Kawasaki is bringing the two stroke back!

Gravel
Posts
1782
Joined
2/22/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA US
4/24/2026 8:36am
soggy wrote:

I don’t know anything about these but this is close to what some of y’all are asking for


https://www.ajp-usa.com/spr240x-2026

That’s surprisingly good looking. The Chinese are improving quickly, a few years ago they were just laughable, the proportions were all wrong, the rear fenders usually stuck up too high and they had awkward controls that didn’t look like they actually fit human bodies..

If Kawasaki doesn’t hurry up, there’s gonna be a Chinese 300 smoker that’s no compromise..

8
nskerb
Posts
537
Joined
11/21/2019
Location
Kelso, WA US
4/24/2026 8:36am
plink01 wrote:

Anyone know when the new Kawi is gonna be released? The deposit is starting to burn a hole in my pocket.

Don't listen to the trolls. There isn't a confirmed release date. Many in the industry think it will be towards June....

Yeah, I'm assuming it will be released within a day or two of the rest of the 27 models. I'd bet it gets its own day of glory though. 

If it isnt released within a week of the rest of the 27 line, I'd blow that deposit on something else lol. 

5
4/24/2026 9:09am
plink01 wrote:

Anyone know when the new Kawi is gonna be released? The deposit is starting to burn a hole in my pocket.

Sounds to me like it continues to be delayed. I was told last week that teasers were coming sometime in the summer, product arriving late summer early fall.

Perhaps ZOOM can somehow confirm this?

1
Press516
Posts
5558
Joined
9/11/2018
Location
Gilbert, AZ US
Fantasy
4/24/2026 9:36am
soggy wrote:

I don’t know anything about these but this is close to what some of y’all are asking for


https://www.ajp-usa.com/spr240x-2026

Gravel wrote:
That’s surprisingly good looking. The Chinese are improving quickly, a few years ago they were just laughable, the proportions were all wrong, the rear fenders usually...

That’s surprisingly good looking. The Chinese are improving quickly, a few years ago they were just laughable, the proportions were all wrong, the rear fenders usually stuck up too high and they had awkward controls that didn’t look like they actually fit human bodies..

If Kawasaki doesn’t hurry up, there’s gonna be a Chinese 300 smoker that’s no compromise..

Not sure if you were suggesting that the AJP is built in China?  They are not...  They are made in Portugal and are all hand assembled.  While they aren't cutting edge tech, they are a good quality built bike.  The motor in the 310 Enduro reminds me of the Husky motor from their pre-KTM times.

AJP310
5
1

The Shop

mxrose3
Posts
2325
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
Delmar, DE US
4/24/2026 9:48am

Chinese GPX 300 two stroke

GPXleftLOWRES
3
3
Gravel
Posts
1782
Joined
2/22/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA US
4/24/2026 10:50am
soggy wrote:

I don’t know anything about these but this is close to what some of y’all are asking for


https://www.ajp-usa.com/spr240x-2026

Gravel wrote:
That’s surprisingly good looking. The Chinese are improving quickly, a few years ago they were just laughable, the proportions were all wrong, the rear fenders usually...

That’s surprisingly good looking. The Chinese are improving quickly, a few years ago they were just laughable, the proportions were all wrong, the rear fenders usually stuck up too high and they had awkward controls that didn’t look like they actually fit human bodies..

If Kawasaki doesn’t hurry up, there’s gonna be a Chinese 300 smoker that’s no compromise..

Press516 wrote:
Not sure if you were suggesting that the AJP is built in China?  They are not...  They are made in Portugal and are all hand assembled...

Not sure if you were suggesting that the AJP is built in China?  They are not...  They are made in Portugal and are all hand assembled.  While they aren't cutting edge tech, they are a good quality built bike.  The motor in the 310 Enduro reminds me of the Husky motor from their pre-KTM times.

AJP310

I was (mistakenly) saying AJP was Chinese. Thanks for clearing that up!

3
1
4/24/2026 11:26am

Another rare/oddball Kawasaki from the early 90s.. this was Paul Malin and Billy Liles perimeter framed KX500

 

Screenshot 2026-04-24 at 14-25-41 Dave Thorpe%E2%80%99s %E2%80%9890 KX500 - Moto-Related - Motocross Forums   Message Boards - Vital MX.png?VersionId=S0ih4ZTHp8lqz9FOa137388588 2163720500322013 4426392457738977280 n
11
4/24/2026 11:29am

and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

BackInTheDayISDE1989LRs80story 0
17
Kenny Banyan
Posts
3209
Joined
6/2/2024
Location
Seattle, WA US
4/24/2026 11:49am
and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

BackInTheDayISDE1989LRs80story 0

That’s wild….. do you know the reason why that was done?

