Kawasaki is bringing the two stroke back!

Bearuno
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AU
8/5/2026 8:48am

 I wonder if Steward Baylor will get on it in GNCC any time  this year.

Doubtful, I guess, as with 4 rounds to go, he's 12 points back in 2nd, and only 1 in front of 3rd.

But, i think the last round is Nov 8th - he may not be in winning position, he may have sealed it up, who knows.

I'm unsure of any homologation / new model usage rules in GNCC. 

But I reckon it would be an absolute weapon in GNCC. 

But, I daresay they'll have no need to push sales trough a Stars results, they'll sell every one they can pump out, with little promotion. 

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bluesmoke
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Lakeworth, TX, USA
8/5/2026 8:49am
Beta480RX wrote:
Because the X is going to sell at a minimum of 5 to 1 of the straight moto version.If Kawasaki is smart XCs will be the...

Because the X is going to sell at a minimum of 5 to 1 of the straight moto version.

If Kawasaki is smart XCs will be the first off the production line.

Once these are through the initial surge of sales and you can actually find one on a showroom floor that isn't presold those will be the moto bike. The X will be sold out for a long long time.

IMG 0218 0

That there is one sweet 300.

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1
8/5/2026 8:53am
Beta480RX wrote:
Because the X is going to sell at a minimum of 5 to 1 of the straight moto version.If Kawasaki is smart XCs will be the...

Because the X is going to sell at a minimum of 5 to 1 of the straight moto version.

If Kawasaki is smart XCs will be the first off the production line.

Once these are through the initial surge of sales and you can actually find one on a showroom floor that isn't presold those will be the moto bike. The X will be sold out for a long long time.

IMG 0218 0
bluesmoke wrote:

That there is one sweet 300.

I just can't stomach the Beta RE color scheme, I almost bought one and had planned on swapping out the plastic for the std. RR (black and red).

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Mototech853
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Itasca, IL, USA
8/5/2026 9:08am
Bearuno wrote:
 I wonder if Steward Baylor will get on it in GNCC any time  this year.Doubtful, I guess, as with 4 rounds to go, he's 12 points...

 I wonder if Steward Baylor will get on it in GNCC any time  this year.

Doubtful, I guess, as with 4 rounds to go, he's 12 points back in 2nd, and only 1 in front of 3rd.

But, i think the last round is Nov 8th - he may not be in winning position, he may have sealed it up, who knows.

I'm unsure of any homologation / new model usage rules in GNCC. 

But I reckon it would be an absolute weapon in GNCC. 

But, I daresay they'll have no need to push sales trough a Stars results, they'll sell every one they can pump out, with little promotion. 

Unless the championship is locked up I can’t see Stu racing it. Josh Toth on the other hand……

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The Shop

BossWool2800
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Jackson, TX, USA
8/5/2026 9:25am
Beta480RX wrote:
Because the X is going to sell at a minimum of 5 to 1 of the straight moto version.If Kawasaki is smart XCs will be the...

Because the X is going to sell at a minimum of 5 to 1 of the straight moto version.

If Kawasaki is smart XCs will be the first off the production line.

Once these are through the initial surge of sales and you can actually find one on a showroom floor that isn't presold those will be the moto bike. The X will be sold out for a long long time.

IMG 0218 0
bluesmoke wrote:

That there is one sweet 300.

Haha, it’s a 480RX. 

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8/5/2026 9:44am
ipbrew wrote:

Is the man bun still a thing?

TAUTOG wrote:

The new man bun is whatever JT and Lars at Honda have lol

I thought they were brown incontinence pads taped to the top of their heads to soak up sweat.

Silly me.

It's a sicklegruber.  Popular in late 30s, early 40s Berlin.  

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8/5/2026 9:54am Edited Date/Time 8/5/2026 9:58am

RV2 talks a little more about riding the 327 mx version at Ironman, skip to 3:00 for that segment.  
From the segment he says the bike has very smooth, tractable power across the RPM range and he didn't find himself wishing for more power. Says PC could make the thing a fire-breather. Says it is way different from his KX250 smoker from his amatuer days. Has all the luxuries of modern bikes and modern 4-strokes.  

 

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8/5/2026 10:26am

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

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4
8/5/2026 10:30am

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

The real thing that twostrokes are up against is the laziness of the average rider who'd rather put a 450 in 3rd gear and leave it.  They aren't fighting the actual technology of a 4 stroke MX bike. That's going to be a tough one for the brain collective to understand. 

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3
8/5/2026 10:32am

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

The real thing that twostrokes are up against is the laziness of the average rider who'd rather put a 450 in 3rd gear and leave it...

