Kawasaki has unveiled two new off-road motorcycles for 2027 in the form of the KX327 and KX327X. Both bikes are powered by a completely new 327cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 2-stroke engine, making them Kawasaki’s first newly developed 2-stroke models above 250cc in over 20 years.
- Powered by new 327cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine
- KX327 and KX327X differ in gearbox setup, wheel sizes and equipment
Kawasaki KX327 and KX327X details
The off-road, track-only models are expected to go on sale in late 2026
The two motorcycles share the engine and aluminium perimeter chassis, both derived from the KX450F, for which Kawasaki quotes a kerb weight of 106kg.
The biggest talking point, however, is the new fuel-injected 2-stroke engine. Traditionally, hardcore off-road motorcycles have largely continued using carburettors because they’re simpler, easier to work on and often more practical for machines that require frequent maintenance and tuning under competition use.
Fuel injection, however, offers its own advantages. It allows for more precise and consistent fuel delivery regardless of altitude or temperature, with the ECU automatically adjusting fuelling for optimal performance across the rev range – something that would otherwise require manual carburettor tuning. Fuel injection also helps improve emissions, although it’s worth noting that neither of these motorcycles are street-legal. Kawasaki also says the new system has been developed to retain the traditional character and response expected from a high-performance 2-stroke engine.
The primary differences between the KX327 and KX327X lie in their intended use cases. The KX327X is aimed more towards cross-country and trail riding, and therefore gets a 6-speed gearbox with wider ratios, along with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup. The KX327, meanwhile, is more motocross-focused and uses a closer-ratio 5-speed gearbox along with a 19-inch rear wheel. The KX327X also adds several trail-oriented features over the standard model, including a larger 8.3-litre fuel tank, handguards, a bash plate, rear disc guard and a side stand.
Both motorcycles use a KYB 48mm USD fork and Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak rear suspension system. Braking hardware consists of Nissin calipers working on 270mm front and 240mm rear petal discs. Both models also get electric start and two selectable power modes.
The Kawasaki KX327 and KX327X are priced at USD 9,099 (approximately Rs 8.71 lakh) and USD 9,699 (approximately Rs 9.28 lakh), respectively, in the US, and are expected to go on sale in late 2026. The two motorcycles also join a relatively small list of modern fuel-injected 2-stroke off-road bikes, alongside models from manufacturers such as KTM and GasGas.
Ved Janve
Rishaad Mody
