Monster Energy Supercross

Unveiled: 2024 Kawasaki KX450 and KX450X

Details here.

Published

4 months ago

June 7, 2023

Edward Stratmann oeurueo

KX450

For the last five decades, the Kawasaki KX™ lineup has helped paved the path to championships for the motocross heroes of today. The KX family remains one of the most dominant motocross and Supercross brand of motorcycles available today, with the KX™450 continuing to be one of the leading motocross bikes in its class.

Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Kawasaki

With development cues taken from the Monster Energy® Kawasaki factory racing team, the all-new KX450 is one of the strongest off-road machines on the track. All-new features for 2024 include a new cylinder head, lightweight aluminium frame, centre exhaust, and Kawasaki KX first-time features include ODI Lock-On grips, Brembo® brakes, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), riding modes with handlebar mounted switch box, and Bluetooth® connectivity using RIDEOLOGY THE APP.

The KX450 motorcycle is the bike that builds champions. Racers receive the benefit of the industry-leading Team Green™ support network that can be found trackside at events across the nation. Kawasaki riders also have the opportunity to enrol in the Kawasaki Rider Rewards program which offers industry-leading contingency for select races across the country.

ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX™450 HIGHLIGHTS:

NEW Engine tuning
NEW Cylinder head
NEW Straight exhaust port and centre exhaust
NEW Smartphone connectivity
NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
NEW Brembo brake system
NEW Lightweight aluminium perimeter frame
NEW ODI Lock-On grips
NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
NEW KTRC and riding modes

NEW ENGINE

For 2024, Kawasaki changed the layout of the entire intake system, all the way down to the valves which were modified to an ideal port shape and shifted vertically to be symmetrical with the intake and exhaust ports. The intake and exhaust ports were also modified for straighter airflow and improved efficiency. As a result, power is improved across all areas at any throttle position or engine rpm.

The exhaust pipe has been moved to the centre of the bike, helping to contribute to both peak power and controllability while allowing for slimmer bodywork. The pipe’s silencer was moved forward as well, contributing to mass centralisation and a firmer feel.

NEW CHASSIS

An all-new lightweight aluminium perimeter frame retains the praised handling character of the previous model, with optimised stiffness and dimensions that help improve the front-end feeling and traction while riding in various conditions.

NEW BRAKES

For the first time in KX history, a Brembo braking system will adorn the front of the KX450, including a master cylinder and brake caliper for excellent stopping power controllability. A Nissin braking system will remain on the rear of the motorcycle for a combined braking package that produces seriously fast lap times.

NEW ERGONOMICS

Improving the overall ergonomics while maintaining the KX machine’s pure racing style was a priority for Kawasaki engineers. The 2024 KX450 will feature all-new bodywork that allows riders to change their riding position more easily. The shrouds, side covers and rear fender all received updates to their design, condensing the KX450’s overall appearance for a lighter-looking feel while adding to the mass centralisation of the bike itself. A new quick-release design will be featured on the side cover, facilitating convenient, tool-less access to the air filter.

For added rider comfort, ODI Lock-On grips will come standard on the KX450. This innovative grip system bolts the grips to the handlebar and will simplify the process of replacing grips. The grips will be accented with green details in the rubber tips and mounting hardware, continuing the motorcycle’s sharp racing image.

NEW INSTRUMENTS & TECHNOLOGY

A new traction control and power mode switch enhance the left handlebar, marking another first for the KX line of motorcycles. Riders will be able to choose their level of KTRC assistance (strong, weak or off), adjust between power modes (normal or mild response) and activate launch control at the push of a button.

Power mode mapping can now be adjusted using RIDEOLOGY THE APP, another KX-series first. Instead of using the current accessory FI calibration kit, riders will now be able to adjust fuel and ignition timing and keep a maintenance log using Bluetooth connectivity from their smartphone.

KX450X

Returning along with the KX450 for 2024 is the all new KX450X receiving all the same new features, but with added off-road settings to further expand and solidify the KX family of off-road motorcycles. With the strength and power of the all-new KX450 behind it, the KX450X makes every off-road adventure exciting and fun. Additional new features exclusive to the KX450X include Dunlop AT81 front and rear tires, optimised engine tuning and optimised suspension settings.

ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX™450X HIGHLIGHTS:

NEW Cylinder head
NEW Straight exhaust port and centre exhaust
NEW Smartphone connectivity
NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
NEW Brembo brake system
NEW Lightweight aluminium perimeter frame
NEW ODI Lock-On grips
NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
NEW KTRC and riding modes

ADDITIONAL KX™450X FEATURES:

NEW Front and rear tires
NEW Engine tuning
NEW Suspension settings

The 2023 KX450X is an off-road cross-country competition model that features the same championship-proven technology found on KX race machines and has been purposely tuned for off- road competition. The motorcycle shares many winning traits with its KX450 counterpart including the engine, frame, chassis, and styling. That successful base is paired with unique cross-country tuning, softer suspension settings and shorter gear ratios that help create the optimal handling package for the race-ready off-road KX lineup.

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Monster Energy Supercross

Injury Update: Justin Barcia

Host of injuries confirmed.

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2023

Edward Stratmann

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team’s Justin Barcia has provided an update on his condition following his savage crash in the SMX finale at the LA Coliseum. In a brutal blow, Barcia has revealed he’s suffered a few broken ribs, has a badly broken collarbone and a beat up lung. Here’s his post below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @justinbarcia

We wish him all the best for his recovery.

Lead Image: GasGas

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Features

Stat Attack: SMX Review

Check it.

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2023

Edward Stratmann

With the SMX Playoffs coming to a conclusion at the Los Angeles Coliseum last weekend for the finale, statistics maestro Paul Pearcy has provided MX Vice with some brilliant numbers to tuck into from what was a fascinating round of action. Enjoy

450 SMX

Jett Lawrence

1st in Qualifying: 1; Z Max
Moto Wins: 3; 1 at Chicagoland, 2 at LA (50% win rate)
Moto Podiums: 5; (83% podium rate)
Overall Wins: 2; Chicagoland, 1-1 at LA (66% win rate)
Overall Podiums: 3; (100% podium rate)
Laps Led: 42; 21 at Chicagoland, 21 at LA (44% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 2.33
Moto Finishes: 2.35
Overalls: 2nd (Tied with Roczen for best in class)
First Lap Position: 4th

Total Points: 163

Ken Roczen

1st in Qualifying: 1; Chicagoland
Moto Wins: 1; Race 2 at Chicagoland (16% win rate)
Moto Podiums: 6; (100% podium rate)
Overall Podiums: 3; (100% podium rate)
Laps Led: 15; 10 at Z Max, 3 at Chicagoland, 2 at LA (15% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 3.33
Moto Finishes: 2.33 (Best in Class)
Overalls: 2nd (Tied with Lawrence for best in class)
First Lap Position: 3.67

Total Points: 146

Chase Sexton

1st in Qualifying: 1; LA
Moto Wins: 2; 1-1 at Z Max (33% win rate)
Moto Podiums: 5; (83% podium rate)
Overall Win: 1; Z Max (33% win rate)
Overall Podiums: 2; (66% podium rate)
Laps Led: 32; (33% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 2nd (Best in Class)
Moto Finishes: 5th
Overalls: 4.67
First Lap Position: 2.67

Total Points: 126

Cooper Webb

Moto Podiums: 1; Race 2 at LA (16% podium rate)
Overall Podiums: 1; LA (33% podium rate)

Averages

Qualifying: 7.33
Moto Finishes: 6.33
Overalls: 6th
First Lap Positiion: 7.5

Total Points: 120

Aaron Plessinger

Averages

Qualifying: 8.33
Moto Finishes: 7.66
Overalls: 7.33
First Lap Position: 9.67

Total Points: 104

Adam Cianciarulo

Laps Led: 1; Race 1 at LA (1% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 5.67
Moto Finishes: 10.83
Overalls: 11th
First Lap Position: 9.83

Total Points: 96

Garrett Marchbanks

Averages

Qualifying: 8th
Moto Finishes: 8.83
Overalls: 8.67
First Lap Position: 13.33

Total Points: 92

Jason Anderson

Laps Led: 4; Race 1 at LA (4% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 5th
Moto Finishes: 8.83
Overalls: 8.33
First Lap Position: 8.16