The real thing that twostrokes are up against is the laziness of the average rider who'd rather put a 450 in 3rd gear and leave it.  They aren't fighting the actual technology of a 4 stroke MX bike. That's going to be a tough one for the brain collective to understand. 

Motocross racers have never been accused of being smart..LOL

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2
bodycast
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Location
Monroe, NC, USA
8/5/2026 10:38am

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

The real thing that twostrokes are up against is the laziness of the average rider who'd rather put a 450 in 3rd gear and leave it...

The real thing that twostrokes are up against is the laziness of the average rider who'd rather put a 450 in 3rd gear and leave it.  They aren't fighting the actual technology of a 4 stroke MX bike. That's going to be a tough one for the brain collective to understand. 

Tbh you can do the same thing with a sx300 im sure this will be no different 

1
3strokemx
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USA
8/5/2026 10:58am

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a modern 4 stroke. 


 

2
4
Beta480RX
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Helena, MT, USA
8/5/2026 11:09am
IMG 0218 0
bluesmoke wrote:

That there is one sweet 300.

Haha, it’s a 480RX. 

1000016536

THIS is a 480RX. Bloss Replica #6/10, 480RE cylinder, Wössner high comp piston.

Will be putting 6th gear in it after I race Laughlin in October. Using my 480RE\RX hybrid for Vegas to Reno next week.

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BossWool2800
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Jackson, TX, USA
8/5/2026 12:18pm
bluesmoke wrote:

That there is one sweet 300.

Haha, it’s a 480RX. 

Beta480RX wrote:
THIS is a 480RX. Bloss Replica #6/10, 480RE cylinder, Wössner high comp piston.Will be putting 6th gear in it after I race Laughlin in October. Using...
1000016536

THIS is a 480RX. Bloss Replica #6/10, 480RE cylinder, Wössner high comp piston.

Will be putting 6th gear in it after I race Laughlin in October. Using my 480RE\RX hybrid for Vegas to Reno next week.

Ohh, I saw the 4stroke on their website. I think I posted a 480RR. Wow, that bike is sick! Nice 👍

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tek14
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Vantaa, FI
8/5/2026 12:25pm

People are crazy.. just heard at track that all Kawi 2-t models coming into my country had been sold allready from shipment. 

2
1
8/5/2026 1:02pm
bluesmoke wrote:

That there is one sweet 300.

Haha, it’s a 480RX. 

Beta480RX wrote:
THIS is a 480RX. Bloss Replica #6/10, 480RE cylinder, Wössner high comp piston.Will be putting 6th gear in it after I race Laughlin in October. Using...
1000016536

THIS is a 480RX. Bloss Replica #6/10, 480RE cylinder, Wössner high comp piston.

Will be putting 6th gear in it after I race Laughlin in October. Using my 480RE\RX hybrid for Vegas to Reno next week.

Looks more like a Zane Roberts replica than a Bloss.

3
8/5/2026 1:06pm

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

3strokemx wrote:
There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a...

There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a modern 4 stroke. 


 

Kawasaki must think they are there and will buy the bike.

1
Beta480RX
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8/5/2026 1:13pm
Trailturd wrote:

Looks more like a Zane Roberts replica than a Bloss.

My 480 Race is the Roberts/Wasson replica. It has the RX head, cams, throttle body, air boot, and ECU.

I don't have a quick pic of Benny with the normal tank and 19" wheel on it for MX, just my GP setup.

Amazing what difference the heavier RE crank and flywheel do for feel between the two as everything else other than transmission is identical. The RX based 480 wants to rip your arms out of their sockets, the RE with the RX parts is so smooth you don't realize how fast you are going until you try to slow down for a corner.

1
1
Andy7
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Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, AR
Fantasy
8/5/2026 1:28pm
3strokemx wrote:
There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a...

There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a modern 4 stroke. 


 

True. I still believe nothing can match the feeling of a YZ, CR, RM or carbed SX 250 2 stroke. Unless you want a 4t character, I am not really into FI. Still, that kawi looks GOOD and I would buy one if I wanted FI.

1
PRM31
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Northern, VA, USA
Fantasy
8/5/2026 2:11pm
PRM31 wrote:

I do wonder if the MX version will actually have a white tank too?

Zoom wrote:
From Kawasaki.com, this is the KX327. Looks white to me.

From Kawasaki.com, this is the KX327. Looks white to me.

image 3530

I knew it was white in their website, but they also say the X has a larger, different, tank, and from what I can see they look the same on those ‘pictures’ of the 327 and X version. No big deal either way.

