Kawasaki is bringing the two stroke back!

soggy
Posts
8437
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
1/27/2025 11:26am
MxAddic wrote:
I can't see them not having an eye on the off-road market. The X proves that and so does KTM's success. My heart tells me it's...

I can't see them not having an eye on the off-road market. The X proves that and so does KTM's success. My heart tells me it's an MX bike or 2.

McG194 wrote:
If you look logically and extrapolate a bit it will tell you it's going to be primarily an off-road bike most likely in the displacement of...

If you look logically and extrapolate a bit it will tell you it's going to be primarily an off-road bike most likely in the displacement of 300cc's. 

Kawasaki has seen the value of the off-road market with the X model bikes.

Kawasaki now sponsors Stew Baylor's team as a full factory effort with about 6 racers. 

The 300 is the hottest displacement for off-road bikes. 

= Kawasaki KX300x I don't think they want to call it a KDX because they want everyone to understand it's a full race model and not a trail bike. 

Kawi guys told Matthes it was a race bike. I guess they didn’t differentiate between XC race and MX bike. But I’m leaning MX or a closed course Offroad bike. 

2
mx317
Posts
5283
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
TN US
1/27/2025 11:26am

I would think it would be either a 125 or 250 or both. I could also see them making an e-start/off-road version of the 250 as well down the road. I may just have to jump back on the 2-stroke wagon if they make a nice 250!

2
sam hain
Posts
1178
Joined
11/8/2011
Location
TN US
1/27/2025 11:37am

I can't find the post now, but one of my friends on IG messaged Stu Baylor about this and Stu responded "it will be a competitor against the KTM300".

12
agn5008
Posts
1881
Joined
3/8/2021
Location
PA, PA US
Fantasy
1/27/2025 11:38am
Joshracing wrote:
Honestly cannot see Kawasaki connecting with KTM in any way.  Why would they want to risk their reputation with a bike that they know is going...

Honestly cannot see Kawasaki connecting with KTM in any way.  Why would they want to risk their reputation with a bike that they know is going to have such a positive impact for the brand, only to see the Chinese built engine components explode. 

image 72 0IMG 0409 0 0

Ah shit. They got you too.

1

The Shop

agn5008
Posts
1881
Joined
3/8/2021
Location
PA, PA US
Fantasy
1/27/2025 11:39am
Joshracing wrote:
Honestly cannot see Kawasaki connecting with KTM in any way.  Why would they want to risk their reputation with a bike that they know is going...

Honestly cannot see Kawasaki connecting with KTM in any way.  Why would they want to risk their reputation with a bike that they know is going to have such a positive impact for the brand, only to see the Chinese built engine components explode. 

image 72 0IMG 0409 0 0
agn5008 wrote:
Ah shit. They got you too.

Ah shit. They got you too.

IMG 3867
1
2
Last Braaap
Posts
1691
Joined
4/19/2019
Location
Somewhere over the rainbow CZ
1/27/2025 11:43am
Zoom wrote:

I can tell you what it is, but I would have to kill you.

before or after you tell me that? 🤔

1/27/2025 12:00pm
sam hain wrote:
I can't find the post now, but one of my friends on IG messaged Stu Baylor about this and Stu responded "it will be a competitor...

I can't find the post now, but one of my friends on IG messaged Stu Baylor about this and Stu responded "it will be a competitor against the KTM300".

That sounds about right. Nobody is gonna race a KX250 (even if modernized) in SX/Nationals due to the displacement rule.  

Could see this being a big hit with hard enduro crowd. Bike would need e-start, 18" rear, and maybe a spot to hang a kickstand.  It would 100% be used for local motocross. 

13
agn5008
Posts
1881
Joined
3/8/2021
Location
PA, PA US
Fantasy
1/27/2025 12:07pm
sam hain wrote:
I can't find the post now, but one of my friends on IG messaged Stu Baylor about this and Stu responded "it will be a competitor...

