Unlike the Kawasaki KX250F, the KX450F was not co-developed under joint-venture with the Suzuki Motor Co. and differed greatly from Suzuki's 450cc offering. The first year of the KX450F was 2005, but the machine suffered catastrophic frame failure during the Japanese MX season. As a result, plans for a 2005 retail version were postponed and the KX450F debuted as a 2006 model in most markets. Initial reviews of the KX450F were tepid, citing a positive response to the engine and power delivery, but finding the suspension and geometry of the bike unsatisfactory. Reviewers also took exception to the choice of a 4-speed transmission, as Kawasaki chose to break from the industry standard by not to include a fifth gear. Despite these perceived shortcomings, the 2006 Kawasaki KX450F would win both the AMA World Supercross GP title and the BooKoo Arenacross title, as well as the Hare and Hound title. For 2007, the KX450F received a series of minor engine and frame refinements, but the most notable upgrade was a 5-speed transmission. The transmission received a slightly taller 1st gear, while second through fourth remained the same and the fifth added.
The next major innovation would be in 2009, as Kawasaki introduced fuel injection. Reviewers raved of the performance effect of the new injectors, and in proceeding years the technology would spread across the KX lineup.
A series of major revisions came in 2012. The KX450F received an all new frame, significant engine modifications and a new electronics set that included Launch Control. Launch Control is designed to prevent wheel-spin at take off, and automatically disengages once third gear is reached. It is activated by holding a switch until an indicator light glows green, at which point the bikes computer modifies acceleration factors. Kawasaki has continued to insist since inception that this system is not traction control but a unique system onto itself. These later models allow for extensive customization of the ECU using Kawasaki's optional software system, as well as including a Digital Fuel Injection coupler system. DFI couplers allow for immediate trackside changes to the ECU through the simple change of a plug-and-play module. Kawasaki provides three modules with new bikes, a Green, White and Black.
In 2019, Kawasaki dropped the F from the name. The 2019 KX450 is an all-new design, which includes electric start and eliminates the kick starter. The fork was switched from an air fork to a coil-based Showa fork, leveraging A-Kit technology.
