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Kawasaki’s Highly Approachable New Moto Was Designed for Something Completely Different

The purpose-built, super-affordable bit of forbidden fruit is bursting with unintentional first-timer appeal.

Close-up of a silver and black motorcycle engine and frame with knobby tires against a green background.Kawasaki
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Some of our favorite products here at Gear Patrol are those designed for one purpose that turn out to be fantastic for another.

Two quick examples: the Arc’teryx approach shoe that’s ideal for travel and the Patagonia fly fishing pack that’s an on-the-go EDC delight.

Green and black Stockman dirt bike with knobby tires parked on gravel inside a barn with hay bales nearby.
With a host of handy features, the 2026 Stockman just might be a wolf of an off-road bike in sheep farmer’s clothing.
Kawasaki

These happy accidents are hardly limited to outdoor brands, however, as Kawasaki’s latest motorcycle proves.

Because while the 2026 Stockman is specifically built for Australasian farmers, it boasts a bevy of unique features that make it an excellent off-road option for newer riders.

Dirt bike bona fides

It probably goes without saying, but a motorcycle designed for patrolling a farm or ranch’s large swathes of unpaved land is inherently going to feature plenty of desirable off-road features.

Toward that end, the Stockman boasts a punchy little 233cc engine —30cc bigger than any other agriculture bike, Kawasaki says — making 19 horsepower at 7,600rpm and 14.6 ft-lbs of torque at 6,100 rpm.

Green and black Kawasaki Stockman dirt bike with knobby tires parked inside a metal shed.
The bike’s 233cc engine is tuned up to actually outperform that of a comparable designated dirt bike.
Kawasaki

While those numbers aren’t knocking anyone’s merino wool socks off, it’s worth noting that they are slightly better than those of perhaps the closest comparable “civilian” bike, Kawi’s Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa S ABS, itself a great entry-level option.  

The bike also boasts all-business spoked wheels (21 inches front, 18 inches rear), complete with knobby enduro-style tires that provide plenty of traction and support off the beaten path.

Suspension-wise, there are 37mm telescopic forks up front and a monoshock that’s adjustable for spring preload out back, and for reliable stopping power, 265mm front and 220mm rear petal disc brakes.

Person wearing a black helmet and jacket sitting on a green and black off-road motorcycle with a rolled tarp secured on the back.
Capable suspension, a short wheelbase and a narrow standover height give confidence to newer and smaller riders.
Kawasaki

The bike also offers a couple of features uncommon to entry-level off-road bikes: an all-digital instrument panel with a large LCD screen and a large 60/55-watt headlight illuminating early mornings and late nights. 

Of course, there’s also a super-handy small front rack and big rear rack, both made of sturdy steel and together offering nearly 50 pounds of carrying capacity.

Friend of a farmer — and a new rider

Where things really get interesting with the new Stockman are the farm-oriented features that happen to be super-desirable for new and even veteran off-road fans.

First off, this bike offers lean bodywork, a long, flat seat and a shorter wheelbase than last year’s edition. These features make the bike capable of fitting through narrow spaces, more comfortable to ride and smoother to maneuver. 

Hand wearing a worn beige leather glove gripping a motorcycle handlebar with a brake lever and handguard.
Tough aluminum handguards and a clutch lever lock combine for rugged riding chops and errand-running convenience.
Kawasaki

But the knock-on effect is making the 33.3-inch easier to swing a leg over, especially in tandem with its 302-pound curb weight. While that is a bit hefty for a dirt bike, it’s nonetheless light enough to balance on with one foot and to pick up should it go down. 

An incredibly rare related feature is the Stockman’s dual kickstands. That’s right, there are independent kickstands on both the right and left sides, which makes it easier to stand the bike up and dismount on uneven ground. 

Another really unique trait is the “clutch lever lock,” which lets you stop and let go of the handlebars, while the bike is still in gear, without that awful scenario every new rider dreads, the bike leaping forward and stalling out. 

Two people wearing helmets riding green off-road motorcycles on grassy terrain with trees in the background.
The Stockman has all the makings of an all-day workhorse, whether you’re actually working or just kicking dirt around.
Kawasaki

The bike also boasts lever guards made not of hard plastic but of aluminum, sure to protect your hands when the bush gets thick, plus steel frame sliders and a skid plate to shield the engine from backcountry damage.

It’s easy to see the unique appeal of these features for men and women working the land, but they’re hard to miss for those of us working for the weekend, too, right?

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Kawasaki Stockman is available now in Australia and New Zealand for $7,967 NZD, which roughly converts to $4,769 USD.

There are currently no plans to expand beyond Australasia, but fingers crossed, stories like this one help alter reality.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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