I can't find the post now, but one of my friends on IG messaged Stu Baylor about this and Stu responded "it will be a competitor against the KTM300".

That sounds about right. Nobody is gonna race a KX250 (even if modernized) in SX/Nationals due to the displacement rule.  Could see this being a big...

That sounds about right. Nobody is gonna race a KX250 (even if modernized) in SX/Nationals due to the displacement rule.  

Could see this being a big hit with hard enduro crowd. Bike would need e-start, 18" rear, and maybe a spot to hang a kickstand.  It would 100% be used for local motocross. 

I’d buy one in a heartbeat if it’s similar to a KTM/Beta 300. My KTM 300xc is a very good all around dirtbike. Harrscramble, hard enduro, MX, it’s very competitive in essentially any discipline. 

4
Andy7
Posts
471
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
1/27/2025 12:11pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2025 12:16pm

I am pretty sure they dropped the "KX -- F" name simply because they knew that a two stroke was coming back, but they wouldn't need to use the F on the 250 and 450 if the built a 300 and a 125/150 (which I think they will do).
Also, taking into account that they patented some new two stroke FI engine a while back, I believe it will have FI, and electric start, among other things. If I have to bet, it will be a japanese version of the SX 300 (and obviously will have a X version). Heck, I would love to see a carburetor in that bike, but I cannot complain, just bring the smoke back.
EDIT: If the engine sound on the clip is from the bike, it appears to have electric start, and that rich sound confirms that it is FI, just listen to a SX 300 start up when it is cold: really rich.

5
soggy
Posts
8437
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
1/27/2025 12:15pm
Andy7 wrote:
I am pretty sure they dropped the "KX -- F" name simply because they knew that a two stroke was coming back, but they wouldn't need...

I am pretty sure they dropped the "KX -- F" name simply because they knew that a two stroke was coming back, but they wouldn't need to use the F on the 250 and 450 if the built a 300 and a 125/150 (which I think they will do).
Also, taking into account that they patented some new two stroke FI engine a while back, I believe it will have FI, and electric start, among other things. If I have to bet, it will be a japanese version of the SX 300 (and obviously will have a X version). Heck, I would love to see a carburetor in that bike, but I cannot complain, just bring the smoke back.
EDIT: If the engine sound on the clip is from the bike, it appears to have electric start, and that rich sound confirms that it is FI, just listen to a SX 300 start up when it is cold: really rich.

I searched for Kawi patents as soon as this was announced and that patent is most likely for aircraft. If you look into the design it wouldn’t make since to use for a dirt bike application. 

1
Andy7
Posts
471
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
1/27/2025 12:40pm
soggy wrote:
I searched for Kawi patents as soon as this was announced and that patent is most likely for aircraft. If you look into the design it...

I searched for Kawi patents as soon as this was announced and that patent is most likely for aircraft. If you look into the design it wouldn’t make since to use for a dirt bike application. 

Totally agree, but I find it hard to believe they are developing FI for some two strokes, and keep a carburetor on another. But sure as hell I hope they keep a Keihin PWK air striker on this bike.

2
soggy
Posts
8437
Joined
12/3/2018
Location
UT US
1/27/2025 1:29pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2025 1:30pm
soggy wrote:
I searched for Kawi patents as soon as this was announced and that patent is most likely for aircraft. If you look into the design it...

I searched for Kawi patents as soon as this was announced and that patent is most likely for aircraft. If you look into the design it wouldn’t make since to use for a dirt bike application. 

Andy7 wrote:
Totally agree, but I find it hard to believe they are developing FI for some two strokes, and keep a carburetor on another. But sure as...

Totally agree, but I find it hard to believe they are developing FI for some two strokes, and keep a carburetor on another. But sure as hell I hope they keep a Keihin PWK air striker on this bike.

The two stroke they developed had intake and exhaust valves and was turbocharged. I’m willing to bet wrong but I highly the two have anything to do with each other. Kawasaki is a HUGE company that is involved in a lot more then just power sport markets.  

if they can do FI well I have no problem with it. But a carb is cool too. 