Total Points: 91

Colt Nichols

Averages

Qualifying: 10.67
Moto Finishes: 9.17
Overalls: 8.33
First Lap Position: 12.67

Total Points: 90

Ty Masterpool

Averages

Qualifying: 10th
Moto Finishes: 10.5
Overalls: 10th
First Lap Position: 6.83

Total Points: 84

Fredrik Noren

Averages

Qualifying: 20th
Moto Finishes: 11.83
Overalls: 11.33
First Lap Position: 13th

Total Points: 79

Phillip Nicoletti

Averages

Qualifying: 19.67
Moto Finishes: 10.83
Overalls: 10th
First Lap Position: 10.67

Total Points: 76

Dylan Ferrandis

Averages

Qualifying: 7th
Moto Finishes: 10.33
Overalls: 10.67
First Lap Position: 5.8

Total Points: 71

Justin Barcia

Laps Led: 1; Race 1 at LA (1% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 8.67
Moto Finishes: 12th
Overalls: 12th
First Lap Position: 3.4

Total Points: 59

Grant Harlan

Averages

Qualifying: 23rd
Moto Finishes: 16.16
Overalls: 16th
First Lap Position: 14.16

Total Points: 44

Shane McElrath

Averages

Qualifying: 16th
Moto Finishes: 16.33
Overalls: 16.67
First Lap Position: 15.5

Total Points: 40

Kyle Chisholm

Averages

Qualifying: 25th
Moto Finishes: 17th
Overalls: 17th
First Lap Position: 17th

Total Points: 40

Justin Hill

Averages

Qualifying: 18.67
Moto Finishes: 17.33
Overalls: 17.67
First Lap Position: 16.5

Total Points: 31

Dean Wilson

Averages

Qualifying: 14.67
Moto Finishes: 16.67
Overalls: 17.67
First Lap Position: 15th

Total Points: 31

Josh Hill

Averages

Qualifying: 24th
Moto Finishes: 18.33
Overalls: 19th
First Lap Position: 18.33

Total Points: 25

Jerry Robin

Averages

Qualifying: 14.33
Moto Finishes: 18.16
Overalls: 19th
First Lap Position: 18.16

Total Points: 22

Jermy Hand

Averages

Qualifying: 18.33
Moto Finishes: 17.75
Overalls: 18th
First Lap Position: 19.25

Total Points: 18

Eli Tomac

Total Points: 13

Kevin Moranz

Averages

Qualifying: 22.67
Moto Finishes: 20th
Overalls: 21st
First Lap Position: 18.67

Total Points: 4

250SMX

1.Haiden Deegan

Race Wins: 1; Race 1 at Z Max
Race Podiums: 4; (66% podium rate)
Overall Wins: 1; LA
Overall Podiums: 3; (On the podium at all 3 rounds)
Laps Led: 13; 6 at Z Max, 7 at Chicagoland (13% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 10th
Moto Scores: 3.165 (Average of 3rd in moto 1 is best in class)
Overalls: 2.33
First Lap Position: 3.67 (Best in Class)

Total Points: 157

Jo Shimoda

Race Wins: 1; Race 2 at Z Max
Race Podiums: 3; (50% podium rate)
Overall Wins: 1; Z Max
Overall Podiums: 3; ( On the podium at all 3 rounds)
Laps Led: 14; 7 at Z MAX, 7 at Chicagoland (14% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 5.67
Moto Scores: 2.83 ( Average of 2.33 in moto 2 is best in class)
Overalls: 1.67 (Best in Class)
First Lap Position: 5th

Total Points: 152

RJ Hampshire

1st in Qualifying: 1; Chicagoland

Race Podiums: 1; (16% podium rate)
Overall Podiums: 1; LA

Averages

Qualifying: 4.67
Moto Scores: 7.5
Overalls: 7th
First Lap Position: 8.16

Total Points: 122

Levi Kitchen

Race Wins: 1; Race 2 at LA
Race Podiums: 2; (33% podium rate)
Laps Led: 29; 11 at Z Max, 18 at LA (Most in Class, 30% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 7.67
Moto Scores: 7th
Overalls: 6.67
First Lap Position: 6.67

Total Points: 114

Jordon Smith

Race Wins: 1; Race 1 at LA
Laps Led: 8; at LA (8% of total Laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 9.67
Moto Scores: 6.83
Overalls: 5.67
First Lap Position: 10.5

Total Points: 110

Justin Cooper

1st in Qualifying: 1; LA
Race Podiums: 1; (16% podium rate)
Laps Led: 1; at Chicagoland (1% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 4.33
Moto Scores: 8.5
Overalls: 8.33
First Lap Position: 7.83

Total Points: 101

Maximus Vohland

Averages

Qualifying: 7.67
Moto Scores: 8.5
Overalls: 8.67
First Lap Position: 11th

Total Points: 98

Tom Vialle

Race Podiums: 3; ( 50% podium rate)
Overall Podiums: 1; (33% podium rate)

