Kawasaki's first two-stroke over 250cc in decades2027 kawasaki kx327 and kx327x first lookNearly 18 months ago, Kawasaki released a video on its social media platforms teasing the return of two stroke dirt bikes. And then said absolutely nothing about it. Despite the silence, Kawasaki started a fire in its audience, and in pretty much every social media post since then, it received multiple comments from people asking about an update on the two-stroke project.Well, the wait is finally over, as Kawasaki officially announced its first two-stroke motorcycles larger than 250cc in more than 20 years, with the KX327 motocross bike and the KX327X cross country model.Both variants share a new liquid-cooled 327cc fuel-injected two-stroke Single. As of this writing, Kawasaki hasn't released full specifications, including the engine's bore and stroke, or peak performance figures, but according to Kawasaki, the engine produces a flat torque curve, particularly in the low to mid-range.2027 kawasaki kx327 and kx327x first lookThe crankcase reed-valve intake is paired with a fuel injection system featuring a 39mm throttle body and dual injectors. The downstream injector operates at low engine speeds, with Kawasaki claiming precise fueling and low-speed control. At higher speeds, the upstream injector comes into play, providing brisk acceleration.AdvertisementAdvertisementKawasaki developed a new exhaust valve system specifically for the new two-stroke engine, optimizing exhaust flow and throttle response across the rev range. According to Kawasaki, the exhaust port timing dynamically adjusts according to engine speed and throttle position.The engine is paired with a hydraulic clutch with a coned-disc spring for a light lever pull. The KX327X is equipped with a six-speed transmission to support a wide range of riding conditions. An ultra-low first gear ratio is optimized for tight technical riding, and to make it easier to raise the front wheel over obstacles. For the KX327, Kawasaki opted for a close-ratio five-speed transmission to maximize performance for motocross competition.Both models come with an electric starter and two engine map settings adjustable via a switch on the left side of the handlebar.2027 Kawasaki KX3272027 Kawasaki KX327AdvertisementAdvertisementThe KX327 and KX327X share an aluminum perimeter frame derived from the KX450F. This allowed Kawasaki to optimize the center of gravity while keeping the overall weight to a claimed 233.7 pounds. By comparison, Kawasaki claims a fully-fueled weight of 240.8 pounds on its KX250F.The suspension system consists of a 48mm KYB inverted fork with Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) system, a low-friction Kashima coating, and adjustable compression and rebound damping. The rear uses Kawasaki's Uni-Trak suspension system with adjustable high- and low-speed compression, rebound damping, and spring preload. Nissin provides the braking system, with a 270mm rotor up front and a 240mm rotor for the rear.2027 Kawasaki KX327X2027 Kawasaki KX327XBoth models offer a choice of four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions for a custom fit. Other shared features include ODI Lock-On grips, Renthal handlebars, EXCEL rims, a compact body design, and quick-release side covers for easy access to the air filter.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe KX327 comes with a 21-inch front wheel and a 19-inch rear, while the KX327X uses a 21/18 combination. The cross-country model also comes with hand guards, a skid plate, a sidestand, a rear disc guard, and a rear suspension linkage guard.2027 Kawasaki KX327X2027 Kawasaki KX327XThe 2027 KX327 starts at $9,099, which slots it comfortably below the $10,299 KX450F and $13,699 KX450SR, but above the $8,599 KX250F four-stroke. The 2027 KX327X starts at $9,699, which puts it right between the $8,699 KX250FX and $10,599 KX450FX. Expect both 327cc models to arrive in showrooms in late 2026 in, what else, Lime Green.SpecificationsKawasaki KX327Kawasaki KX327XMSRP$9,099$9,699Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinderDisplacement327 ccFuel systemFuel injection: 39 mm x 1Lubrication32:1 fuel/oil ratioStarting systemElectricIgnition systemBattery & Coil (transistorised ignition)Transmission5-speed, return shift6-speed, return shiftClutchWet, multi discFinal DriveChainFramePerimeter, aluminumFront Tire80/100-21 51MRear Tire120/80-19 63M120/80-18 65MSteering angle L/R42° / 42°Fuel capacity2.3 gallonsFront brake typeSingle petal discFront brake diameterØ 270 mmFront brake caliper typeDual-pistonRear brake typeSingle petal discRear brake diameterØ 240 mmRear brake caliper typeSingle-pistonFront suspension typeInverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound dampingFront suspension diameterØ 48 mmRear suspension typeUni-Trak, adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression and adjustable rebound damping, and spring preload adjustabilityBecome a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.