3
4/24/2026 12:02pm
and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

BackInTheDayISDE1989LRs80story 0

That’s wild….. do you know the reason why that was done?

He said they did it because they needed to compete in an additional class other than 4-stroke, but they ended up having a ton of fun on the little/big bikes.

RIDING ROESELER'S FULL-SIZE KX80 

World trophy team rider and 11 time ISDE medalist Larry Roeseler has a new set of wheels for the ISDE this year, a modified KX80 in an '89 KX125 frame! Only four monster 80s were built in the Kawasaki machine shop for the ISDE; two for Roeseler, one for club rider Taz Harvey and the fourth for LR to practice on before the big event. The reasoning behind the hybrid 80/125 is simple. Roeseler says, "We put a lot of work into the team selection this year and there really wasn't anyone who was winning consistently in the four-stroke classes. Each trophy team has to compete in at least four classes, so we needed something else besides a thumper. Mark Johnson said, 'we have a killer 80, so let's build a bike and go for it!" I jumped at the chance to develop and ride it."


COMPLICATED CONVERSION 

Obviously, the tiny KX80 motor didn't just slip into the KX125 frame. Spacers were made for the front motor mounts, the bottom mounts were cut and repositioned on the frame and then a four-piece aluminum rear mount was machined from billet. The lower radiator spigot had to be cut and rewelded at a different angle. Luckily, the KX125 and KX80 countershaft splines were the same, so a KX125 11-tooth sprocket slipped right on. With a 52-tooth rear sprocket, the 80 is good for 65+ mph on dirt! Final gearing will be 11-52/54. Next a bell housing was machined to connect the stock KX80 carb to the 125 airbox boot. The freer flowing airbox leaned jetting, so they went to the richest needle made (F1344H), three up on the main (140) and one richer on the pilot (58). Roeseler then cut the KX80 pipe and rewelded it to fit the 125 frame. Pro Circuit took that pipe and redesigned one to give the bike more midrange, so LR won't have to slip the clutch so much.

In case he does fry a clutch, a two-piece clutch cover was machined so a clutch change can be made in under two minutes. The rear axle carriers were slotted and spring loaded for quick rear wheel removal, and the rear caliper guard was removed to allow quicker pad changes. Works fasteners put the weight well below the 198-pound limit (it's 15 pounds lighter than a KX125); a Velcro-backed tool bag will enable the bike to pass tech inspection. To meet the 94dB sound limit, LR mated a KX80 core to a KX125 muffler and welded on a cap to direct exhaust toward the ground.

With a displacement of 82cc, the American cylinder is illegal for the ISDE class, so a 79cc cylinder was imported from France and ported by Pro Circuit, which also reworked the head. All bikes must also have lighting, so Team Green machined down the stock KX80 ignition towers and stacked another trigger coil under the stock unit. This acts as the lighting coil and powers two three-watt bulbs.

Next, preproduction '90 inverted KYB forks were slipped on with C-10 cartridge oil set at 130mm. Pro Circuit revalved the forks and shock. Other changes include: Acerbis front disc guard, side plates, head light assembly and handguards, KDX200 rear fender, shortened shifter, Renthal bars, ICO speedo, bulb horn, fish-eye mirror, '90 KX80 logos, Renthal rear sprocket, KDX200 waterpump guard, welded-on back plate and the smallest ecology rear tire available.


RIDING THE MICRO BEAST 

Simply put, we had more fun on this bike than on any other we've tested. Careful attention must be paid to gear selection and clutch fanning to keep the motor singing in technical sections, but the bike is so light it's a blast to fling around. It corners and stops much quicker than the '89 KX125 and muscling the bike around is incredibly easy. Stability and handling are excellent. Though it doesn't have any low-end power to speak of, Roeselter performed some pretty amazing feats on the microbeast. When we asked Team Green's Mark Johnson if the KX80ISDE might see production, he said, "There are no plans at this time, although we may build one for Mercedes Gonzales to ride next year at the Amateur Nationals. It will make it fairer to the other women." Come on, guys, what about the rest of us?