2
KurtJ99
Posts
2329
Joined
2/6/2017
Location
CA US
1/27/2025 1:30pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2025 1:30pm

With Beta supposedly coming out with a 350 2T next year, I'm hoping to see if the Kawi will be a 350 not 250 or 300. 

Dreaming of this as the second coming of 2T, like when the 4T were superceded by the 2T in the late 60s, maybe 2T will make a comeback. 

https://motocrossactionmag.com/justyn-noreks-friday-foto-time-machine/

 

1
Falcon
Posts
12191
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA US
1/27/2025 1:38pm
Falcon wrote:
New KDX-style bike. My guess is a 300cc. EDIT: I'd be disappointed, especially in light of the fact that they advertised it in a Supercross market. But...

New KDX-style bike. My guess is a 300cc. 

EDIT: I'd be disappointed, especially in light of the fact that they advertised it in a Supercross market. But I also think this is what they're doing. 

This deserves a quote instead of an edit, since we're well past that last page...

What I meant by "KDX" could be transcribed to "KX___X" these days. When I grew up, a KDX was an Enduro race bike, not a play bike. I'm expecting a 250 or 300cc race bike, probably with an aluminum frame, and probably a headlight an 18" rear wheel. I'm highly doubtful there will be a new KX125 or KX250. 

6
1
1/27/2025 2:25pm
Falcon wrote:
This deserves a quote instead of an edit, since we're well past that last page...What I meant by "KDX" could be transcribed to "KX___X" these days...

This deserves a quote instead of an edit, since we're well past that last page...

What I meant by "KDX" could be transcribed to "KX___X" these days. When I grew up, a KDX was an Enduro race bike, not a play bike. I'm expecting a 250 or 300cc race bike, probably with an aluminum frame, and probably a headlight an 18" rear wheel. I'm highly doubtful there will be a new KX125 or KX250. 

It's not going to have a lighting coil. They didn't put one on the KX450X, so this likely won't have it either. Not that it shouldn't have one...

2
1/27/2025 2:31pm
Falcon wrote:
This deserves a quote instead of an edit, since we're well past that last page...What I meant by "KDX" could be transcribed to "KX___X" these days...

This deserves a quote instead of an edit, since we're well past that last page...

What I meant by "KDX" could be transcribed to "KX___X" these days. When I grew up, a KDX was an Enduro race bike, not a play bike. I'm expecting a 250 or 300cc race bike, probably with an aluminum frame, and probably a headlight an 18" rear wheel. I'm highly doubtful there will be a new KX125 or KX250. 

It's not going to have a lighting coil. They didn't put one on the KX450X, so this likely won't have it either. Not that it shouldn't...

It's not going to have a lighting coil. They didn't put one on the KX450X, so this likely won't have it either. Not that it shouldn't have one...

Every bike with estart has a charging circuit aka "a lighting coil"

BD has a handy chart https://www.bajadesigns.com/kawasaki-motorcycle-power-output-chart/

1
bluesmoke
Posts
184
Joined
1/30/2023
Location
Lakeworth, TX US
1/27/2025 2:35pm
agn5008 wrote:
Do you really think Kawasaki’s engineers don’t understand how KTMs 2 stroke models work? Do you honestly believe it would take Kawi “generations” to come up...

Do you really think Kawasaki’s engineers don’t understand how KTMs 2 stroke models work? Do you honestly believe it would take Kawi “generations” to come up with something similar? Beta, Sherco and TM seemed to have figured it out perfectly fine. Yet it’ll take Kawi “generations” to come up with something similar 🤣 come on dude, 2 stroke dirt bikes aren’t rocket science. This isn’t  new crazy technology here. If this ends up being a race ready 250 or 300 with E-start and good suspension it’s gonna sell like crazy. I bet Yamaha will be regretting their decision to not get E-start on their 250x sooner. 

