2025 Kawasaki KX450SR Guide • Total Motorcycle

The KX450SR is crafted for riders aiming for the top step of the podium. The bike features elite racing components, special tuning, and design elements inspired by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team, enhancing both its performance and factory racer aesthetics.

Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2025 Kawasaki KX450SR: SPECIAL RACER.

Introducing the 2025 Kawasaki KX450SR…

Kawasaki brings its rich motocross racing heritage closer to the customer with the production KX450SR motorcycle. Throughout Kawasaki’s factory involvement in top-level motocross and supercross, the race developed “Special Racer” parts that only the factory racing team had access to have been fitted to the Kawasaki KX SR. The production KX450SR is designed to resemble the KX450SR used by Monster Energy Kawasaki during the 2024 race season. Leveraging significant high value parts proven by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team, the enthusiast motocross racer is better prepared to battle and win on the KX450SR.

Following its successful debut in 2022, the new KX450SR motorcycle is set for a highly anticipated return for 2025. The “SR” or Special Racer designation, once exclusive to Kawasaki factory racing machines, signifies the peak of Kawasaki race performance. The KX450SR is purpose-built with high-value components proven by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team in Monster Energy Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championships.

Building on the popular KX450 platform, the KX450SR is crafted for riders aiming for the top step of the podium. The bike features elite racing components, special tuning, and design elements inspired by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team, enhancing both its performance and factory racer aesthetics.

2025 Kawasaki KX450SR Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Factory race team-inspired colors and graphics
449cc 4-stroke, DOHC, DFI, liquid-cooled engine
Modified cylinder head with polished intake ports
Pro Circuit Ti-6 titanium exhaust system
Optimized ECU/DFI settings
Kawasaki racing by Hinson clutch cover
49mm Showa Coil-Spring fork with Kashima Ti02 coating and model-specific settings
Showa rear shock with Kashima coating and model-specific settings
XTRIG Rocs-Tech triple clamp with PHDS (Progressive Handlebar Damping System)
Renthal rear sprocket and D.I.D gold chain
D.I.D Dirtstar ST-X black rims
Metallic magnesium gold color cylinder head cover
ENGINE AND ECU UPGRADES FOR INCREASED POWER AND PERFORMANCE
PRO CIRCUIT TITANIUM EXHAUST SYSTEM
XTRIG TRIPLE CLAMPS
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

ENGINE

The 449cc lightweight engine package utilizes input derived directly from the engine design of the 2024 KX450 motorcycle and feedback from the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team. Just like the KX450, the KX450SR engine features an electric start activated by the push of a button and powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery. A lightweight finger-follower valve actuation design comes by way of Kawasaki’s top-level road racing technology and WorldSBK engineers, enabling larger-diameter valves and more aggressive cam profiles. The KX450SR features polished intake ports that provide smoother airflow, contributing to increased engine performance compared to the KX450. A close-ratio five-speed transmission is paired with a high-capacity coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch that helps facilitate control and provides a consistent feeling even under heavy use. Utilizing the same power mode system as the KX450, the KX450SR uses an Aggressive power map instead of a Mild map in addition to the Normal map, with the Aggressive settings developed with racer feedback to make it well-suited for competitive riding.

Just like bikes used by the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory race team, a lightweight Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro titanium race exhaust has been fitted to the KX450SR and contributes to increased engine performance and expels a high-performance exhaust note. Engine ECU fuel injection settings, polished intake ports and exhaust system are exclusive to the KX450SR and work together to offer stronger power and torque at mid- to high-rpm compared to the base model KX450, providing controllability and factory-spec high-performance riding for skilled motocross riders.

CHASSIS

The same lightweight aluminum perimeter frame found on the KX450 is utilized for the KX450SR, providing 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 dimensions of the swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations to focus on the center of gravity and balanced handling.