Laps Led: 20; 10 at Z Max, 10 at LA

Averages

Qualifying: 8th
Moto Scores: 7.83
Overalls: 8.67
First Lap Position: 6.5

Total Points:90

Hunter Lawrence

Race Wins: 2; 1-1 in Chicagoland
Overall Wins: 1; Chicagoland
Laps Led: 9; all in Chicagoland ( 9% of total laps)

Averages

Qualifying: 6.67
Moto Scores: 4.5
Overalls: 4.5
First Lap Position: 7.75

Total Points: 89

Jalek Swoll

Averages

Qualifying: 8.33
Moto Scores: 9.33
Overalls: 9.67
First Lap Position: 10.5

Total Points: 88

Pierce Brown

Averages

Qualifying: 5.33
Moto Scores: 9.335
Overalls: 9.33
First Lap Position: 10.67

Total Points: 86

Ryder DiFrancesco

Race Podiums: 1; Race 2 at Z Max (16% of total Races)

Averages

Qualifying: 13.33
Moto Finishes: 10.33
Overalls: 9.67
First Lap Position: 10.5

Total Points: 72

Dilan Schwartz:

Averages

Qualifying: 12.33
Moto Finishes: 12.33
Overalls: 13.33
First Lap Position: 10.83

Total Points: 61

Talon Hawkins

Averages

Qualifying: 14.33
Moto Finishes: 14.5
Overalls:15
First Lap Position: 14.16

Total Points: 58

Seth Hammaker

1st in Qualifying: 1; Z Max

Averages

Qualifying: 1.5
Moto Finishes: 7.75
Overalls: 6.5
First Lap Position:5.25

Total Points: 49

Cullin Park

Averages

Qualifying: 19.67
Moto Finishes: 15.83
Overalls:16
First Lap Position: 13.5

Total Points: 41

Caden Braswell

Averages

Qualifying: 21.33
Moto Finishes: 17.5
Overalls:17.67
First Lap Position: 17.5

Total Points:29

Mitchell Oldenburg

Averages

Qualifying: 17th
Moto Finishes: 13.5
Overalls:13th
First Lap Position: 8th

Total Points:27

Coty Schock

Averages

Qualifying: 23.67
Moto Finishes: 17.25
Overalls: 17.5
First Lap Position:12.5

Total Points:25

Preston Kilroy

Averages

Qualifying: 18.67
Moto Finishes:16.5
Overalls: 17th
First Lap Position: 16.5

Total Points:25

Max Anstie

Averages

Qualifying: 14th
Moto Finishes: 16.5
Overalls: 16th
First Lap Position: 18th

Total Points: 14

Jett Lawrence
Austin Forkner

Averages

Qualifying: 9th
Moto Finishes: 12.5
Overalls: 13th
First Lap Position: 14.5

Total Points: 9

Derek Kelley

Averages

Qualifying: 19.67
Moto Finishes: 18.5
Overalls: 19th
First Lap Position: 18th

Total Points: 9

Carson Mumford

Averages

Qualifying: 16th
Moto Finishes: 19.5
Overalls: 20th
First Lap Position: 22nd

Total Points: 7

Hunter Yoder

Averages

Qualifying: 22nd
Moto Finishes: 20.16
Overalls: 21st
First Lap Position: 19.16

Total Points:6

Chris Blose

Averages

Qualifying: 23rd
Moto Finishes: 20th
Overalls:20th
First Lap Position: 19.5

Total Points: 6

Luke Neese

Averages

Qualifying: 22.33
Moto Finishes: 20.65
Overalls: 21.33
First Lap Position: 17.83

Total Points: 4

Chance Hymas
Joshua Varize

Averages

Qualifying: 18th
Moto Finishes: 20th
Overalls: 21st
First Lap Position: 21st

Total Points: 2

Lead Image: HEP Motorsports

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Monster Energy Supercross

The MX Vice SMX Review Show Episode #29

Listen now as the lads review the final SMX Playoff in LA.

Published

1 day ago

September 25, 2023

Edward Stratmann

The MX Vice SMX Review Show returns with Brad Wheeler and Ed Stratmann, as they talk all things SMX from the LA Coliseum.

The MX Vice SMX Review Show podcast is always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Fly Racing, Monster Energy, Fox Racing, Parts Europe, Scott, Bell Helmets, Acerbis, AS3 Performance, Kawasaki UK, KTM UK, O’Neal and Even Strokes for supporting the show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.