The 2027 Kawasaki KX327 is an all-new, groundbreaking release marking Kawasaki’s first new full-sized two-stroke dirt bike over 250cc in more than two decades. Built to combine the lightweight agility of a traditional two-stroke with modern convenience, it bridges the gap between 250cc and 450cc platforms.

Kawasaki released two variations: the standard KX327 (tuned for motocross) and the KX327X (optimized for cross-country and off-road racing).

1. The All-New 327cc Two-Stroke Engine

The heart of the KX327 is a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers smooth, linear, and highly controllable power rather than the unpredictable "light switch" powerband of vintage two-strokes.

• Fuel Injection (EFI): This is Kawasaki's first fuel-injected two-stroke. The system automatically adjusts for altitude and ambient temperature changes, ensuring crisp throttle response without the need to swap carburetor jets.

• Lubrication: Sticking to pure racing roots, it does not feature an auto-oil injection system. Riders still mix oil directly into the gas (pre-mix).

• Electric Start & Hydraulic Clutch: Traditional kickstarting is gone. The bike comes equipped with a reliable electric start button and a low-maintenance, smooth-pull hydraulic clutch.

• On-the-Fly Tech: A handlebar-mounted map switch allows you to flip between two distinct ECU power modes. It also pairs via Bluetooth to a smartphone using Rideology The App KX2 for engine tuning, ride logs, and maintenance tracking.

2. Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

Kawasaki built the KX327 using a modified aluminum perimeter frame derived directly from their flagship KX450F four-stroke, ensuring an incredibly stable, rigid, yet nimble ride.

• Featherweight Feel: Despite sharing architecture with a 450, the bike scales in at an "overall machine weight" of just 233.7 lbs, making its physical weight comparable to a standard 250cc four-stroke.

• KYB Suspension: It handles rough tracks and trails using a fully adjustable 48mm inverted KYB AOS coil-spring fork up front and a fully adjustable, linkage-assisted KYB rear shock.

• Brakes and Tires: Braking power is supplied by Nissin calipers pinching a 270mm petal disc up front and a 240mm disc out back.

• Ergonomics: True to Kawasaki’s "Ergo-Fit" design language, the bike features four-position adjustable handlebar mounts, two footpeg height options, and ODI Lock-On grips.

Motocross (KX327) vs. Cross-Country (KX327X)

While they share the same core engine and frame, Kawasaki tweaked each model to excel in its specific discipline:

The Takeaway: The KX327 fills a massive void for riders who want the snappy, lightweight, low-maintenance joy of a big-bore two-stroke without sacrificing the modern technology (like electric start and EFI) found on high-end four-strokes.