SUSPENSION

The KX450SR features exclusive suspension settings for increased suspension performance and closer resemblance to the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory racers. Just like the factory race machines, the fork tubes have a dark navy blue titanium coating for reduced stiction and higher durability. Large-diameter inner fork tubes are the same size as used on the bikes by Kawasaki’s factory racing team and allow for the use of large 39mm compression damping pistons and a 25mm cartridge cylinder, providing smooth action and firm damping. The forks have a Kashima coating to create a low-friction inner surface that helps prevent wear so the sliding surfaces remain smooth for a long time. The Showa rear shock offers dual compression adjustability so that high-speed and low-speed damping can be tuned separately. Utilizing feedback from Kawasaki’s factory race teams, the 22mm front axle enhances front-end traction. The New Uni-Trak rear suspension linkage ratios have been selected to suit the chassis.

Holding up the Showa front forks is a set of XTrig ROCS (revolutionary opposing clamp system) tech triple clamps that help to improve fork flex action for more optimal fork function. The upper triple clamp is outfitted with XTrig’s PHDS (progressive handlebar dampening system) handlebar mounts that are lightweight and improve the responsiveness of the fork and is supported by elastomers which are designed to absorb vibration from the engine and chassis. This system also helps to dampen the forces acting on the handlebars in both horizontal and vertical directions, translating into increased steering precision for the rider. With this system, the handlebar can be adjusted in 12 different positions to suit rider preference.

BRAKES & WHEELS

Adorning the KX450SR is a pair of D.I.D DirtStar ST-X wheels, improving the strength and durability under the most challenging conditions on the racetrack. The black coating on the rims emulates the looks of a factory race machine. Further adding to the attention-grabbing appearance of the KX450SR is the championship-proven combination of a D.I.D 520ERT3 gold chain fitted to a black Renthal Ultralight aluminum rear sprocket.

Handling the stopping duties is an oversized 270mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking. The rear is equipped with a 240mm petal-shaped Braking rotor coinciding with the large front disc.

ERGONOMICS

Kawasaki continues its unmatched commitment towards providing riders with class-leading ERGO-FIT adjustable components to fit a variety of riders and riding styles. The footpegs feature dual-position mounting points, with a lower position that reduces the standard setting by an additional 5mm, reducing the knee angle when taller riders are seated.

STYLING

In addition to the already sharp, aggressive styling found on the KX450, the KX450SR motorcycle showcases special colors and graphics inspired by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team machines. Also adding to its true race machine looks is a Hinson Billetproof clutch cover featuring the Kawasaki Racing Team logo that improves heat dissipation as well as a Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro titanium exhaust that features a special green decal. A Metallic Magnesium Gold color can be found on the engine cylinder head and a lime green Renthal handlebar pad completes the KX450SR racing aesthetics.

KAWASAKI ANNOUNCES FALL RELEASE OF 2025 STREET MOTORCYCLES

No matter what type of motorcycle you’re looking for, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup has the model for you as it welcomes the return of several hypersport, supersport, sport, retro classic, hypernaked, supernaked, mini naked, retro sport, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its street motorcycle lineup. These 2025 model-year motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the fall months so that riders can continue to “Let the Good Times Roll.”

2025 Kawasaki KX450SR Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Factory-style Details
• Polished intake ports help smooth airflow to the combustion chamber for more efficient cylinder filling and increased performance.
• Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro titanium race exhaust system is lightweight, contributes to higher power output in the mid-high rpm range, and provides that high-performance exhaust note similar to the factory race machines.
• Special FI mapping provides powerful yet controllable engine characteristics for high-performance riding for a wide range of riders. While the base KX450 has Normal and Mild power modes, the KX450SR has Normal and Aggressive modes, with Aggressive developed with racer feedback making it well-suited to competitive riding.
• Exclusive KX450SR suspension settings for increased suspension performance and closer resemblance to the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory racer. Just like the factory race machines, the fork tubes have a dark navy blue titanium coating for reduced stiction and higher durability.
• XTRIG ROCS-TECH triple clamps, used by the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory team, have opposing split clamp areas that help improve fork flex action for more optimal fork function.
• Upper triple clamp fitted with XTRIG’s Progressive Handlebar Dampening System (PHDS) so that the handlebar is supported by elastomers designed to absorb engine and chassis vibrations. The system also dampens the forces acting on the handlebar in a horizontal and vertical direction for increased steering precision. The handlebar can be adjusted in 12 different positions to suit various rider sizes and preferences.
• DID Dirt Star ST-X aluminum alloy rims, used by the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory team, are strong, lightweight and add a factory touch.
• DID gold chain with Renthal rear sprocket as well as Hinson clutch cover add to the factory appearance.
• Special graphics complete the factory look.

