Kawasaki is bringing the two stroke back!

soggy
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8659
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12/3/2018
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UT US
6/2/2026 8:43am
GrapeApe wrote:
For starters, you said the two stoke sounds in the initial promotion were mistakenly put in there by the marketing department and there was never a...

For starters, you said the two stoke sounds in the initial promotion were mistakenly put in there by the marketing department and there was never a plan for a new two stroke. Can I stop there or shall I go on?

 

3strokemx wrote:
Yeah I'm shocked, my sources were really confident in that story.....perhaps this Vital thread with everyone saying they would buy one was enough for Kawasaki to...

Yeah I'm shocked, my sources were really confident in that story.....perhaps this Vital thread with everyone saying they would buy one was enough for Kawasaki to take action?

Yea totally makes sense with the ‘we heard you tag line’ as well

6
1
uncledaddy69
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Huntington Beach, CA US
6/2/2026 8:44am
GPrider wrote:
you would really serve yourself better if you just said i was wrong and you guys were right. Not hard to do. you are digging yourself...

you would really serve yourself better if you just said i was wrong and you guys were right. Not hard to do. you are digging yourself deeper hole. Inst that what that Mertile guy did with the Lawrence's? 

 

3strokemx wrote:

What was I wrong about?  
I highlighted the fact there was no credible model announcement. 

IMG 1597 2.jpeg?VersionId=tmmvUXzO5nib .
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1
6/2/2026 8:51am
Rickyisms wrote:

I think 3strokemx has been playing you guys like a fiddle. 

smack wrote:
He sure got us 

He sure got us

 CDN media

I mean if you think he’s that stupid and insufferable why keep engaging with him?

1
6
smack
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Regina, SK CA
Fantasy
6/2/2026 8:55am
Rickyisms wrote:

I think 3strokemx has been playing you guys like a fiddle. 

smack wrote:
He sure got us 

He sure got us

 CDN media

Rickyisms wrote:

I mean if you think he’s that stupid and insufferable why keep engaging with him?

I really haven't at all buddy

1

The Shop

6/2/2026 8:57am
Rickyisms wrote:
Lots of questions here. What does April 1st mean on the fuel tank? Who’s the guy in a suit and tie at an MX race? Where...

Lots of questions here. What does April 1st mean on the fuel tank? Who’s the guy in a suit and tie at an MX race? Where can I get one of those jackets the Kawi tech is wearing?  

Robgvx wrote:
Kawasaki discovered, just a few days before the first sand GP, that their factory bike, hand built for the reigning world champion, couldn’t do 40+2 in...

Kawasaki discovered, just a few days before the first sand GP, that their factory bike, hand built for the reigning world champion, couldn’t do 40+2 in the soft stuff. So their factory solution was to weld a nut crusher can to the top of the tank to hold a bit more fuel. 

The ‘April 1’ scribble (it was indeed the weekend of April Fools Day) was to try to make light of the incredibly embarrassing situation. They didn’t even have the right green paint!

No idea about the guy in the suit. But the Kawi guy with the bike is Belgian fella Ivan, who wasn’t an official Kawasaki mechanic, but a big Thorpe fan who ended up (along with his pal Eddie) being volunteer helpers for Keith and David Thorpe. Nice gig for a couple of fans. Nice guys, too.


Photo from Valkenswaard, 1990 

Didn't Thorpe hate that bike and went back to the traditional KX500, but Malin liked it better than the traditional KX500.

Bullet Billy Lyles rode that green abortion to success. 

gt80rider
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Boulder, CO US
6/2/2026 9:22am

Holy chittttttttttt!!!!! Only 90+ pages before it finally dropped.... lmaooooo

2
1
6/2/2026 9:23am
Rickyisms wrote:
Between the KX being a 327 and those rumors that floated around of KTM testing something closer to a 360/380 two stroke, maybe the OEMs are...

Between the KX being a 327 and those rumors that floated around of KTM testing something closer to a 360/380 two stroke, maybe the OEMs are testing the waters for a possible push to larger bore 2 strokes being an option again? A man can dream. 

It becomes quiet about the possible new 360/380 KTM , last thing i heard are Piston Problems similar to the SX 300.

