KAWASAKI 450XC (2020-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2021, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer added to its off-road lineup the Kawasaki 450XC, a new cross-country racer that retained all the championship-winning performance and factory-style features of the KX450 machine.

In addition, the added XC abbreviation was translated into specific engine tuning and suspension settings, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels shoded with enduro-type tires, and conventional standard features such as a side stand and a skid plate.

The ultimate combination of a championship-winning package consisted of a 449cc liquid-cooled engine, a slim aluminum perimeter frame, a Showa A-KIT technology suspension, a hydraulic clutch, and an electric starter, which resulted in a cross-country racing machine with a tune for more experienced riders.

In the aluminum perimeter frame, the engine was used as a stressed member that contributed to the frame rigidity, but also, the frame was made of a combination of forged, extruded, and cast parts, designed with a balance of torsional and longitudinal rigidity for quick handling.

As for ergonomics, the 2021 Kawasaki 450XC featured wide footpegs, a bodywork designed for better rider movement with long, smooth surfaces, and the fuel tank offered a flat progression to the seat that gave the rider more freedom of movement.

As for braking performance, the bike packed a single petal disc with a hydraulic caliper on the front wheel and a 250 mm petal disc with a hydraulic caliper on the rear wheel that offered optimum braking power.