Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
- billie_morini
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Nighthawk016
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
At least we're still getting updates, even if they are small. Kawasaki is just taking their sweet time.
It's very surprising that they are worried about it being too aggressive. I feel like a manufacturer in 2026 would have no issues at all correcting that with very few parts changes.
It's very surprising that they are worried about it being too aggressive. I feel like a manufacturer in 2026 would have no issues at all correcting that with very few parts changes.
2000 kdx220
1996 rm250
87/88 rm125 - a mixed basket of parts.
1996 rm250
87/88 rm125 - a mixed basket of parts.
- Chuck78
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
Well, one way to look at it is, that they're doing the polar opposite of Bajaj Mobility AG aka KTM brands, who make such frequent and significant design changes that the buyers of their motorcycles/dirtbikes end up being the beta testers to find all the design flaws and manufacturing shortcomings... Kawasaki has been developing this for several years, far longer than KTM/Bajaj Mobility AG / formerly named Pierer Mobility AG keeps their new model designs / technological advances before changing them drastically...Nighthawk016 wrote: 08:45 pm Feb 14 2026 At least we're still getting updates, even if they are small. Kawasaki is just taking their sweet time.
It's very surprising that they are worried about it being too aggressive. I feel like a manufacturer in 2026 would have no issues at all correcting that with very few parts changes.
That "bike buyers as beta testers of new KTM designs" sentiment was not so much an observation by me, but rather echoing the sentiments which I've read all over the Internet in discussions pertaining to KTM brands vs Yamaha / Beta Motorcycles / Fantic / etc.
Also, the KX450 crank gear recall last year or thereabouts on only a short production run batch of gears definitely is/was mocked a lot and used in a negative context when discussing Kawasaki vs KTM etc, so it's likely that Kawasaki wants this to be perfection when released, as it's such a massive comeback that is hugely anticipated, they don't want ANY bad public relations or reliability connotations associated with it.
'97 KDX220R - purple/green! - KLX forks, Lectron, Tubliss
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
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clappy379
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcyc ... ry/kx-327x
it's here!! 327cc - 2 stroke, fuel-injected, premix, no headlight but kickstand and serious components. whatever you think about it, I never thought we would be in a position in 2026 where suddenly we have all of these great 2 stroke options especially Kawasaki. competition gives us options, lowers prices and generally makes things better. if you asked me in 2020 what we'd be looking at - I figured it would be electric bikes and four strokes and more regulations.
it's here!! 327cc - 2 stroke, fuel-injected, premix, no headlight but kickstand and serious components. whatever you think about it, I never thought we would be in a position in 2026 where suddenly we have all of these great 2 stroke options especially Kawasaki. competition gives us options, lowers prices and generally makes things better. if you asked me in 2020 what we'd be looking at - I figured it would be electric bikes and four strokes and more regulations.
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Cornbread
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHclappy379 wrote: 08:56 am Jun 02 2026 https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcyc ... ry/kx-327x
it's here!! 327cc - 2 stroke, fuel-injected, premix, no headlight but kickstand and serious components. whatever you think about it, I never thought we would be in a position in 2026 where suddenly we have all of these great 2 stroke options especially Kawasaki. competition gives us options, lowers prices and generally makes things better. if you asked me in 2020 what we'd be looking at - I figured it would be electric bikes and four strokes and more regulations.
Well I guess I'm selling the KDX for a down payment!
- Chuck78
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
My buddy just texted me that link and this!
https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2027-kawas ... ere-video/
I'm extremely excited, ecstatic, to see this out now finally! However, for the time being, I will continue to ride my modified 1990s bikes as I love the modern carburetion options and I love the 1994 - 2002 KX125 & 1989-2006 KDX200/220 chassis geometry above nearly all modern bikes.
Did you notice that while they say this is based on the KX450X chassis, it now has switched back to KYB 48mm forks vs the Showa 49mm on the 2019-2026 KX450/450X & 2025-2026 KX250/250X?
Classic Kawasaki move, & Honda as well, they always keep alternating model selection between the two Japanese suspension brands, unlike Suzuki (Showa) and Yamaha (KYB) who seem to use one or the other exclusively. The Showa vs KYB closed chamber coil spring fork designs are virtually identical though, so having two different brand options of virtually the same setup isn't a bad thing.
https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2027-kawas ... ere-video/
I'm extremely excited, ecstatic, to see this out now finally! However, for the time being, I will continue to ride my modified 1990s bikes as I love the modern carburetion options and I love the 1994 - 2002 KX125 & 1989-2006 KDX200/220 chassis geometry above nearly all modern bikes.
