There has been a lot of hype about the allnew KX450 recently . The American and European race teams have already been incorporating the 2024 KX450 platform , with Jason Anderson putting the new generation machine on the podium twice in the American Supercross series so far this year , and multi-time world champion Romain Febvre bringing home a second-place podium in the opening round of the World MXGP in Argentina . Things are looking good for Team Green . Very good . That ’ s what the pro ’ s have been up to . But , what about us , the national level or club weekend warriors ? That ’ s where we come in . Kawasaki NZ / AUS invited us to the launch of the sleek greenie at City MX , in Melbourne .
FIRST IMPRESSION When I first laid my eyes on the 2024 KX450 there was no doubt in my mind , it certainly looks the goods . With the seat now in green , there ’ s this all green theme going on that ’ s both sleek and slim . It ’ s a looker in my book . The new , smooth , bodywork is based around rider ergonomics , and is such a great step in the right direction - and eliminates the amount of hooking points on the bike ; quite noticeable when you get on the bike and move around ( or not noticeable ... as nothing hooks up ).
The exhaust system is something that stands out in a good , bold way . The crafting and shaping of the header pipe looks to match the ergonomics of the bike well , and the more flatlooking power bomb on the header accounts for the heat shield being deleted . The larger muffler suits the body of the bike a lot better and doesn ’ t look as long compared to the previous generation bike ’ s muffler . New components such as the ODI lock-on grips ( with a neat green accent ) and the front Brembo caliper with that iconic Brembo logo sure give the bike a factory look . I reckon those ODI lockons are something most riders will appreciate , as it is often one of the first aftermarket upgrades that is done on most bikes out of the showroom . There ’ s also a new quick-release air filter access cover , something I ’ m a big fan of . It makes for much easier maintenance without requiring tools . Swapping the air filter now is quick and easy .
THE RIDE For the test ride , Kawasaki had put on an awesome track in the suburbs of Melbourne , Australia . City MX Park made for good testing as the track conditions changed throughout the day with a bit of rain passing through . This created a perfect opportunity to put
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