Kawasaki Re-Activates Big Two-Stroke Motorcycles with the KX327 and KX327X

JAKARTA - Kawasaki is back in the two-stroke capacity arena above 250 cc after more than two decades. The Japanese manufacturer introduced the 2027 KX327 and KX327X models, two new 327 cc two-stroke off-road motorcycles.

Quoted from the Cycle World report on Saturday, June 6, this move comes as the two-stroke motorcycle market is moving again. KTM 250 SX and 300 SX, Husqvarna, GasGas, Beta RX 2T 250 and 350, and Yamaha YZ250 are keeping the interest in two-stroke engines alive.

In the early 2000s, two-stroke motorcycles were considered to be the end of the story. Emission regulations are getting tighter, while four-stroke motocross and enduro motorcycles are starting to dominate the track.

But two-stroke engines still have appeal. The construction is simpler, the weight is light, the power is large for the size of the engine, and the maintenance costs are generally lower than four-stroke motocross or enduro engines.

The KX327 and KX327X use a new liquid-cooled two-stroke engine with a capacity of 327 cc. This is Kawasaki's first new large two-stroke engine in more than 20 years.

The engine already uses fuel injection and electronic controls. The goal is to make the power easier to control, not as aggressive as the old two-stroke engine that often exploded at certain turns.

The injection system also makes riders not need to adjust the carburetor when the motorcycle is used in places with different altitudes or weather.

The KX327X is prepared for cross-country, namely long-distance off-road tracks with more varied terrain. This model uses a six-speed transmission, with the first gear very low for slow and technical tracks.

Meanwhile, the KX327 uses a five-speed transmission that is more suitable for motocross tracks.

Kawasaki says both models are equipped with a new exhaust valve system to improve gas response and power delivery. However, details of the technology have not been revealed.

Both motorcycles are also equipped with an electric starter, two power modes, and mobile connectivity. These features allow riders to change the settings of the motorcycle, download driving records, and view maintenance information.

The new engine is mounted on an aluminum frame developed from the KX450 four-stroke design. The frame uses a combination of forged, extruded, and cast aluminum components.

The wet weight of the KX327 is claimed to be 233.7 pounds or around 106 kilograms. This figure is equivalent to the smaller KX250.

Cycle World notes that the weight of the KX327X is likely to be heavier because it carries additional components for cross-country, such as a six-speed transmission, engine guard, hand guard, linkage guard, and rear disc guard.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 2.2 gallons. This is larger than the 1.6-gallon tank used on the KX250 and KX450 four-stroke models.

The suspension uses KYB components. The front uses a 48 mm upside down fork Air-Oil Separate with compression and rebound settings. The rear uses a Uni-Trak system with various suspension settings, including the initial spring rate or preload.

The KX327 uses 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. The KX327X still uses 21-inch front wheels, but the rear wheels are 18 inches for cross-country track needs.

Kawasaki has not released complete specifications for the United States market. However, the price has been announced. The KX327 is priced at 9,099 US dollars, while the KX327X is sold for 9,699 US dollars.

Both models are scheduled to enter dealerships in the United States by the end of 2026. The presence of these two models shows that Kawasaki is trying to bring two-stroke engines to the modern market with injection, electronic control, and connectivity features.