Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 3 June 2026
Kawasaki has announced its first full-sized two-stroke dirt bike in almost 20 years, and they aren’t doing anything by halves.
Revealed as the KX327 and KX327X, these two dirt-bashing machines feature a 327cc single cylinder engine.
It is the company’s first foray into a fuel–injected two-stroke, and system reportedly ensures “smooth, predictable power delivery from ultra-low to mid rpm.”
According to Kawasaki, the exhaust valve system is a big part of how the two-stroke could return to its line-up.
It improves low-end torque while allowing for smoother acceleration as the engine speed increases.
There are also selectable drive modes, which allow riders to switch between ECU maps.
It shares its frame with the KX450, but thanks to the smaller engine, the 327 is around 3kg lighter.
As is the case with Kawasaki’s dirt line-up, the KX327 is the full noise motocrosser, whilst the KX327X is the off-road racing version.
It is because of this that the KX327 has a close-ratio five-speed transmission, whilst the KX327X uses a six-speed unit.
Pricing and specification is yet to be announced for the New Zealand market.