KX450SR EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

The downdraft intake and center-port exhaust significantly contribute to the potent peak power while maintaining a flat torque curve that makes it easy to accelerate and find traction. Kawasaki’s multi-time World Superbike Championship-winning engineers designed the finger-follower valve train that, combined with minimal friction loss and steep downdraft style intake tract, contributes to the power.

4-Stroke Engine
• Light piston helps minimize reciprocating weight and contribute to engine performance. The piston features a similar bridged-box bottom design
featuring fully flush internal bracing as those used on the factory racers, with a short skirt and reinforced external ribs resulting in a lighter, stronger piston.
• Thick piston top ring matches the engine’s power.
• The piston skirt is coated with a dry film lubricant to reduce friction between the piston and cylinder for increased performance.
• The connecting rod length is designed to help reduce friction.
• The plain bearings at the connecting rod big end reduce mechanical loss and help boost power, and now have greater crush height. This greater height combined with larger-diameter main journal bearings help maintain durability to match the increased engine performance
• Cylinder offset is 8.5mm forward to reduce friction and enable more efficient power generation.
• Wedge-shaped crank web increases offsetting moment for a balance factor close to 60 percent, which is close to the factory bike. The high balance factor contributes to reduced engine vibration, smoother power delivery and increased performance, especially at low rpm where response is noticeably snappier.
• Aluminum cylinder with chrome composite plating(KP) provides rapid heat transfer, superb wear resistance and optimum lubrication retention for increased performance and durability.
• Semi-dry sump(KP) lubrication system for quicker engine response. The majority of oil is stored in the transmission to keep excess oil away from the crankshaft and prevent power-robbing stirring loss. A shallow chamber collects oil at the bottom of the crankcase, where a scavenge pump moves it to the transmission. This allows the crank to be located as low as possible to help lower the center of gravity.
• Center-port exhaust allows a relatively long header pipe to be utilized for robust low-end power.
• The muffler is forward mounted to help centralize mass.

ENGINE

Race-tuned 4-Valve Cylinder Head(KP)
• Symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust ports[7] optimize intake and exhaust flow efficiency for maximum performance.
• Intake valve size helps to optimize the power feel of the engine.
• Finger-follower valve train designed by Kawasaki’s multi-time World Superbike Championship winning engineers allows large diameter valves,
aggressive cam profiles and high rev limit for high-rpm performance.
• Finger-follower valve actuation reduces valve train mass by approximately 6.5 percent compared to tappet-style actuation, as well as reducing friction at the cam lobe. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the followers help prevent wear.
• Aggressive camshaft lobes have a chromium nitride coating for durability.
• 38mm intake and 33mm exhaust valves are titanium to help reduce weight.
• Chromium steel valve spring retainers are also light and provide reliable valve control at high rpm.
• When the cylinder head is cast the intake port cores are coated so that they have extremely smooth surfaces for increased intake efficiency.