ROESELER ON ISDE GOLD 

Can Roeseler win an ISDE gold medal (his ninth) in the hotly contested 80 class in West Germany? "Those 80 guys haul, so I really can't predict how I'll finish. I'll have six weeks of practice and testing on the bike when I arrive in West Germany, so the bike and I will definitely be ready. We'll finalize gearing and rear tire selection there and see how it goes. One thing is for sure-I'm going to have fun!"

12
4/24/2026 12:06pm Edited Date/Time 4/24/2026 12:11pm
and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

and at the other end of the displacement spectrum, Larry Roeseler's 1989 KX80 in KX125 frame.. he won ISDE gold medals on this machine

BackInTheDayISDE1989LRs80story 0

That’s wild….. do you know the reason why that was done?

There was a class for those bikes back then - I think TM made a factory / OEM version for years.  Would probably be pretty fun bike to ride!

*Edit - here in the TM

https://dirtbikemagazine.com/1995-full-size-tm80-enduro-two-stroke-tuesday/

image 2931.png?VersionId=

7
Gmyersdork
Posts
321
Joined
2/16/2021
Location
Beverly Hills, FL US
4/24/2026 12:44pm
1000000989 0
2
7
69HemiGTX
Posts
19
Joined
3/20/2017
Location
Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do KR
4/24/2026 4:40pm
My 97 and later 99 KX250 were two of the best dirt bikes I've ever owned. They both handled great and had a good low to...

My 97 and later 99 KX250 were two of the best dirt bikes I've ever owned. They both handled great and had a good low to mid powerband that was easy and fun to ride. 

The bike in my avatar is a 07 KX250 fully restored with 88 style graphics designed by me on my computer (and green frame to boot). I could never gel with that bike for some reason.. it just handled poorly. The engine was insanely fast.  Those two combined did not make me feel comfortable on it.

55 1.jpg?VersionId=CAP1A1SztIG9b1IDBfDhL8V3zkJEsP7 12.jpg?VersionId=MfFeHkJiBUl0FzPObDMfwE79

My 96 felt great, even to a low-skilled rider like me.  I had a 99, but traded it for a trailer before I really got to ride it.  I agree 100% with the assessment of your 07.  Since the 07 was an 06 with BNG, I know the feeling.  Mine even had PC upper and lower triple clamps, a bar mount, and a linkage and still felt weird.  I always felt like it was trying to hurt me.  I was going for a 90 look with mine, but wound up selling it before I moved here to Korea.

mine4 1mine16 3

2
bluesmoke
Posts
185
Joined
1/30/2023
Location
Lakeworth, TX US
4/24/2026 5:07pm

Do you still have that one?

GrapeApe wrote:

Unfortunately no that one was sold in '89. I wish I still had it and the JT Bad Bones gear, and the dog.

3strokemx wrote:
The JT reboot is pretty stylish. 

The JT reboot is pretty stylish. 
image 2929.png?VersionId=JTTr6.bg

Looks like kids pj's

2
1
Zoom
Posts
1360
Joined
10/21/2012
Location
Cypress, TX US
4/24/2026 5:55pm
plink01 wrote:

Anyone know when the new Kawi is gonna be released? The deposit is starting to burn a hole in my pocket.

Sounds to me like it continues to be delayed. I was told last week that teasers were coming sometime in the summer, product arriving late summer...

Sounds to me like it continues to be delayed. I was told last week that teasers were coming sometime in the summer, product arriving late summer early fall.

Perhaps ZOOM can somehow confirm this?

I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this summer. 

5
1
Gmyersdork
Posts
321
Joined
2/16/2021
Location
Beverly Hills, FL US
4/24/2026 7:27pm
Zoom wrote:
I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this...

I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this summer. 

No way

2
BossWool2800
Posts
315
Joined
10/25/2025
Location
Jackson , TX US
4/24/2026 7:38pm Edited Date/Time 4/24/2026 8:05pm
Zoom wrote:
I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this...

I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this summer. 

Yeah, that’s what we’re hearing too. Word is these are held up temporarily on the Japan side of shipping (tariffs, shipping security issues). Several techs have tried it, liaised with selected dealers, and are just waiting for the go ahead to begin crating, finishing, etc. 

1
yamathumb
Posts
161
Joined
3/11/2025
Location
Redding, CA US
4/25/2026 1:03am

Couple more months sounds like

4/25/2026 9:10am
plink01 wrote:

Anyone know when the new Kawi is gonna be released? The deposit is starting to burn a hole in my pocket.

