Kawasaki KX327 and KX327X revealed with fuel-injected 2-stroke engine

Kawasaki has shocked the off-road motorcycling world by unveiling the all-new 2027 KX327 and KX327X. This marks the Japanese brand’s first newly developed two-stroke machines above 250cc in over two decades. Both adult-class dirt bikes are built around a revolutionary 327cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 2-stroke engine. They are designed to compete directly against dominant European 300cc two-strokes. These bikes will begin hitting major markets in late 2026. If you love off-road riding, this is huge news.

The centrepiece of these bikes is a completely new engine that updates classic two-stroke performance with modern refinement. It features a 39mm throttle body with upstream and downstream injectors. This ensures linear power delivery across wildly varying elevations and temperatures. The electronic power valve is tuned to deliver crisp, precise throttle response and tractor-like traction at ultra-low RPMs without losing top-end rush. It uses a single-shaft primary balancer to drastically reduce the harsh engine vibrations typically associated with high-displacement two-strokes. Modern electronics include a push-button electric start, a hydraulic clutch, two selectable handlebar power modes, and Rideology The App for smartphone connectivity to track and adjust mapping. The bike requires traditional fuel premix at a recommended 32:1 ratio rather than an automatic oil-injection tank. This minimises vehicle weight and keeps things simple.

While both machines use the same lightweight aluminium perimeter frame derived from the flagship KX450F, they are customized for distinct racing formats. The KX327 is designed for motocross and track riding. It is focused on tight motocross tracks and stadium racing. It has a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and a 19-inch rear wheel with Excel rims. It is stripped back for pure weight savings. The US price is $9,099, which is about ₹8.71 lakh. The KX327X is designed for cross-country and trail riding. It is focused on technical woodland trails, enduro, and desert racing. It has a wide-ratio 6-speed gearbox with an ultra-low 1st gear. It has an 18-inch rear wheel for larger tyre sidewall protection. It comes with added hardware like handguards, a heavy-duty skid plate, a side stand, and a rear disc guard. The US price is $9,699, which is about ₹9.28 lakh.

Both models share a baseline target weight of just 106 kilograms, which is 233.7 pounds. This mirrors a standard 250cc four-stroke but with significantly more torque. Premium components standard across both models include top-tier KYB 48mm inverted coil-spring front forks, a Uni-Trak rear shock system, Nissin brake calipers with matching 270mm and 240mm petal discs, Renthal handlebars, and tool-free quick-release air filter side covers.

If you are thinking of buying either of these bikes, you should choose the KX327 if you want a pure motocross bike for track racing. You want the lightest possible bike with no extra hardware. You want a 19-inch rear wheel for better cornering on tracks. You should choose the KX327X if you want a cross-country bike for trail riding and enduro. You want the wider 6-speed gearbox with a very low first gear for crawling over rocks. You want the 18-inch rear wheel for more tyre sidewall protection against punctures. You want the added hardware like handguards and a skid plate.