2023 Kawasaki KX450SR Special Racer - First Look

I was all Pavlov dogging when I read that the KX450SR “features elite-level racing components, special tuning and design elements inspired by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team,” only to suffer slight cotton mouth when I learned that consists of nothing more than new SHOWA suspension components front and rear. I mean, obviously great suspension is critical to motorcycles that leap 40 feet into the air, but I felt like I was led to believe there’d be more. In fact, the rest of the 2022 package was already so blinged out, there wasn’t much more Kawasaki could add. It’s even got push-button starting.

Kawasaki Press Release:

After finding abundant success in its debut in 2022, the new KX450SR makes its highly anticipated return for 2023. Previously only reserved for early Kawasaki factory racing machines, the “SR” or Special Racer naming convention represents the pinnacle of Kawasaki race bikes. The KX450SR is purpose built leveraging significant high value parts that have been proven by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team competing in Monster Energy Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championships.

For 2023, this high-performance, limited edition Special Racer is now equipped with SHOWA front and rear suspension components.

NEW 2023 KAWASAKI KX450SR HIGHLIGHTS:

The 449cc lightweight engine package utilizes input derived directly 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 World Superbike 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. 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.

The KX450SR receives new SHOWA front and rear suspension components with a TiO (titanium oxide) on the inner fork tubes that improves wear resistance and reduces friction. Large-diameter inner fork tubes are the same size found on 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 inner surface of the outer fork tubes feature SHOWA’s Dimplush™ texture, which has a wave-like finish to help retain an oil film for smoother action. The Dimplush texture also has a Kashima coating to create a low-friction surface that helps prevent wear so the sliding surfaces remain smooth for a long time. Suspension settings have been optimized on the KX450SR in order to achieve higher performance, smoother suspension action, and provide a plush feeling. The SHOWA rear shock offers dual compression adjustability so that high speed and low speed damping can be tuned separately. Utilizing feedbck 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 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 for total rider customization.

Adorning the KX450SR is a pair of D.I.D. DirtStar 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 on 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 270 mm, petal-shaped front brake rotor from the renowned manufacturer, Braking. The rear is equipped with a 250 mm petal-shaped Braking rotor coinciding with the large front disc.

In addition to the already sharp, aggressive styling found on the KX450, the KX450SR showcases special colors & graphics that resemble those found on the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team. Also adding to its true race machine looks is a Hinson Billetproof clutch cover featuring the Kawasaki Racing Team logo that improves heat dissapation as well as a Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro titanium exhaust that features a special green decal.

KAWASAKI KX450SR

Color: Lime Green

MSRP: $12,699

Availability: Late Fall 2022