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@ML512 is it possible that we see Jet on the new 450 this summer?
They’ve already said no to that possibility, from Trey canard.
$1500 - $2000 less than a Beta or KTM?
YZ 250s are gonna get pretty dusty sitting on showroom floors in 2027
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I knew it was dumb to remove the f from the 4 strokes when it happened, but its really dumb now when they bring back a 2 stroke. So this is the kx327 and then next up is the kx450, ones a 2 strokes ones a 4 stroke. Should have kept the f and bring back more 2 strokes going fwd.
They brought back the F.
I hear Honda is working on a CR351, while Suzuki is planning an RM396.
I didn't know if a "327" would be eligible to ride in 10 different off-road classes, versus 5 if it was a 250.
If it was a 250, it would have been eligible for almost all the big bike classes for amateur racing.
The question was I'm naive to off-road, gncc, desert classes. There had to be a point to the displacement they chose.
I quit riding 8 years ago - this is the first time buying a new bike has even crossed my mind.
Rarely does something qualify as "worth the wait" - But that is actually the case here. VERY WELL DONE!
Touche, but still! 😂
It's gotta be because the engineers/testers thought it was a good package?
Cc doesn't matter to the vast majority of hobbyist off-road racers. In my part of the west anyway. Most riders are age/ski based (if you ride over 30 expert dez there is no cc rule). Hell, the pro 250 guys are right there in the mix with 450 dudes in national hare and hound.
Really happy kawi finally started adding offroad parts that people actually want. Clear tank, hand guards, a real skid plate, 6 speed trans, and a tucked up kickstand. This bike is going to look sweet with a blue seat cover. Reminds me of a 87 KX with the blue and white shroud graphics.
I wonder if this is going to be a resellers market. Gotta think this will be scarce as hell.
The 300 is the dominant 2t for off-road. 327 still competes in the same classes. Most kids running in the 250 class are on 250f because they are faster for XC racing. It is also possible the 300 Kawi just wasn't fast or torquey enough to compete with the 300 KTM. 327 gives it a little extra.
Yeah I doubt there will be much in the way of discounts the first year unless they plan to make a lot of them.
Hey I resemble that remark!😁. Now bring on the tests!
Kawasaki has discounted every single year besides 2020 on every model.
This one might break that trend but I doubt it’ll be resellers market. Kawi just doesn’t have that kind of pull for whatever reason.
Pit Row
The only adult displacement restricted classes in offroad racing are 250 Pro, A, B, C and 200/150 A,B,C. Every other class is open CC.
This is awesome news. Can’t wait to see the rest of the lineup!
This is not the first KX327...maybe Tom Morgan had something to do with it? I haven't read the article yet but is this just a 300 stroker? That would make sense for the enduro guys.
https://dirtbikemagazine.com/kawasaki-kx327-two-stroke-project/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The 2003 YZ426 was a direct result of the race team running a bored YZ400F in 2001 and 2002. They settled on that overbore and felt like it was the sweet spot for power delivery.
Maybe Kawasaki did the same thing in testing, since they had already decided not to constrain themselves at the 250cc mark. This could very easily be the reason this is a 2027 model and hasn't already been in the market for a year now; they may have had a 300 and didn't like the power.
Im going to need some ride reviews and comparisons. Then im going to need 6 months and some old guy to put 20 hours on one and decide he cant ride it and I offer 7k cash lol.
In DC's GNCC empire, I'm pretty sure in the XC2 250cc class (pros) they allow equivalency. A few times over the years, a 2t rider has won it. Races and the Championship.
I don't know what they allow in the XC1 Pro class - I assume 450 4t is the limit? Something like the 327 Kawi / 350 (Beta) and what may be to come from other manufacturers, would be absolute weapons in GNCC / Offroad in general!
The 'strange' size?
As I've written before, I'd be surprised if that capacity of 327cc wasn't made, to have the base engine / cases being suitable for an eventual 250cc 2 stroke.
Just be Happy that Kawasaki have (finally!) brought out their first completely new 2t , in a couple of decades, I reckon.
The RM could only get to live with an electric starter, it has so much compression.
But Suzuki refuses to put that on...
Dear Mitch Payton,
Please build a fire breather and strap Kitchens skinny ass to it at Lorettas on the off-week. We need a "demo".
Thanks
- Pretty much everyone
Pretty damn great on paper. Can't wait to see some ride reviews. It's like they built the 300XC that people really wanted: bore+stroke engine, KYB suspension, AND cheaper. DAMN!
@ML I’m always curious how long have you known the details?
This is such a poor take…first of all it has to homologated, then they have to have parts available both aftermarket and production to be able to change. When RV did it in 2011 the only change was the frame and everything else was the same so they were able to just bolt everything on the 2012…same with the Lawrence’s on the 27 Honda they won’t because of the same reasons…and of course the final point is…does Chase really need another option to confuse him with?
If you put a fully PC tuned 327 next to a fully tuned 450 right now, I’d take the 327 without a second thought.
There should be videos of RV riding the 327 soon.
Post a reply to: Kawasaki's Two-Stroke is Real, the KX327 is Here