Image: Octopi Media.

Testing on the all-new 2024 KX450 will commence this week for Monster Energy Kawasaki duo Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo, the pair getting a headstart on the updated model being introduced for next season.

A new generation Kawasaki premier class contender was uncovered earlier this year, with special 50th Anniversary Edition models launched in celebration of the milestone last Friday at LA Coliseum.

Anderson joined the factory Kawasaki outfit last year and delivered multiple Monster Energy Supercross wins and Pro Motocross overalls at Budds Creek and Hangtown. He wasn’t able to replicate that success and concluded the season eighth in the 450SMX standings, despite suffering a costly crash in moto two on the weekend.

“We should be riding next week,” Anderson told MotoOnline, revealing that he has extended his deal through 2026. “After that, we will be back on it, and Kawi has given me a couple of years and I think I’m looking forward to working my butt off and having success with them in the future. It’s something I would like to hang my hat on, having a great end to the two years.”

This has been an important year for Cianciarulo and, while his outright results might not be a reflection of his proven potential, he was crucially able to complete the season injury-free. At the SMX Finals he was fourth overall, which elevated him to sixth in the 450 standings.

“It was a great weekend for us, ended kind of on a strong note,” Cianciarulo commented. “The last couple of weeks, and last couple of weekends, have not gone the way that I have planned. I think I came in 10th in points and am leaving with fourth overall and a sixth overall total in points.

“I got two good starts finally, my starts have been lacking a bit, really all year they haven’t been… I really need to get more consistent off the grate – I’m more of a dirt starter, if I am honest. But I rode well tonight, second moto I was able to push toward the end of the race, it’s a long time since I have been able to do that, so that’s great progress for me.

“I feel really encouraged, obviously getting to the end of the season was the big goal for me. I’m here, standing on two, healthy, mentally in a good place, just ready to get to work this off-season and see if we can make some gains and come out swinging next year.”

The 2024 Monster Energy Supercross Championship commences at Angel Stadium, Anaheim, on 6 January, marking the first of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX).