For supercross and motocross fans, Jan. 25, 2025, started like any other race day. During Race Day Live ahead of the Anaheim Supercross, Jett Lawrence topped qualifying in the 450 class while Julien Beaumer led the 250 class.
As the broadcast ended, Kawasaki sparked excitement across the sport with a social media campaign and a press release titled “We Heard You.” The teaser featured the sound of a two-stroke engine but revealed no details about the dirt bike.
For nearly two decades, professional motocross and supercross have been dominated by four-stroke machines. Four-stroke engines are heavier and more complex but offer greater fuel efficiency and durability. Two-stroke engines, by comparison, are lighter, more powerful, and deliver quicker acceleration, though they require oil to be mixed with fuel.
As emissions regulations tightened, manufacturers shifted their focus to four-stroke development in the mid-2000s. While riders could still buy and race two-strokes, they disappeared from professional competition, causing most manufacturers to abandon development. Yamaha and KTM continued producing two-strokes, with KTM consistently updating its lineup and Yamaha resuming major development in recent years.
Many enthusiasts hoped another Japanese manufacturer would return to the two-stroke market. After Kawasaki’s teaser, anticipation grew, but little information followed for more than a year.
That changed on Tuesday, when Kawasaki officially unveiled the 2027 KX 327 motocross and cross-country models.
The price starts at $9,099, which is about $2,100 less than a comparable KTM. The bike features KYB suspension, fuel injection, electric start, and advanced rider controls. Riders can switch power modes at the push of a button, while the new Rideology KX 2 app and onboard GPS provide smartphone connectivity, a first for a production two-stroke motocross bike.
One thing that must be noted is how impressive the Kawasaki team was with this bike. There were never any pictures of the bike leaked over the year and a half wait, and no real information slipped through the industry until the morning of the release. No one had a clue what to expect, and it was refreshing to have a complete surprise bike release.
After a 20-year absence from the category, Kawasaki has returned to the two-stroke market with a machine that pushes the sport forward while honoring its past.
