Build: Kris Keefer
Text: Kris Keefer
Photos/Video: Simon Cudby
Since we built our own SR a couple months ago, we wanted to build a vet racer KX450 that can give the older rider a little more confidence and feel out of their Kawasaki. Getting to customize the KX450 with an aftermarket chassis company like Ride Engineering really has opened my eyes up on what I can get out of this new generation Kawasaki chassis. Since the KX250 also has adopted the same chassis in 2025, most of these mods can roll over to the smaller green model as well.
Parts Used:
Ride Engineering Inc.
23mm Offset Rubber Mounted Split Triple Clamps Gen 4, WP Damper with Bolt-On Steering Head Bracket, One-Piece Anti-Twist Bar Mount with Yellow (Soft) Polyurethane Cones, Braided Steel Rear Brake Line and Billet Brake Clevis, Adjustable Performance Link (Three Inserts Available + 0.5mm, +0.75mm +1.0mm) Tested with +0.5mm, Billet Master Cylinder Covers: Front (Brembo), Rear and Clutch (Nissin), Flush Mount Oil Cap and Engine Plugs, Reversible Axle Blocks, Front and Rear Locking Wheel Spacers and Billet Rim Lock and Valve Caps
ESR Suspension
Showa Fork and Shock Re-Valve (5.2 kg/mm Fork Springs and 54N/mm Shock Spring)
XPR Motorsports
Mapped Vortex Ignition (Smooth Power Map)
FMF Racing
4.1 Slip-On Muffler, Stock Header
Bridgestone
X31 80/100-21 Front, X20 120/80-19 Rear Tire
bridgestonemotorcycletires.com
ProTaper
13/50 Sprockets, 520 MX Chain, Evo Handlebars (SX Racer Bend)
Split Design Graphics
Custom Graphic Kit
DT1 Filter
Domed Air Filter with Custom Carbon Cage
ODI Grips
Bolt-On Soft Compound Grips
Acerbis
Black Front Fender, Green Number Plate and Side Panels
