What Makes The 2023 Kawasaki KX450 SO Good?

The 2023 SML 450 Shootout is officially in the books, as our test riders concluded the annual tradition with one final day of riding at Cahuilla Creek MX before giving us their thoughts. The results were tallied and the 2023 Kawasaki KX450 was crowned with the 2023 SML Bike of the Year title. Press play to see what each of our test riders had to say about the green machine!

[Ur-fav-scar]

Just bought my husband one for his birthday!!

[NicoLoco]

I just bought one myself. Amazing bike. I’m loving it

[RidazLifeR]

I luv my 22, very comfy ergos. Wish it had a little more on top end of range but rides so good. Agree exhaust is a bazooka and stock grips are lie sandpaper, but amazing for the price point. Green looks mean too

[rayv]

I have a 2022 KX450 and it's an amazing bike i immediately installed a pro circuit slip on, changed the grips to the ODI lock on grips, installed some ARC black unbreakable levers, installed custom graphics kit and put a Renthal twin wall bars on it and i'm set!!

[stevesmith]

Get the full exhaust. Saves a bunch of weight. Just wish the build quality was better

[NathanBoulier-jk]

What oil do you guys use? I have Maxima Pro Plus 4 stroke full synthetic. Is there anything better? Or is maxima sufficient?

[deathwish]

I just bought a 2023. Any suggestions on what aftermarket exhaust I should go with? Either pro circuit or FMF I’m thinking.

[mikesampont]

Didn't you say something about an over heating issue in another test? How can it be an excellent bike if it's over heating?

[davidkanalos]

Have a 23 and great bike plenty power for a novice and can be built better with aftermarket parts.

[Randy_Cox]

I sure like my green machines. The stock hand grips are disgusting and have to go, but other than that, they are just great.

[texastruth]

Going to get a 23 this weekend. $7450 OTD with $2500 why not.