Downdraft Intake
• Downdraft-style intake routing has a steep 40˚ approach angle for a straight approach for intake air that enhances cylinder filling efficiency and contributes to power.
• 44mm throttle body layout is optimized to match the intake and exhaust port layout. It flows abundant air for maximum performance, especially at high rpm and overrun. A reversed orientation tilts the butterfly valve open from the top for optimum fuel atomization from the top-mounted injector.
• Fine atomizing, 12-hole injector sprays 75 micron droplets and contributes to smooth power delivery and superb engine response at partial throttle.
• High fuel pump pressure contributes to easy rideability.
• The airbox features a new dome-shaped filter[9] that offers greater filtering area to help reduce intake resistance as the filter collects dust during a race. It slides in and out of mounting grooves and is secured with quick release hooks for easy filter maintenance.

Coned Disc-spring Hydraulic Clutch
• The clutch uses a single coned disc spring instead of five coiled springs for light clutch actuation when the lever is pulled and a wide clutch engagement range that helps the rider control the clutch.
• Large diameter clutch plates and special friction plate material help to resist clutch fade. The friction plates also have offset segments to promote clean separation of the discs to help reduce drag when the clutch is disengaged.
• Kawasaki’s hydraulic clutch offers direct feel and light lever action. Less play as the clutch heats up during heavy use results in a more consistent feel

Electric Start
• Provides the convenience of quick and easy push- button engine starting.
• Powered by a lightweight, compact lithium-ion battery that helps keep weight gain to a minimum.
• Automatic centrifugal compression release system on the exhaust cam lifts one exhaust valve to facilitate starting. The system’s simple construction is light weight and highly reliable
• NOTE: Only use Lithium-ion specific battery charger to help prevent fatal battery damage.

ELECTRONICS
Power Modes
• Riders can quickly and easily switch between Normal and Aggressive engine mapping in the ECU by using the Mode button on the left handlebar.
• Normal mode provides full power while Aggressive mode was developed with racer feedback making it well-suited to competitive riding.
• Each map can be fine-tuned using one’s smartphone with RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX.

Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
• Using the Traction button on the left handlebar pod, riders can quickly and easily select between Weak and Strong levels of traction control to suit conditions and rider preference. The system can also be turned off.
• Monitoring engine speed, the ECU senses rpm spikes when rear wheel speed increases too quickly and retards ignition timing to enhance traction.

Launch Control Mode
• Similar to the system used on the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory racers, allows riders to activate a separate engine map designed to assist them get holeshots by pressing a button.
• The Launch Control Mode uses dedicated KTRC, ignition and fuel maps to provide optimal control to maximize tire grip to help riders get strong starts.
• Even for top-level riders, controlling the massive power of the KX450X off the start requires throttle control and clutch finesse. Launch Control Mode helps riders maximize traction and increase the chance of getting a good start.
• Launch Control Mode has the greatest effect within the first few seconds of releasing the clutch off the start – the most crucial time to get ahead of rivals for better positioning going into the first corner.
• The system automatically disengages when the transmission is shifted into third gear, switching back to the normal engine map.

Aluminum Perimeter Frame (KP)
• The frame was designed to accommodate the engine’s symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust ports and delivers a high level of both light, nimble handling and a composed character. Optimized rigidity balance contributes to superb front end feel for excellent cornering performance in a wide range of conditions.
• The downtube Y joint shape and position along with upper cross pipe shape, rib shape at the swingarm bracket, and square lower cross pipe all contribute to the optimized frame rigidity.
• Tuned torsional rigidity provides excellent front end feel when cornering in a wide range of track conditions for consistent cornering performance.
• Mass centralization contributes to the nimble handling feeling.
• The engine is used as a stressed member, contributing to the frame’s rigidity balance.
• Composed of a combination of forged, extruded and cast parts, the aluminum frame is designed with a balance of torsional and longitudinal rigidity for quick handling.
• Design emphasis on providing maximum traction under acceleration. Specific chassis dimensions and design (reinforcing ribs, swingarm pivot, output shaft, linkage mounts and rear axle) placed to prevent chassis squat and improve traction.

SUSPENSION
SHOWA 49mm Coil-Spring Fork
• Equipped with SHOWA fork with exclusive SR settings for increased racing performance and to more closely resemble the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team in appearance and performance. Hard titanium oxide (TiO) coating on the outer surface of the inner sliding fork tubes helps prevent wear, scratches and other damage to the tubes while reducing stiction and improving overall fork action.
– Large-diameter inner tubes allows large compression damping pistons and cartridge cylinder to be used for smooth action and firm damping.

New Uni-Trak Rear Suspension
• KX450SR-specific suspension settings help increase racing performance.
• Compact designed rear shock has large diameter compression adjuster that helps prevent oil cavitation under high frequency movement.
• New Uni-Trak rear suspension linkage ratios selected to suit the chassis. The linkage mounts underneath the swingarm allowing additional rear suspension travel yet maintaining a low seat height. The additional rear travel offers improved suspension action over a wider range of track conditions.
• Dual compression adjustability allows high speed and low-speed damping to be tuned separately.
• With its highly-acclaimed slim ergonomics, the KX450’s bodywork offers a smooth rider interface. The shrouds, side covers and rear fender are firm and designed to eliminate hooking points with the rider’s boots and knees for easy movement.
• Quick-release side cover can be removed without tools for easy air filter maintenance.
• Equipped with medium-compound ODI Lock-On grips[16] for rider comfort, excellent feel, and the screw-type fastening system makes changing grips simple.

High-Performance Brakes
• The 270mm Braking brand petal front brake disc is paired with a Brembo caliper and master cylinder. This combination provides strong braking force and controllability that contributes to excellent corner entry.
• Thick front lever provides great feel for precise brake control.
• A 240mm petal rear brake disc with Nissin caliper is used for a balance of strong stopping power and controllability.
• Petal disc shape helps remove dirt build up in pads, increasing performance.

Wheels/Tires
• Based on feedback from the Monster Energy Kawasaki race teams, a large-diameter rear hub provides rigidity so that loads are transferred more directly to the ground, contributing to great rear-wheel traction.

ERGONOMICS
Slim, Adjustable Ergonomics
• Renthal 1-1/8 inch aluminum Fat bar handlebar helps reduce vibration and shocks transmitted to the rider. The bend helps to make it easier
for the rider to weight the front wheel.
• Wide footpegs provide firm footing.
• Bodywork is designed to facilitate rider movement with long, smooth surfaces that ease sliding back and forth on the bike.

2025 Kawasaki KX450SR – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $13,599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ 15,499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

POWER

POWER
Engine	4-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement	449cc
Bore x Stroke	96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio	12.5:1
Fuel System	DFI® with 44mm Keihin throttle body
Ignition	Digital CDI with handlebar-controlled power modes
Transmission	5-speed, return shift, with wet multi-disc manual clutch and hydraulic clutch actuation
Final Drive	Chain
Electronic Rider Aids	Power Modes, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), Launch Control Mode

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel	49mm Showa inverted telescopic coil-spring fork with 21-way adjustable compression and 22-way adjustable rebound damping/12.0 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel	Uni-Trak® gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir with adjustable dual-range compression damping (19-way low speed and 4.25 turn stepless high speed), 23-way adjustable rebound damping and stepless adjustable preload/12.1 in
Front Tire	80/100-21
Rear Tire	120/80-19
Front Brakes	Single semi-floating 270mm Braking/Sunstar petal disc with Brembo master cylinder and dual-piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 240mm Braking/Sunstar petal disc with single-piston caliper

DETAILS

DETAILS
Frame Type	Aluminum perimeter
Rake/Trail	26.6°/4.5 in
Overall Length	86.0 in
Overall Width	32.3 in
Overall Height	50.0 in
Ground Clearance	13.4 in
Seat Height	37.6 in
Curb Weight	238.2 lb* without fuel / 248.2 lb*
Fuel Capacity	1.64 gal
Wheelbase	58.5 in
Special Features	Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX™, ERGO-FIT®
Color Choices	Lime Green

2025 Kawasaki KX450SR – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details