Kawasaki Actually Did It. Kawasaki Reintroduces 2-Strokes With KX327 and KX327X Dirt Bikes

On a random Tuesday in June, Kawasaki unveiled its first new two-stroke motorcycle in more than twenty years. And the crowd went wild.

Photo by: Kawasaki

By: Justin W Coffey

Jun 3, at 7:42am ET

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Almost every day for more than a year, Damon Sims would comment on whatever Kawasaki posted to its Facebook page, adding up the days since the Japanese manufacturer first teased its forthcoming two-stroke model.

“Two-stroke or shut up. 491 days and counting.”

That was his last comment, posted to the company’s Facebook page on May 31.

I had seen the teaser and knew that a two-stroke model was in the proverbial pipeline, but the brand is notoriously secretive about upcoming product introductions, often introducing multiple models to the media at the same time, and with little to no notice.

So, at 7:30 am PST on Tuesday, June 2nd, Kawasaki finally delivered.

Say hello to the Kawasaki KX327 and KX327X.

This is the brand’s first newly designed two-stroke engine (greater than 250cc) in more than 20 years and is fitted within a bike many off-road riders have been eagerly anticipating (see: Damon). It’s a bike many riders had hoped for, too. A fuel-injected Japanese two-stroke dirt bike for the modern era, designed to compete with the Austrian and Italian offerings. But before I share my own opinions on this new platform, let’s look at some of the details.

Photo by: Kawasaki

Constructed from a combination of forged, extruded, and cast components, the frame is derived from the KX450F motocross machine. The frame is engineered to complement the lightweight two-stroke engine, resulting in a machine that weighs just 233.7 lbs.

The all-new fuel-injected 327cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine is counterbalanced and features an electric start. According to Kawasaki, the motor “delivers a flat torque curve with exceptional controllability, especially in the ultra-low to mid rpm range, allowing riders to confidently navigate technical terrain, obstacles, and tight lines without constantly worrying about engine speed.” Something to note, however, is that this new motor requires the use of pre-mix lubrication, which according to Kawasaki, “adds a simple, nostalgic element that enhances the overall riding experience.” Sure.

The KX327X features a six-speed transmission, while a close-ratio 5-speed transmission is used on the KX327. Both models feature selectable power modes, controlled via a switch located on the left side of the handlebar, which allows riders to quickly change between two engine map settings provided in the ECU. Additionally, the fuel injection system was engineered to provide stable fuel delivery regardless of outside air temperature or atmospheric pressure.

Photo by: Kawasaki

The new KX327 and KX327X both come equipped with a 48mm inverted AOS coil-spring KYB front fork, while a Uni-Trak rear shock collects the bumps at the back end. Nissin calipers slow the two-stroke down, grabbing a 270mm front and 240mm rear disc. The KX327X features a lightweight aluminum 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, perfect for cross-country and enduro riding, while the KX327 is equipped with a 19-inch rear wheel configuration, designed for running laps around your local motocross track.

While both bikes are powered by the same 327cc fuel-injected two-stroke engine, the KX327X model comes equipped with a range of cross-country-focused components, to include the aforementioned six-speed gearbox, as well as a larger 2.2 gallon semi-transparent fuel tank, hand guards, skid plate, linkage guard, rear disc guard and, perhaps most importantly, a kickstand. Oh, and ODI Lock-On grips come standard, which is a nice touch.

Photo by: Kawasaki

Here’s the thing… Like our Facebook friend, Damon, I too have waited 491 days for Kawasaki to pull the covers off of this new two-stroke. Am I disappointed? No, no I am not. What I see is a modern twin cycle motor mated to a lightweight frame, an electric start, excellent suspension components in the way of KYB, and just enough tech (both bikes feature smartphone connectivity via the RIDEOLOGY app) to make this “old fashioned” motorcycle feel new and exciting.

The KX327X with its six-speed gearbox, electric start, larger fuel capacity, 18-in rear wheel and factory provided protection parts offers casual enduro and cross-country riders a simple, easy to maintain, two-stroke dirt bike that should compete with the Austrian and Italian iterations, at least on paper.

What do you think?

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And considering the KX327 and KX327X carry an MSRP of just $9,099 and $9,699, respectively, the price difference between this Lime Green machine and the orange iterations coming out of Europe means you should have some room in your budget to upgrade the parts you want, or just buy a bunch of pre-mix and hit the trail.

You can expect to see the KX327 and KX327X at your local dealer in late 2026.