I‘am not a Kawasaki Fan but this KX 327 is great, hope to see a RM 350 or YZ 350 the next Years 

1
TDC
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HTown, TX US
6/2/2026 9:31am
It becomes quiet about the possible new 360/380 KTM , last thing i heard are Piston Problems similar to the SX 300.I‘am not a Kawasaki Fan...

It becomes quiet about the possible new 360/380 KTM , last thing i heard are Piston Problems similar to the SX 300.

I‘am not a Kawasaki Fan but this KX 327 is great, hope to see a RM 350 or YZ 350 the next Years 

That 360 development prolly killed by Bajaj.

1
Bearuno
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Location
AU
6/2/2026 9:41am Edited Date/Time 6/2/2026 9:44am
Robgvx wrote:
Kawasaki discovered, just a few days before the first sand GP, that their factory bike, hand built for the reigning world champion, couldn’t do 40+2 in...

Kawasaki discovered, just a few days before the first sand GP, that their factory bike, hand built for the reigning world champion, couldn’t do 40+2 in the soft stuff. So their factory solution was to weld a nut crusher can to the top of the tank to hold a bit more fuel. 

The ‘April 1’ scribble (it was indeed the weekend of April Fools Day) was to try to make light of the incredibly embarrassing situation. They didn’t even have the right green paint!

No idea about the guy in the suit. But the Kawi guy with the bike is Belgian fella Ivan, who wasn’t an official Kawasaki mechanic, but a big Thorpe fan who ended up (along with his pal Eddie) being volunteer helpers for Keith and David Thorpe. Nice gig for a couple of fans. Nice guys, too.


Photo from Valkenswaard, 1990 

Didn't Thorpe hate that bike and went back to the traditional KX500, but Malin liked it better than the traditional KX500.

Bullet Billy Lyles rode that green abortion to success. 

It was a real bummer when Billy broke his leg - he was doing so well, and, I think, in the lead of the Championship at the time.

Fairly rapidly, there were quite few KX riders on the Perimeter framed Hybrids. Easy things  to make.

But, over the next few seasons, they pretty much disappeared, KX riders were, generally, back on the backbone bikes. The last few years of the 500s, the field was pretty much made of KX and CR500s, for the privateers, with the Husky and 'Bergs,  then the Yamahas and KTM 4ts starting to do the Championships winning.  The last of the 500 2 stroke champions was Swede Marcus Hansson on a CR500 in '94, , then a  Dastardly Kiwi by the name of  Shayne King, with the 360 /380 's win in '96. Those 'mixed' types years  500 World Championships DVDs are  a great watch, with the variety of bikes / sounds out on the track, by the way. 

1
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA US
6/2/2026 9:47am

Huh.

5 speed for Moto.

6 speed for Off-Road.

Damn.

This makes WAY TOO MUCH SENSE! 

15
6/2/2026 9:54am
TeamGreen wrote:

Huh.

5 speed for Moto.

6 speed for Off-Road.

Damn.

This makes WAY TOO MUCH SENSE! 

Honestly, it's the details on the X model that show Kawasaki's commitment to this, especially the 6 speed transmission. 

I've heard whispers there may be more models to come in the next couple of years. Exciting times!

15
chuckie108
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Mira Loma, CA US
6/2/2026 10:00am

The official Kawasaki website

chuckie108 wrote:

Do you mind sharing a link? I looked there and couldn't find it. I even asked AI and no dice. 

wrc777 wrote:

Cross-Country Motorcycle | 2-Stroke Dirt Bike | Kawasaki KX™327X

 

Everything is on the site including some minor updates to the 250f.

I've read all that, thanks. I'm specifically looking for the bore and stroke. queen of spodes said the new engine had a 76mm stroke, but didn't list the bore. I'm curious if this is accurate and would like to see the actual data. Have you seen the bore and stroke listed somewhere? 

1
GPrider
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La Mesa, CA US
6/2/2026 10:01am
It becomes quiet about the possible new 360/380 KTM , last thing i heard are Piston Problems similar to the SX 300.I‘am not a Kawasaki Fan...