1
BossWool2800
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Jackson, TX, USA
8/5/2026 3:00pm Edited Date/Time 8/5/2026 3:01pm
Trailturd wrote:

Looks more like a Zane Roberts replica than a Bloss.

Beta480RX wrote:
My 480 Race is the Roberts/Wasson replica. It has the RX head, cams, throttle body, air boot, and ECU.I don't have a quick pic of Benny...

My 480 Race is the Roberts/Wasson replica. It has the RX head, cams, throttle body, air boot, and ECU.

I don't have a quick pic of Benny with the normal tank and 19" wheel on it for MX, just my GP setup.

Amazing what difference the heavier RE crank and flywheel do for feel between the two as everything else other than transmission is identical. The RX based 480 wants to rip your arms out of their sockets, the RE with the RX parts is so smooth you don't realize how fast you are going until you try to slow down for a corner.

What flywheel weight are you using?

Just thinking probably a 9 or 10oz on the KX327 would work wonders.

2
sh274s
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Location
San Jose, CA, USA
8/5/2026 3:15pm

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

3strokemx wrote:
There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a...

There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a modern 4 stroke. 


 

I thought you were deleting your account...

3
Beta480RX
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Helena, MT, USA
8/5/2026 3:19pm

What flywheel weight are you using?

Just thinking probably a 9 or 10oz on the KX327 would work wonders.

Stock flywheels on each, with a higher output Trail Tech stator on the RX (a little more drag).

I did swap out the Rx counterbalancer for the RE (heavier) which is stock on the 2026 450RX models.

I have yet to swap pipes back and forth, but I'm thinking the long FMF headpipe on the RX has a part to play compared the shorty FMF on the RE.

I'm thinking like you on the 327, but probably in the 8oz range. Although there is a lot that can be done with the ECU that will be figured out by the time I get one and the weight may not be needed.

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826
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Location
St. Maries, ID, USA
8/5/2026 3:22pm

I don't understand all this........we have been told for years two strokes are dead.........perplexing.

3strokemx wrote:
There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a...

There is a large population that says they love 2 strokes but they only want one if it promises the ride characteristics and conveniences of a modern 4 stroke. 


 

Kawasaki must think they are there and will buy the bike.

They didn't build this bike for motocross racers, they built it for off road riders and racers.  I'd guess that is a larger market than folks who buy bikes to only ride and race on moto tracks.

According to Google the 300 2 stroke is KTMs biggest selling model.

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2
BossWool2800
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Jackson, TX, USA
8/5/2026 3:29pm Edited Date/Time 8/5/2026 3:30pm
826 wrote:
They didn't build this bike for motocross racers, they built it for off road riders and racers.  I'd guess that is a larger market than folks...

They didn't build this bike for motocross racers, they built it for off road riders and racers.  I'd guess that is a larger market than folks who buy bikes to only ride and race on moto tracks.

According to Google the 300 2 stroke is KTMs biggest selling model.

Yep, 300XC and XC-W 😎

8/5/2026 4:24pm

Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? 

You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride the thing. The rotating mass of a 327cc bike is already like a 250 twostroke with a 16oz flywheel weight, or more. 

 

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1
8/5/2026 4:41pm
Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride...

Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? 

You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride the thing. The rotating mass of a 327cc bike is already like a 250 twostroke with a 16oz flywheel weight, or more. 

 

Profile pic checks out.....

How did you manage to come to that conclusion?

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8/5/2026 4:57pm
Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride...

Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? 

You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride the thing. The rotating mass of a 327cc bike is already like a 250 twostroke with a 16oz flywheel weight, or more. 

 

Profile pic checks out.....

How did you manage to come to that conclusion?

So, you're flywheel weighting a bike you haven't ridden, and I'm the dickhead? 

You're taming the thing before you ride it which is pure, unadulterated little dick energy.  

Everyone knows.  

1
8/5/2026 5:40pm
Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride...

Why are you guys flywheel weighting a bike you haven't even ridden? 

You have no idea what the crank, rod, piston itself weighs. You have to ride the thing. The rotating mass of a 327cc bike is already like a 250 twostroke with a 16oz flywheel weight, or more. 

 

Profile pic checks out.....

How did you manage to come to that conclusion?

So, you're flywheel weighting a bike you haven't ridden, and I'm the dickhead? You're taming the thing before you ride it which is pure, unadulterated little dick...

So, you're flywheel weighting a bike you haven't ridden, and I'm the dickhead? 

You're taming the thing before you ride it which is pure, unadulterated little dick energy.  

Everyone knows.  

LOL - precious, I'm not flywheel weighting anything, I was just poking on the fact that you somehow did some math (per your 16oz comment) based on knowing nothing about the bike.

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