Kawasaki has made its boldest off-road move in years by revealing the 2027 KX327 and KX327X, two new full-size two-stroke machines built for riders who want modern race technology without losing the light, sharp feel that made two-strokes famous. The launch puts Kawasaki back into an adult two-stroke space it had largely left behind for around two decades, and the timing could not be more interesting as demand for high-performance off-road two-strokes remains strong.
The main attraction is Kawasaki’s newly developed 327cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine. Unlike older carbureted two-strokes, the KX327 platform uses fuel injection, giving riders cleaner throttle response and more consistent performance when weather, temperature or elevation changes. That is a major practical advantage for riders who race at different tracks, travel for enduro events or ride in mixed terrain where conditions can change quickly.
Kawasaki has tuned the engine for usable torque rather than simply chasing peak power. The company says the motor is designed to pull strongly from very low rpm while keeping delivery smooth through the midrange. For riders, that means the KX327 should be easier to manage in ruts, tight corners, rocky sections and technical climbs where traction matters more than outright aggression.
The engine package includes electric start, a hydraulic clutch, a handlebar-mounted power mode switch and an exhaust power valve system. Kawasaki has also added a single-shaft primary engine balancer to reduce vibration, while keeping a traditional 32:1 premix fuel-and-oil setup. That mix of old and new is what makes the KX327 interesting: it keeps the simplicity and character of a two-stroke, but adds the convenience riders now expect from premium race bikes.
Two versions for two different riders
The 2027 KX327 is the motocross model. It gets a close-ratio five-speed transmission and a 19-inch rear wheel, giving it a track-focused setup for fast acceleration, jumps and repeated corner exits. This version is aimed at riders who want Kawasaki’s new two-stroke engine in a pure motocross package.
The KX327X is the cross-country and enduro-focused version. It uses a six-speed transmission with an ultra-low first gear, making it better suited to tight trails, slow technical riding and obstacles. It also gets an 18-inch rear wheel, which gives riders more tire sidewall for grip and comfort in rough terrain.
Kawasaki has also equipped the KX327X with trail-ready hardware, including a larger 2.2-gallon semi-transparent fuel tank, hand guards, skid plate, linkage guard, rear disc guard and side stand. These details make the X model more practical for woods racing and long off-road rides straight from the showroom.
Chassis, suspension and equipment
Both bikes use a lightweight aluminum perimeter frame derived from Kawasaki’s KX450F platform. Kawasaki claims an overall weight of 233.7 pounds, which places the bike close to modern 250cc four-stroke territory while giving riders the sharper power character of a two-stroke.
Suspension is handled by KYB components, including a 48mm inverted AOS coil-spring front fork and Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak rear suspension. Braking hardware comes from Nissin, with a 270mm front disc and 240mm rear disc. Kawasaki has also fitted Renthal handlebars, EXCEL rims and ODI lock-on grips, which gives the bikes a serious race-ready specification rather than a basic comeback package.
The technology list is also stronger than many riders may expect from a two-stroke. The KX327 and KX327X support smartphone connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX2, giving access to vehicle settings, riding logs and maintenance reminders. Adjustable ergonomics are included as well, with four handlebar positions and two footpeg positions to help riders tailor the cockpit.
Pricing starts at $9,099 for the 2027 Kawasaki KX327, while the KX327X starts at $9,699. Availability is expected in late 2026, with some market information pointing to January 2027 dealer arrivals. Riders can follow official model updates through Kawasaki’s KX motorcycle page.
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For more motorcycle industry coverage, Swikblog readers can also read our report on EICMA 2025 and major global motorcycle launches.
The KX327 matters because it is not just Kawasaki bringing back a name from the past. It is a serious attempt to rebuild the full-size two-stroke idea around modern expectations: fuel injection, electric start, selectable maps, smartphone support, strong suspension and a lightweight chassis. If the final production bike delivers the balance Kawasaki is promising, the 2027 KX327 could become one of the most talked-about off-road motorcycles of the year.
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