Kawasaki has revealed the 2027 KX327 and KX327X, a pair of off-road models powered by the company’s first fuel-injected two-stroke single-cylinder engine and its first all-new two-stroke over 250cc in more than 20 years. Both machines are expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the first quarter of 2027, with pricing and final availability to be confirmed closer to launch.
The 327cc liquid-cooled two-stroke uses a single 39mm throttle body and crankcase reed valve induction, with Kawasaki claiming a linear power character, crisp throttle response and strong traction at ultra-low rpm. Fuel injection delivers consistent fuelling regardless of altitude or weather, removing the need to adjust jetting.
A newly developed exhaust valve system fitted to the main and sub exhaust ports continuously adjusts port timing to smooth out the peaky delivery typical of older two-strokes.
The engine retains pre-mix lubrication at a 32:1 ratio and uses electric start. Kawasaki says the simple two-stroke design helps the package achieve a weight comparable to a four-stroke 250cc-class machine.
Both models share a lightweight aluminium perimeter frame derived from the KX450, paired with a 48mm inverted coil-spring fork and a New Uni-Trak rear shock with adjustable high and low-speed compression, rebound and preload.
Braking comes from a 270mm front petal disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 240mm rear petal disc with a single-piston caliper.
A hydraulic clutch features across the range, along with handlebar-mounted power mode selection offering two ECU maps, ODI lock-on grips and smartphone connectivity through the Rideology The App KX2 platform for ride logging, engine monitoring and maintenance reminders.
The KX327X is the cross-country focused model, fitted with a six-speed transmission with an ultra-low first gear, a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, an 8.6-litre semi-transparent fuel tank, hand guards, a skid plate, linkage guard, rear brake disc guard and a side stand as standard.
The KX327 is the motocross variant, running a close-ratio five-speed transmission and a 19-inch rear wheel for demanding track conditions. The KX327 drops the hand guards, skid plate, linkage guard, rear disc guard and side stand. Both are offered in Lime Green only.
The two-strokes headline a broader 2027 off-road range that also includes the revised four-stroke KX450F and KX450FX, which gain intake and exhaust changes for stronger low-end and improved mid to high-rpm power, along with a redesigned chassis, revised swingarm and longer wheelbase.
With the arrival of the KX327 series, Kawasaki’s four-stroke motocross models now carry an F designation. The KX250F and KX250FX continue with refined suspension, clutch and styling updates, alongside the junior KX112, KX85, KX85L and KX65 motocross bikes and the KLX300R, KLX230 S and KLX230R S trail models.
Full specifications remain provisional, with Kawasaki yet to confirm figures including bore and stroke, compression ratio, weight and dimensions.
Editorial Director at infomoto.com.au. Loves Rally bikes.