Who needs an E-start?

Who needs an E-start?

267617 v26 7-rx-kickstart-kenny-167807798

Anyone who uses their bike off road. It’s nice to push a button when your in a weird position. 

Yeah if you have ever stalled during a creek crossing its really nice to pull in the clutch and mash that magic button. Kicking yer bike in the middle of a creek sucks.

1
MxAddic
Posts
5308
Joined
11/24/2022
Location
NY US
1/27/2025 4:32pm
agn5008 wrote:
IMG 3867

That was user error.

1
agn5008
Posts
1881
Joined
3/8/2021
Location
PA, PA US
Fantasy
1/27/2025 4:55pm
agn5008 wrote:
IMG 3867
MxAddic wrote:

That was user error.

Interesting. 

1/27/2025 8:12pm
HonDawg17 wrote:
Well the sound is of a 250 or a 300 2 stroke...so we'll see if they bring back 125's. But I'm guessing its a 250. That...

Well the sound is of a 250 or a 300 2 stroke...so we'll see if they bring back 125's. But I'm guessing its a 250. That way guys can race them in normal classes.

There is a 125 class and 125 jr . You live near Millville they get usually 28 in 125 class National 30+.  MOST districts hv the same 2 125 classes.  A 125 is also allowed to race any class 250 or 450 & vets.  Wi. Also has a 2-st class it’s Huge open to any cc.  It was bigger at 1or 2 races.  The 125 class is usually the biggest.  

1
3
burn1986
Posts
12246
Joined
4/16/2010
Location
bossier city, LA US
1/27/2025 8:29pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2025 8:42pm

Instagram? I didn’t know there was people asking Kawi to brink it back?

 

3
1/27/2025 8:49pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2025 8:50pm

It's the link from the first page...

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFQErgAJ4uy/

burn1986 wrote:

Yeah, I saw it was Instagram. I’m just curious if the messages were real. Doesn’t matter at this point, just curious. Baffling really

All Kawasaki have said is "We heard you", they haven't said they are going to sell a 2 stroke!

17
1/27/2025 9:30pm

It's the link from the first page...

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFQErgAJ4uy/

burn1986 wrote:

Yeah, I saw it was Instagram. I’m just curious if the messages were real. Doesn’t matter at this point, just curious. Baffling really

All Kawasaki have said is "We heard you", they haven't said they are going to sell a 2 stroke!

Why would they pay to air the commercial during supercross on Saturday if they didn’t intended to follow through and produce a new two stroke? 

2
Magoofan
Posts
10401
Joined
5/4/2021
Location
Shadow Glen (for those who remember), CA US
1/27/2025 10:23pm
burn1986 wrote:

Yeah, I saw it was Instagram. I’m just curious if the messages were real. Doesn’t matter at this point, just curious. Baffling really

They have to be at least copied from real posts...       "Bring back 2-smokers"  is not a corporate "friendly" term in todays climate change BS narrative.   

2
13
1/27/2025 11:03pm
burn1986 wrote:

Yeah, I saw it was Instagram. I’m just curious if the messages were real. Doesn’t matter at this point, just curious. Baffling really

All Kawasaki have said is "We heard you", they haven't said they are going to sell a 2 stroke!

Why would they pay to air the commercial during supercross on Saturday if they didn’t intended to follow through and produce a new two stroke? 

Brand awareness.

4
1/27/2025 11:40pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2025 11:50pm

Built this 01 during Covid, an all new KX125 in an alumi frame would be sickkkkk

IMG 5890.jpeg?VersionId=VeAUYHpEma2i5QGEIzp8n.
10
1/28/2025 1:16am
1000008826

 

Had a lot of fun with this bike in 04 into 05. Kawasaki all ready brought back a bike everyone said not happening. The new zx4rr inline 400 sport bike in 23. If kawie brings out new kx 125 n 250 it will make moto better. 

5

Post a reply to: Kawasaki is bringing the two stroke back!

The Latest