If you’ve been waiting for a proper big-bore two-stroke from a major Japanese brand, today is your day. Kawasaki has officially unveiled the all-new KX327 and KX327X, and they combine a championship-proven KX450F-based chassis with a brand-new 327cc fuel-injected two-stroke engine, delivering a lightweight, high-performance package built for modern off-road and motocross riding. This is not a small update — this is a full-on statement from Kawasaki that two-strokes are absolutely not dead.
A Historic Moment for Two-Stroke Fans
Let’s put this into perspective real quick. The KX327 marks Kawasaki’s first new two-stroke model over 250cc in more than two decades. That alone makes this reveal massive. Riders have been asking for something like this for years, and Kawasaki finally delivered. This is not just the first all-new two-stroke larger than 125cc from a Japanese OEM in over two decades — there are actually two versions of it. The KX327 is the motocross-focused version, while the KX327X is built for off-road and cross-country riding. Both machines are seriously impressive right out of the gate.
What’s Under the Hood — The Engine
The heart of this whole thing is the engine, and it’s a proper one. The 327cc engine features an advanced exhaust valve system, a dual-injector fueling system with one upstream and one downstream injector, and two riding maps to choose from via a handlebar switch. The fact that it’s fuel injected is huge — most two-strokes still run carburetors, so this puts the KX327 in a completely different league. The engine is counterbalanced and uses premix lubrication, while the clutch is hydraulic with a coned disc spring. Its flat torque curve and precise fuel injection ensure smooth, predictable power delivery from ultra-low to mid rpm, allowing riders to maintain traction and momentum through technical sections without hesitation.
| Specification | KX327 (Motocross) | KX327X (Off-Road) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 327cc FI 2-Stroke | 327cc FI 2-Stroke |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Close-Ratio | 6-Speed Wide-Ratio |
| Rear Wheel | 19-inch | 18-inch |
Chassis, Frame, and Suspension
The engine is only half the story. The KX327X and KX327 feature a slim aluminum perimeter frame derived from the championship-proven KX450F motocross machine, delivering a high-level balance of light weight, agility, and composure. Kawasaki basically took one of the best frames in motocross and wrapped their new two-stroke engine inside it — that’s a seriously smart move. The Nissin calipers and master cylinders are paired with 270mm front and 240mm rear petal disc brakes, providing confident braking feel and consistent performance across a wide range of terrain. The suspension is factory-style premium equipment, built to handle whatever the track or trail throws at you.
Two Models, Two Personalities
One of the coolest things about this launch is that Kawasaki gave riders two different options depending on what they ride. The KX327 comes with a close-ratio 5-speed transmission designed to help riders stay within the engine’s powerband while delivering strong acceleration on motocross tracks, while the KX327X uses a 6-speed transmission that covers a wide range of riding conditions. The KX327X also features lightweight aluminum rims with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, while the KX327 is equipped with a 19-inch rear wheel configuration designed to enhance performance on demanding motocross tracks. So whether you’re racing on a closed course or ripping through trails on the weekend, there’s a version made just for you.
Tech Features That Make It Modern
This isn’t some old-school bare-bones two-stroke. The KX327 and KX327X come loaded with features including electric start, a hydraulic clutch, power modes, and smartphone connectivity via the RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX2. The bikes were also designed with rider comfort and control in mind, featuring slim, ergonomic bodywork that allows for smooth rider movement and improved machine control in a wide variety of off-road situations. Adjustable ergonomics round it all out, so you can set the bike up exactly how you like it before you even hit the gate.
Price and Availability
The 2027 Kawasaki KX327X is priced at $9,699 and is expected to arrive at dealerships in late 2026. Pricing for the motocross-spec KX327 hasn’t been confirmed just yet, but expect it to sit in a similar range. For a fuel-injected, electric-start two-stroke with this level of hardware, that price point is genuinely competitive. If you’ve been saving up for the right two-stroke to come along, this might just be it.
FAQs
Q1. What is the engine size of the Kawasaki KX327? The KX327 is powered by a 327cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine. It features a dual-injector system and two selectable power maps, making it one of the most advanced two-stroke engines ever produced by a Japanese manufacturer.
Q2. What is the difference between the KX327 and the KX327X? The KX327 is the motocross-specific model built for closed-course track riding, while the KX327X is designed for off-road and cross-country conditions. Key differences include the transmission (5-speed vs 6-speed), wheel sizes, and additional trail-ready features like hand guards and a skid plate on the X model.
Q3. When will the Kawasaki KX327 be available to buy? The KX327X has been confirmed for availability in late 2026 at a starting price of $9,699. The motocross-spec KX327 pricing and exact availability are expected to be announced closer to the release date.