Sounds to me like it continues to be delayed. I was told last week that teasers were coming sometime in the summer, product arriving late summer...

Sounds to me like it continues to be delayed. I was told last week that teasers were coming sometime in the summer, product arriving late summer early fall.

Perhaps ZOOM can somehow confirm this?

Zoom wrote:
I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this...

I'm hearing good things, just can say what I'm hearing. If I was a betting man I would expect it to be on showroom floors this summer. 

Ah, good stuff. That makes sense. We normally seem to get our product a month or two after the USA receives theirs.

Really looking forward to this release.

4/25/2026 9:44am Edited Date/Time 4/25/2026 9:47am
My 97 and later 99 KX250 were two of the best dirt bikes I've ever owned. They both handled great and had a good low to...

My 97 and later 99 KX250 were two of the best dirt bikes I've ever owned. They both handled great and had a good low to mid powerband that was easy and fun to ride. 

The bike in my avatar is a 07 KX250 fully restored with 88 style graphics designed by me on my computer (and green frame to boot). I could never gel with that bike for some reason.. it just handled poorly. The engine was insanely fast.  Those two combined did not make me feel comfortable on it.

55 1.jpg?VersionId=CAP1A1SztIG9b1IDBfDhL8V3zkJEsP7 12.jpg?VersionId=MfFeHkJiBUl0FzPObDMfwE79
69HemiGTX wrote:
My 96 felt great, even to a low-skilled rider like me.  I had a 99, but traded it for a trailer before I really got to...

My 96 felt great, even to a low-skilled rider like me.  I had a 99, but traded it for a trailer before I really got to ride it.  I agree 100% with the assessment of your 07.  Since the 07 was an 06 with BNG, I know the feeling.  Mine even had PC upper and lower triple clamps, a bar mount, and a linkage and still felt weird.  I always felt like it was trying to hurt me.  I was going for a 90 look with mine, but wound up selling it before I moved here to Korea.

mine4 1mine16 3

I had applied triples but they were sadly stock spec. I coudn't find a set of triples with the more favorable offset that supposedly makes these last gen (at least for now) KX250 two strokes handle better. 

I did get a set of the '02 KX250 triples which had the desired offset, but ended up selling the bike before having a chance to try them out

Brett evans
Posts
219
Joined
10/2/2020
Location
Owasso, OK US
4/30/2026 6:01am

Will the new bike have an alu frame?

 

IMG 2793IMG 2792.png?VersionId=XqX4xGjg Q0IHAQ wixVueIMG 2791 1IMG 2795
7
2
Zoom
Posts
1360
Joined
10/21/2012
Location
Cypress, TX US
4/30/2026 9:58pm
Andy7 wrote:
aledei wrote:

Up!

…..😅

This may go down in history as the biggest joke ever....yeah we heard you (but we ain't gunna do jack or &$*# about it).

With over 30 million views on all its platforms it is the most watch content produced by Kawasaki in History.

2
BossWool2800
Posts
315
Joined
10/25/2025
Location
Jackson , TX US
4/30/2026 10:26pm Edited Date/Time 4/30/2026 10:39pm
Zoom wrote:

With over 30 million views on all its platforms it is the most watch content produced by Kawasaki in History.

The old Japanese guys don’t know what that means and don’t care. They may not have seen or even know who posted that video. Maybe one of the engineers? Someone lower on the chain? It was obviously a mistake, or posted by someone with no authority.

2
13
5/1/2026 9:23am
aledei wrote:

Up!

…..😅

This may go down in history as the biggest joke ever....yeah we heard you (but we ain't gunna do jack or &$*# about it).

Zoom wrote:

With over 30 million views on all its platforms it is the most watch content produced by Kawasaki in History.

Change in priority, marketing ploy?  Wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened.

5/1/2026 10:12am
The old Japanese guys don’t know what that means and don’t care. They may not have seen or even know who posted that video. Maybe one...

The old Japanese guys don’t know what that means and don’t care. They may not have seen or even know who posted that video. Maybe one of the engineers? Someone lower on the chain? It was obviously a mistake, or posted by someone with no authority.

No offense intended, but how the fuck would you know?

7
1
Gmyersdork
Posts
321
Joined
2/16/2021
Location
Beverly Hills, FL US
5/1/2026 10:49am

Yamaha and KTM are salivating at the thought of you guys finally realizing there is no kawasaki 2 stroke coming

2
4

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

The Latest