Confirmed: The 2026 Kawasaki KX // Honda CR Officially Launches at $10,999 in the U.S.; Global Rollout Begins in 2027
In a move that has electrified the motocross and off-road community, Kawasaki and Honda have officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 Kawasaki KX // Honda CR, a next-generation off-road machine that blends innovation, performance, and cutting-edge design. Set to retail at $10,999 in the United States, this marks a significant step forward in the strategic collaboration between two of the most iconic names in powersports.
A Collaboration Built for the Future
The 2026 Kawasaki KX // Honda CR is more than just a new bike—it represents a groundbreaking joint effort between Kawasaki and Honda to push the boundaries of motocross engineering. Rumors of this unprecedented partnership had been circulating for months, and the official confirmation has validated much of the speculation surrounding a unified off-road platform that combines the strengths of both brands.
Kawasaki, known for its aggressive performance and bold styling, joins forces with Honda, renowned for its reliability and rider-focused technology. The result is a bike that promises to deliver best-in-class handling, power delivery, and durability—tailored for both competitive riders and serious enthusiasts.
Price and Availability
The base model of the 2026 Kawasaki KX // Honda CR is set at $10,999 for the U.S. market, placing it in a highly competitive position among other 450cc-class motocross bikes. Industry insiders suggest this price point offers remarkable value, considering the advanced features and dual-brand engineering packed into this model.
European availability is slated for June 2027, with select dealerships across key markets—including Germany, France, the UK, and the Netherlands—expected to receive initial shipments. North America will follow in July 2027, with broader international distribution continuing into late 2027 and early 2028.
Features and Technology
While full specifications have yet to be officially released, early reports from test riders and factory insiders suggest the 2026 KX // CR will come equipped with:
- A newly developed 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, optimized for torque and mid-range power
- Smart traction control and ride-by-wire throttle systems, offering tunable power modes for different track conditions
- A lightweight aluminum twin-spar frame, designed for maximum rigidity and improved handling
- Bluetooth-enabled ECU management, allowing riders to adjust mapping via smartphone apps
- State-of-the-art suspension systems, developed in collaboration with Showa and KYB
- A unified design language that reflects both Kawasaki’s sharp edge and Honda’s clean lines
Riders can expect the bike to come in two color variants: Kawasaki’s iconic lime green and Honda’s signature red, with potential special editions to be revealed closer to the release date.
Industry Reactions and Market Impact
The announcement has sparked major buzz across motocross forums, social media, and industry events. Analysts predict this dual-brand strategy could reshape the competitive landscape, offering an alternative to riders traditionally loyal to one brand over another.
“This is the kind of innovation we’ve been waiting for,” said Brad Lemoine, editor at MotoX Trends Magazine. “By merging their best technologies, Honda and Kawasaki are giving the motocross world something fresh, bold, and potentially game-changing.”
Dealerships across the U.S. are already reporting early inquiries and interest, with many expecting preorders to open by late 2025.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Kawasaki KX // Honda CR is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a signal that collaboration, even between long-time rivals, can lead to transformative results. As the industry grapples with increasing demand for high-performance, tech-driven bikes, this new model may set the benchmark for years to come.
For now, fans can circle their calendars and start saving—because the future of motocross just got a lot more exciting.