Kawasaki’s KX450 has swept Dirt Rider’s 450 Motocross Shootout the past four years—a heck of an accomplishment in such a deep and competitive field. There is one area that Team Green’s flagship motocrosser is not as strong, and that’s on the dyno. With 52.2 hp at 9,500 rpm, the Kawasaki only makes more peak horsepower than the 2022 Suzuki RM-Z450 in the 450 motocross class. In terms of maximum torque, the KX ties the 2022 Yamaha YZ450F for least in the class.
Are those relatively low numbers a negative thing? Absolutely not! Team Green’s flagship motocrosser is praised every year by test riders of varying weights and skill levels. As 175-pound, vet expert tester Allan Brown noted in this year’s comparison: “The KX450 engine still has the best balance of power for me. It doesn’t offer the most in any area, but is usable at all rpm.” To learn more about why the green machine has topped Dirt Rider’s annual 450 MX comparison since its overhaul in 2019, be sure to check out our 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 450 Motocross Shootouts.