2022 Kawasaki KX450: THE BIKE THAT BUILDS CHAMPIONS.
Introducing the 2022 Kawasaki KX450…
With more Supercross and Motocross championships than any other manufacturer, the KX name is synonymous with winning. The KX450 motorcycle represents the flagship of the KX lineup, built with the sole purpose of dominating the track. Over the past four decades, we’ve learned what it takes to win and stay on top. Our dedication to building the ultimate machine is undeniable, and the KX450 represents this to the fullest.
Featuring: 449cc 4-stroke engine with increased performance, new coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch, new Renthal Fatbar handlebar.
As the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX lineup, the 2022 Kawasaki KX450 is built with race-winning components to help get Kawasaki riders to the top step of the podium. Tuned to best suit race-experienced riders, the 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine boasts an abundance of power along with a slim aluminum perimeter frame, Showa A-KIT technology suspension, coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch, and electric start to deliver the ultimate championship-winning package.
The KX™450 has a potent engine mounted in a lean chassis for quick lap times to put its riders on top of the podium. Featuring electric start, easy-pull hydraulic clutch, and 49mm Showa coil spring forks with A-KIT technology, the KX450 is a strong contender for premiere-class supremacy.
2022 Kawasaki KX450 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- ENGINE PERFORMANCE
- CONED DISC-SPRING HYDRAULIC CLUTCH
- LOW-FRICTION ENGINE WITH FINGER-FOLLOWER VALVE ACTUATION PRODUCES POTENT POWER
- ELECTRIC START PROVIDES EASY STARTING AND QUICK RESTARTS DURING COMPETITION
- CONED DISC-SPRING HYDRAULIC CLUTCH PROVIDES CONSISTENT FEEL WITH A LIGHT PULL THROUGHOUT A MOTO
- PERIMETER FRAME CONTRIBUTES TO LIGHT, NIMBLE HANDLING
- LARGE-DIAMETER COIL SPRING FORK SIMPLIFIES SET-UP
The 449cc lightweight engine package utilizes input derived directly from the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team, producing peak power and a torque curve that makes it easy to get on the gas early. The potent KX450 engine features an electric start activated by the push of a button and powered by a compact Li-ion battery. A lightweight finger-follower valve actuation design comes by way of Kawasaki’s top-level road racing technology and World Superbike engineers, enabling larger-diameter valves and more aggressive cam profiles. A close-ratio five-speed transmission is paired with a high-capacity coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch that helps facilitate control and provide a consistent feeling even under heavy use.
A slim aluminum perimeter frame provides precise cornering through excellent front-end feel and agility when riding at high speeds. The frame’s lightweight construction is composed of forged, extruded, and cast parts, while the engine is used as a stressed member and adds to the frame’s rigidity balance. Engineers carefully selected the dimension of the swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations to focus on the center of gravity and balanced handling.
High-performance 49 mm coil spring front forks with A-KIT technology can be found up front, featuring large diameter inner tubes that are the same size as those found on the machines of Kawasaki’s factory racing team. The forks enable the use of large damping pistons for smooth action and firm damping. In the rear, a new Uni-Trak linkage system is connected to the Showa Compact Design rear shock that boasts A-KIT technology with large diameter compression adjusters.
An oversized 270 mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking, is fitted to perfectly complement the powerful engine of the KX450. The rear is equipped with a 250 mm petal-shaped Braking rotor coinciding with the large front disc.
Kawasaki continues its unmatched commitment towards providing riders with class-leading ERGO-FIT comfort thanks to its adjustable handlebar mounting system and footpegs to fit a variety of riders and riding styles. The factory-style 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar handlebars feature four-way adjustable mounts with 35 mm of adjustability to suit different sized riders. The footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position that reduces the standard setting by an additional 5 mm, reducing the knee angle when taller riders are seated.
Complementing the championship-proven technology, the 2022 KX450 maintains its aggressive styling along with in-mold graphics on the radiator shrouds that result in an ultra-smooth surface and racy look needed to finish at the top of its class. The sleek bodywork has been molded to match the V-mounted radiators and narrow chassis design, helping facilitate rider movement and making it easy to slide back and forth.
2022 Kawasaki KX450 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Renthal Fatbar
A factory-style ø28.6 mm Renthal aluminium Fatbar, a popular aftermarket part, is now a standard feature.
Hydraulic Clutch
Kawasaki’s first hydraulic clutch on a motocrosser offers more direct feel and lighter lever action.
KX FI Calibration Kit (Accessory)
KX FI Calibration Controller, a portable handheld calibration tool, enables riders to make changes to engine maps by plugging into the ECU without needing a PC or battery. Comes equipped with seven preset map settings.
Light Weight & Light, Nimble Handling
Complementing the powerful engine, light, nimble handling contributes to the KX450’s quick lap times. While the addition of electric start and the return to a coil-spring fork add weight, efforts were made to keep the weight gain to a minimum. The result is the KX450’s leanest chassis to date, and a highly-competitive, low overall weight of only 110.0 kg.