It becomes quiet about the possible new 360/380 KTM , last thing i heard are Piston Problems similar to the SX 300.

I‘am not a Kawasaki Fan but this KX 327 is great, hope to see a RM 350 or YZ 350 the next Years 

ktm is working/testing now, 2028 model, size idk

1
TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA US
6/2/2026 10:19am
TeamGreen wrote:

Huh.

5 speed for Moto.

6 speed for Off-Road.

Damn.

This makes WAY TOO MUCH SENSE! 

Honestly, it's the details on the X model that show Kawasaki's commitment to this, especially the 6 speed transmission. I've heard whispers there may be more models...

Honestly, it's the details on the X model that show Kawasaki's commitment to this, especially the 6 speed transmission. 

I've heard whispers there may be more models to come in the next couple of years. Exciting times!

Can’t wait to make my “89ish” graphics that say KDX327SR…a “DH1” on the front and rear fenders…

Headlight…taillight…

Baja will be smokin’…again! 

Brrrrrrraaapp! 

15
Bearuno
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AU
6/2/2026 10:28am Edited Date/Time 6/2/2026 10:33am
chuckie108 wrote:
I've read all that, thanks. I'm specifically looking for the bore and stroke. queen of spodes said the new engine had a 76mm stroke, but didn't...

I've read all that, thanks. I'm specifically looking for the bore and stroke. queen of spodes said the new engine had a 76mm stroke, but didn't list the bore. I'm curious if this is accurate and would like to see the actual data. Have you seen the bore and stroke listed somewhere? 

 With a 74mm bore and 76mm stroke, you'd get 326.906cc.

 As close to a '327', as you're going to get!

The Beta 350  went up to a 73.6 stroke   -  only a little bit more than a  near 'traditional' 72mm  on most 250  / 300 2 strokes, I'd think, to keep piston speed down, so as not to lose revs. 

But, you never know. Smaller piston = lighter weight, may be an offset to the longer stroke. 

Should be a Great thing, whatever B & S it has!

 

2
bonseff
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Frisco, TX US
6/2/2026 10:30am

Those of us who have had yamaha's in the late 80s and honda's in the 90s, no bueno on the white tanks. 

6
BossWool2800
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Jackson , TX US
6/2/2026 10:41am
3strokemx wrote:
The thing I was asking for didn't happen until today, that's why you couldn't show it to me back then.  You're really driving home the point...

The thing I was asking for didn't happen until today, that's why you couldn't show it to me back then.  

You're really driving home the point I was making, that a new bike is only speculative until there is a new model announcement.  

 

But has it arrived yet…technically? 😎

1
1
6/2/2026 10:50am
Dylanmx51 wrote:

327cc 2 stroke fuel injected available end 2026-beginning 2027

Not a liar 🙄

13
1
6/2/2026 11:48am
Dylanmx51 wrote:

327cc 2 stroke fuel injected available end 2026-beginning 2027

👍👏

1
dn315
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Allegany, NY US
6/2/2026 11:56am
TeamGreen wrote:

Huh.

5 speed for Moto.

6 speed for Off-Road.

Damn.

This makes WAY TOO MUCH SENSE! 

Honestly, it's the details on the X model that show Kawasaki's commitment to this, especially the 6 speed transmission. I've heard whispers there may be more models...

Honestly, it's the details on the X model that show Kawasaki's commitment to this, especially the 6 speed transmission. 

I've heard whispers there may be more models to come in the next couple of years. Exciting times!

227 along side the 327 would be killer 

4
OldTech
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Location
Decatur , AL US
6/2/2026 12:07pm

I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them look it up they said they "didn't know if they would be ordering any ". I left my number and walked out...

8
6/2/2026 12:26pm
Dylanmx51 wrote:

327cc 2 stroke fuel injected available end 2026-beginning 2027

Dylanmx51 wrote:

Not a liar 🙄

What Time Machine you used or you know someone high up at kawi ? lol your bang on a year ago when even Kawi USA guys had no clue 

11
chuckie108
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Mira Loma, CA US
6/2/2026 1:03pm
chuckie108 wrote:
I've read all that, thanks. I'm specifically looking for the bore and stroke. queen of spodes said the new engine had a 76mm stroke, but didn't...

