Image: Supplied.

The Kawasaki KX450SR is back for 2023, notably featuring Showa suspension rather than KYB that was fitted to the previous model.

Making its debut last year, the KX450SR is purpose-built for racing with significant high-value parts proven by the Monster Energy Kawasaki team.

Suspension settings for the KX450SR are specifically tuned for the production model, with the switch to Showa bringing the bike in line with the brand used by factory team riders Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo.

The Showa suspension fitted to the 2023 KX450SR comes with a TiO (titanium oxide) on the inner fork tubes that improves wear resistance and reduces friction.

Large-diameter inner fork tubes are the same size found on Kawasaki’s factory racing team and allow for the use of large 39mm compression damping pistons and a 25mm cartridge cylinder, providing smooth action and firm damping.

The Showa rear shock offers dual compression adjustability so that high-speed and low-speed damping can be tuned separately. The New Uni-Trak rear suspension linkage ratios have been selected to suit the chassis.

As featured on the 2022 bike, the latest KX450SR also boasts a Pro Circuit Ti-6 exhaust system, exclusive ECU maps, a ported cylinder head, upgraded D.I.D wheels, X-Trigs ROCS triple clamps, factory graphics, a Hinson ‘Kawasaki Racing’ clutch cover and more.

The 2023 KX450SR will be available in late fall 2022, with the color option of lime green at an MSRP of $12,699.