Kawasaki’s New Off-Road Motos Go Big On Two-Strokes for the First Time in over 20 Years

Once upon a time, two-stroke engines ruled the motorcycle world because of their output and mechanical simplicity. On the track and in the dirt, they made for potent mixes of power and lightness.

Between ever-tightening emissions regulations and the availability of cleaner four-stroke alternatives, they’re now much more elusive. Still, the architecture is far from extinct.

All the more so thanks to Kawasaki’s new bikes. For the first time in more than 20 years, Team Green has taken its two-stroke engine displacement beyond the 250cc mark.

Kawasaki

A new kind of Kawi two-stroke

They’re called the KX327 and the KX327X, and they represent the largest Kawasakis of their kind following the discontinuation of the infamous KX500 in 2004.

With over two decades separating them, then, they arrive as much more advanced machines. For instance, thanks to electronic fuel injection, Kawasaki says that the new 327cc single allows for “easier starting, smoother throttle response and enhanced overall rideability.”

Kawasaki

Moreover, because of a newly designed exhaust-valve system, the brand claims that the KX327 and the KX327X even offer strong low-end torque. Unlike their violent open-class predecessor, this should make them far more predictable and controllable in tight and technical sections.

Towards that end, Kawasaki has given each bike a unique transmission suited to its intended application. Where the motocross-biased KX327 features a close-ratio five-speed to keep riders in the powerband, the KX327X instead brings a six-speed with a low first gear ratio suited to cross-country and trail riding.

If that wasn’t enough, each bike touts creature comforts like electric start, switchable power modes and even smartphone connectivity. Suffice to say, they’re far from the analog, carbureted monsters of yesteryear.

Kawasaki

Accounting for the whole package

Now, refined as they may be, they’re still two-stroke motorcycles. As such, the KX327 and KX327X are impressively light at 233.7 pounds, a figure Kawasaki says makes them comparable in weight to a 250cc four-stroke.

Naturally, then, Team Green didn’t cut any corners when it came to the rest of the package. To ensure a solid foundation for such a potent package, the KX 327 and 327X incorporate an aluminum perimeter frame derived from the brand’s larger KX450F.

Kawasaki

What’s more, each bike brings a proven suspension setup to ensure power makes it to the ground. Kawasaki specs 48mm inverted Air-Oil Separate forks up front, while the rear takes the form of the its trusty Uni-Trak system.

The brand’s considerations extend to rider comfort, too, as both the KX327 and KX327X feature adjustable ergonomics for a customized fit. Along with four handlebar positions, they both offer two footpeg positions.

Rounded out by some Nissin brakes with 270mm and 240mm
petal discs for stopping power, they each ride on a 21-inch front wheel. The KX327 touts a 19-inch wheel at the rear, while the KX327 downsizes to an 18-inch unit.

Kawasaki

Availability and pricing

While Kawasaki hasn’t yet released full specs, more information will be available when the KX327 and KX327X go on sale later this year. They’ll be priced from $9,099 and $9,699, respectively.

As part of the difference, the KX327X brings trail-ready touches like a semi-transparent fuel tank, hand guards, a skid plate and various other protective features. If you’d like to learn more, you can head to Kawasaki’s website.

Kawasaki

2027 Kawasaki KX327

• $9,100 at Kawasaki

Kawasaki

2027 Kawasaki KX327X

• $9,700 at Kawasaki

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