I've read all that, thanks. I'm specifically looking for the bore and stroke. queen of spodes said the new engine had a 76mm stroke, but didn't list the bore. I'm curious if this is accurate and would like to see the actual data. Have you seen the bore and stroke listed somewhere? 

Bearuno wrote:
 With a 74mm bore and 76mm stroke, you'd get 326.906cc. As close to a '327', as you're going to get!The Beta 350  went up to a 73.6...

 With a 74mm bore and 76mm stroke, you'd get 326.906cc.

 As close to a '327', as you're going to get!

The Beta 350  went up to a 73.6 stroke   -  only a little bit more than a  near 'traditional' 72mm  on most 250  / 300 2 strokes, I'd think, to keep piston speed down, so as not to lose revs. 

But, you never know. Smaller piston = lighter weight, may be an offset to the longer stroke. 

Should be a Great thing, whatever B & S it has!

 

I think it will even be more undersquare than 74x76, especially since it's case reed. But I agree with you, looks like a clean sheet design, so I'm guessing Kawi will nail it or at least get really close. It's not about piston weight, it's about port area, and thus why all the current "big bore" 2 strokes never quite hit the mark- they are for the most part over bored 250s and not clean sheet specific designs. Even the Beta 350. Really looking forward to seeing how a purpose built, modern tech, mid size 2 stroke will stack up. That is something never really brought to market, and why I'm interested to know what the actual specs are. 👍

2
RH447
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Fredericksburg, VA US
6/2/2026 1:04pm
OldTech wrote:
I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them...

I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them look it up they said they "didn't know if they would be ordering any ". I left my number and walked out...

Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was told phone lines were going crazy for hours, but they confirmed they can take the reservation. 

3
MAS06
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Onondaga, MI US
Fantasy
6/2/2026 1:12pm

Im very interested in the fork angle of the woods bike vs the mx, on the 4 strokes the woods bike is steeper, If that is the case on these bikes Ill get the MX version

OldTech
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1247
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Decatur , AL US
6/2/2026 1:20pm
OldTech wrote:
I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them...

I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them look it up they said they "didn't know if they would be ordering any ". I left my number and walked out...

RH447 wrote:
Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was...

Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was told phone lines were going crazy for hours, but they confirmed they can take the reservation. 

My salesman had a man bun. I wrote my info on HIS card and left it on his desk,  don't know if I'll ever hear back...

7
ipbrew
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207
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Location
The Sticks CA
6/2/2026 1:23pm
OldTech wrote:
I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them...

I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them look it up they said they "didn't know if they would be ordering any ". I left my number and walked out...

RH447 wrote:
Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was...

Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was told phone lines were going crazy for hours, but they confirmed they can take the reservation. 

OldTech wrote:

My salesman had a man bun. I wrote my info on HIS card and left it on his desk,  don't know if I'll ever hear back...

Is the man bun still a thing?

2
RH447
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10
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Location
Fredericksburg, VA US
6/2/2026 1:26pm
OldTech wrote:
I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them...

I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them look it up they said they "didn't know if they would be ordering any ". I left my number and walked out...

RH447 wrote:
Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was...

Local dealer here was informed; no word on stocking, inventory, etc. $500 non-refundable deposit on the 'X' with a TBD (Late Fall 2026) on arrival. Was told phone lines were going crazy for hours, but they confirmed they can take the reservation. 

OldTech wrote:

My salesman had a man bun. I wrote my info on HIS card and left it on his desk,  don't know if I'll ever hear back...

Pride month in 2026 that tracks; although leaving your number you may get a call back depending on what you wore 🤣. In all seriousness though, sorry to hear about the crummy customer service. I'd bet over the next few weeks we'll start getting more info from Kawasaki, and dealers should get better guidance on inventory, allocations, and arrival dates.

4
6/2/2026 1:27pm
OldTech wrote:
I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them...

I just got back from my local dealership and they had no idea what I was trying to put a deposit on. After I made them look it up they said they "didn't know if they would be ordering any ". I left my number and walked out...

Find another dealer that’s worth giving your money to. 

4

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