DT-1 Kawasaki 3D Air Flow Kit

What it is

• Screen-less, domed air filter cage.
• Reshaped, dual-layer air filter.

DT-1 Filters has been around for a few years now, working with some top level race teams and privateers alike in the MX and off-road world. One of the popular things to do these days is run a screen-less air filter cage in four-strokes, and DT-1 has an option for several bikes on the market including Kawasaki’s new KX450 and KX450X for 2024. The screen-less cage is designed to offer increased airflow with no interference, while also boasting a domed shape for increased surface area and one that holds the shape of the filter as air sucks through it. 

The air filter itself is constructed of two-layer foam throughout, and uses their proprietary “Super Seal Base” which is claimed to seal better without the need for any grease around the lip of the filter. The kit includes a reshaped air filter designed to work with the cage, and utilizes the stock outer piece of the cage. The kit retails for TKKK

How it works

• Easy install.
• Broadens power delivery throughout the rev range.
• Reliable setup.

The kit is very simple in nature and easy to use. It’s as simple as replacing an air filter and requires no modifications to the bike, installing in a matter of seconds. In stock trim, the KX450(X) air filter is quite small, gets dirty rather quickly, and doesn’t offer a lot of airflow. While changing to the DT-1 setup doesn’t affect how much dirt can get to the filter, the increased surface area helps prolong how well air flows through the filter as it gets dirty. 

Likewise, the bigger filter design and screen-less cage helps liven the bike’s power delivery slightly. It hits a little harder, has good throttle response, and really helps pull harder and further on the mid-top end. In stock trim, the bike would fall flat on top, but the DT-1 kit helps broaden that power and makes it more “450 like” in terms of power output.

We haven’t had any issues with reliability using this filter. We haven’t sucked any dirt and have yet to see a speck of dust inside the airboot despite running it in very silty and dusty conditions for hours on end. We’ve been running DT-1 air filters for a few years now on all model bikes, and have never had any issues with sucking dirt through the filter or with them falling apart, even with washing them with gas.

If you’re looking to get a little more power out of your KX450, or even just for a reliable air filter setup, this DT-1 Air Filter Kit is a great place to start. It’s simple, effective, and isn’t going to break the bank. Gains aren’t as much as an exhaust system or ECU work, but the price is a fraction of that and still makes enough noticeable gains across the board that it is a power modification. On top of that, it’s proven to be reliable thus far and could save you big in the long run by avoiding dirt getting to the motor.