and rear suspension on the SR
The SR adds equipment that other 450s make owners buy. Total Motorcycle lists a Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro titanium race exhaust that is lightweight, adds power in the mid-to-high rpm range and gives a factory-style note, two power modes, Normal and Aggressive, that riders can switch quickly, and a Uni-Trak rear suspension with a Showa shock offering dual-range compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustment.
The bike takes its cues from the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory team.
So it is aimed at riders who would otherwise spend the money on parts.
KX450SR against the CRF450R, YZ450F and RM-Z450
The KX450SR costs $13,699, against $10,099 for Honda's CRF450R at the same 238 lb, $10,299 for Yamaha's YZ450F at 243 lb and $9,699 for Suzuki's RM-Z450 at 247 lb. KTM's 450 SX-F sits in the middle at $11,649. The premium is the price of the SR's factory-style parts.
Kawasaki KX450SR — specification referenceThe SR is a stock KX450 with race upgrades built in. DirtBikeTest says the $13,599 sticker price at its 2025 launch might sting but buys a fairly hefty amount of bang for the buck compared with the list price of a stock KX at $10,499, and estimated the retail value of the SR's upgrades at over $5,500, depending on pricing and labor.
The article notes the stronger ST-X rims as a useful upgrade for riders hard on wheels, and says the Dunlop MX34 tires, especially in front, were not the testers' preferred choice, with a swap to AT82s or another tire likely to round out a more familiar package.
- Model-year range
- 2025–2026
- Compared editions
- 2
- Specification entries
- 26
- Entries that differ
- 0
2026 Kawasaki KX450SR questions
What is the difference between the KX450 and the KX450SR?
The SR is the factory-inspired version, with stronger ST-X rims, special engine mapping and a Launch Control Mode. DirtBikeTest estimated over $5,500 of retail upgrades against a stock KX at about $10,499.
Does the KX450SR have launch control?
Yes. Total Motorcycle describes a Launch Control Mode with dedicated traction control, ignition and fuel maps that helps riders make strong starts, like the system on the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory bikes.
The 2026 Kawasaki KX450SR is a 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke motocross bike with Power Modes, traction control, Launch Control Mode and a 49 mm Showa inverted fork. The SR is the factory-inspired version of the KX450, sold with upgrades that testers valued at more than $5,500. It suits a serious racer who would otherwise buy a standard KX450 and add these parts, and its price is well above the Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki 450s.
Other models in this reference: Kawasaki KX65, Kawasaki KX250F, Kawasaki KX85.