Best Motocross Bike Winner—2022 Kawasaki KX450

Team Green makes it four in a row.

Starting 2022 off right, Kawasaki continues its winning streak in Dirt Rider’s 450 Motocross Shootout by taking its fourth consecutive victory. The KX450 was unchanged mechanically for this year and didn’t need any updates to finish atop the podium once again. The 450 motocross bike segment is fiercely competitive, but Team Green’s flagship model continues to impress year after year. It’s still the best motocrosser in stock trim.

“The KX450 is the easiest bike to hop on and feel comfortable as it’s not as critical with setup as some of the others.” —*Casey Casper*Jeff Allen

2022 Kawasaki KX450 Engine

The first order of business was to dyno the Kawasaki and its five competitors. With a drum-roller-friendly Dunlop D404 street tire mounted on the rear wheel, the KX450 made 52.2 hp at 9,500 rpm and 32.4 pound-feet of torque at 6,900 rpm on our in-house dyno. With those numbers, the green machine makes the least peak horsepower and ties the Yamaha YZ450F for least peak torque.

Although the Kawasaki KX450 wasn’t given any mechanical updates for 2022, it didn’t need any to claim its fourth consecutive *Dirt Rider* 450 Motocross Shootout victory.Jeff Allen

But power isn’t everything; despite its numbers, the KX450 has one of the best engines in the class. Crisp throttle response and a lively engine character make it fun to ride. At the same time, usable power throughout the rpm range helps make it controllable and manageable throughout the course of a moto. Engine-braking is minimal and nonintrusive. Test riders praised the white EFI coupler for further enhancing the Kawasaki powerplant’s positive qualities. Clutch pull, via a Nissin hydraulic system, is easiest of all the bikes here.ADVERTISEMENT

At 244 pounds wet on our automotive scales, the Kawasaki weighs the same as the Honda CRF450R.Jeff Allen

2022 Kawasaki KX450 Suspension

With a Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Showa shock, the KX450′s suspension is plush and easy to tune. Comfort is exceptional, especially on acceleration and braking bumps. The components are fairly well balanced, though riders more than 170 pounds will find the fork a touch soft relative to the shock. Everyone under that weight will find the balance close to ideal.

Even though it makes the least peak horsepower on the *Dirt Rider* dyno and ties the Yamaha YZ450F for least peak torque, the KX450 engine is one of the most rideable in the class.Robert Martin Jr.

A fairly straightforward, relatively inexpensive way to improve fork holdup and decrease bottoming for pro riders (and those above 190 pounds) is through purchase and installation of a one-rate-stiffer 5.2 Nm spring in one or both fork legs; Kawasaki’s part number for this is 44026-0228. Also, standard oil quantity for each leg is fairly low at 313 milliliters, considering the adjustable range is 305–406 milliliters; there’s room to add fork oil for those looking to further prevent bottoming.

“The Kawasaki has the perkiest engine, least engine-braking, and smooth clutch action.” —*Cody Johnston*Jeff Allen

2022 Kawasaki KX450 Chassis/Handling

The KX450 shines as an entire package, but the chassis could be considered its standout quality. Handling is predictable and consistent with a near-perfect balance of cornering and stability. Chassis comfort is high, thanks to the frame’s excellent rigidity balance.

“The only thing I could criticize the KX450 for is its soft fork. This is the fourth year with the current setting in production and it has yet to be updated.” —*Allan Brown*Jeff Allen

Even though the green machine ties the Honda CRF450R for second-heaviest bike in the comparison at 244 pounds wet, it feels lighter than most of the competition. Also, as it has the narrowest bodywork, a smaller overall feel, flat seat, and well-proportioned rider triangle, the KX450 has the best ergonomics in the class. One handling quibble: Thanks to its 250mm rotor, the rear brake locks up a bit too easily for our liking.

“The Kawasaki’s suspension is fairly well balanced, with the front being just a tad softer than the rear. I tried lowering the fork height 2.5mm, flush to the fork cap, with positive results. At 190 pounds, I was able to leave the clicker settings completely stock and only set sag.” —*Casey Casper*Jeff Allen

Why the 2022 Kawasaki KX450 Won

Team Green’s flagship motocrosser is remarkably well-rounded. A lively engine character, plush suspension, neutral handling, high level of chassis comfort, the best ergonomics, and light clutch pull make it a joy to ride.

“I love the chassis design of the KX450. It’s incredibly agile and has a nice, thin feel.” —*Michael Wicker*Jeff Allen

Why the 2022 Kawasaki KX450 Shouldn’t Have Won

It’s due for a firmer fork setting, less touchy rear brake, and a handlebar-mounted engine map select button.

“The Kawasaki is still the easiest bike to get on and ride; I’m comfortable on it in less than one lap.” —*Allan Brown*Jeff Allen

Gearbox

Helmet: Bell Moto-9S Flex

Goggle: Spy Foundation

Jersey: Thor MX Prime Theory

Gloves: Thor MX Draft

Pants: Thor MX Prime Theory

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10

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