Electric Start
Being able to restart an engine quickly after a spill can mean the difference between keeping your lead, or having to fight your way back through the pack.
Easy Engine Tuning: DFI Setting Data Selection
Using the provided DFI couplers, riders can quickly and easily access their choice of three maps (standard, hard, soft) provided in the ECU.
KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode)
Designed to assist riders by optimizing acceleration from a stop, KLCM electronically manages engine output to minimize wheel spin when moving off. With the clutch lever pulled in and the system activated, engine speed is limited to a determined speed while the rider holds the throttle open. Once the rider releases the clutch lever to engage the clutch, engine speed is allowed to increase, but power is regulated to minimize wheel spin and help keep the front wheel on the ground. The system disengages automatically once a predetermined speed has been reached, or when the rider shifts into third gear. Depending on the model, riders can choose from multiple modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion.
ERGO-FIT
Proper fit is key for rider comfort and control. However, the ideal fit varies from rider to rider, depending on their physical dimensions and riding style.
ERGO-FIT is an interface system designed to allow riders to find their ideal riding position. Various points of the chassis interface (the handlebar, footpegs and seat, etc.) can be adjusted through a combination of interchangeable parts and parts with adjustable positions. This enables a wide range of riders to find a riding position that offers both comfort and control. Feeling at one with their machine, they will be able to experience how Kawasaki machines are fun and rewarding to ride. *Adjustable parts and their range of adjustability vary by model.
2022 Kawasaki KX450 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $10749 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve, Single Cylinder
Displacement 449 cc
Bore & Stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio 12.5:1
Fuel System DFI® w/ Keihin 44mm Throttle Body
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Transmission 5-Speed
Rake/Trail 27.6˚/4.8 in.
Front Wheel Travel 12.0 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 12.1 in.
Front Tire Size 80/100-21
Rear Tire Size 120/80-19
Front Suspension 49mm Inverted Coil-Spring Fork
with 16 position compression and rebound damping adjustment
Rear Suspension NEW Uni-Trak® with Adjustable Preload, 19-Position (Low Speed)/
4-turn Stepless (High Speed) Compression Adjustment,
22-Position Rebound Damping Adjustment
Wheelbase 58.5 in.
Front Brake Type 270mm Disc
Rear Brake Type 250mm Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 1.64 gal.
Ground Clearance 13.4 in.
Seat Height 37.6 in.
Weight Without Fuel 232.7 lb.
Curb Weight= 242.9 lb.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Ask about Kawasaki’s Team Green™ amateur rider support program.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
2022 Kawasaki KX450 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
POWER
Engine 449cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 4-valve single
Bore x Stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio 12.5:1
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø44 mm x 1
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Transmission 5-speed, return
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Frame Perimeter, aluminum
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel ø49 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping / 305 mm (12.0 in)
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel New Uni Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 307 mm (12.1 in)
Rake / Trail 27.6° / 122 mm
Steering Angle (L/R) 42° / 42°
Front Tire 80/100-21 51M
Rear Tire 120/80-19 63M
Front Brake Single semi-floating ø270 mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear Brake ø250 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
DETAILS
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,185 x 820 x 1,265 mm (86.0 x 32.3 x 49.8 in)
Wheelbase 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Road Clearance 340 mm (13.4 in)
Seat Height 955 mm (37.6 in)
Curb Mass** 110.2 kg (243 lb)
Mass Without Fuel 105.6 kg (233 lb)
Fuel Capacity 6.2 litres
2022 Kawasaki KX450 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Valve system DOHC, 4 valves
Bore x stroke 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Displacement 449 cm³
Fuel system Fuel injection: Ø 44 mm x 1
Ignition Digital DC-CDI
Starting System Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi‑dry sump
Gear Transmission
Transmission 5-speed, return
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.727 (60/22)
Gear Ratios 1st 1.750 (28/16)
Gear Ratios 2nd 1.412 (24/17)
Gear Ratios 3rd 1.188 (19/16)
Gear Ratios 4th 1.000 (19/19)
Gear Ratios 5th 0.875 (21/24)
Final drive Chain
Final reduction ratio 3.846 (50/13)
Suspensions Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front Single semi-floating 270 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rear Single 250 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front 49 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Suspension, rear New Uni-Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/lowspeed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload.
Dimensions Frame & Dimensions
Frame type Perimeter, aluminium
Trail 122 mm
Wheel travel front 305 mm
Wheel travel rear 307 mm
Tyre, front 80/100-21 51M
Tyre, rear 120/80-19 63M
Steering angle L/R 42° / 42°
L x W x H 2,185 x 820 x 1,265 mm
Wheelbase 1,485 mm
Ground clearance 340 mm
Fuel capacity 6.2 litres
Seat height 955 mm
Curb mass 110.2 kg
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