Did you notice that while they say this is based on the KX450X chassis, it now has switched back to KYB 48mm forks vs the Showa 49mm on the 2019-2026 KX450/450X & 2025-2026 KX250/250X?
Classic Kawasaki move, & Honda as well, they always keep alternating model selection between the two Japanese suspension brands, unlike Suzuki (Showa) and Yamaha (KYB) who seem to use one or the other exclusively. The Showa vs KYB closed chamber coil spring fork designs are virtually identical though, so having two different brand options of virtually the same setup isn't a bad thing.
Last edited by Chuck78 on 11:15 am Jun 02 2026, edited 2 times in total.
'97 KDX220R - purple/green! - KLX forks, Lectron, Tubliss
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
'77 Suzuki PE250 & '83 PE175 Full Floater - restomod builds
'77 Suzuki GS750-844cc, '77 GS400 & '77 GS550 big bore builds
'62 GMC 1000 Panel Truck
'88 Suzuki Samurai TDI/Toyota swap
'88 Toyota 4x4 pickup
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
'77 Suzuki PE250 & '83 PE175 Full Floater - restomod builds
'77 Suzuki GS750-844cc, '77 GS400 & '77 GS550 big bore builds
'62 GMC 1000 Panel Truck
'88 Suzuki Samurai TDI/Toyota swap
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- Slick_Nick
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
KX327X Only in Canada for 2027. I want the Motocross version, KX327. Looks like I'm making the drive to Montana!
'00 KDX 220R
- Chuck78
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
***AND*** they were really listening, because it was originally said to be a 5-speed! I've made a lot of comments on all of the Kawasaki posts and every other one saying that it really needs a wide ratio 6 speed to be the most relevant of all. I think the engine on its own is going to dominate and put KTM out of there former place of glory and domination in the market.
New 2027
KX™327X
MSRP $9,699
AVAILABLE LATE 2026
327cc FUEL-INJECTED 2-STROKE ENGINE WITH ELECTRIC START
SPECIALLY DESIGNED EXHAUST VALVE SYSTEM FOR SMOOTH, UNIFORM TORQUE
6-SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH ULTRA-LOW 1st-GEAR AND HYDRAULIC CLUTCH
POWER MODE SELECTION WITH HANDLEBAR-MOUNTED SWITCH
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA GPS AND RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX™2
ATHLETIC STYLING WITH SLIM, ERGONOMIC BODYWORK
2.25-GAL LARGE-CAPACITY FUEL TANK, SKID PLATE, & HAND GUARDS
LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM PERIMETER FRAME
FACTORY-STYLE SUSPENSION WITH CROSS-COUNTRY-SPECIFIC SETTINGS AND BRAKES
21-IN FRONT WHEEL, 18-IN REAR WHEEL, REAR BRAKE DISC GUARD, & SIDE STAND
ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES:
KYB 48mm coil-spring fork and New Uni-Trak® rear suspension
ERGO-FIT® adjustable components for ride position optimization
Streamlined ergonomics for easy rider movement
ODI lock-on grips
Quick-release side cover offers tool-less air filter access
-----------------------------------------------------------
My only qualms is that it appears to not have a lighting stator coil, and it looks like the aftermarket graphics companies will be quite busy producing something appealing looking for these... I know I certainly would be having the 1996 styled KX purple with checkered flag retro graphics, they left it looking quite bland for being a bike that mechanically speaking will dominate over basically everything and at least be equals with Beta nowadays....
Yamaha really needs to up their game now and maybe just come to an agreement with fantic to distribute the Fantic 300 that is based on the YZ chassis... If not actually developing their own 300cc engine. I can't believe with Cody Webb running their team that they still haven't taken the two-stroke game any further or even the four-stroke game with a 300 or 350 4-stroke version of the YZ250FX. All Yamaha would really need is a 6-speed wide ratio gearbox and new top end design with some extra displacement in a balance shaft preferably, on their current YZ250 two-stroke but in the YZ250FX chassis,, in order to dominate over KTM ... Well, & a lighting coil and "oversized" 2.25 gallon tank...
New 2027
KX™327X
MSRP $9,699
AVAILABLE LATE 2026
327cc FUEL-INJECTED 2-STROKE ENGINE WITH ELECTRIC START
SPECIALLY DESIGNED EXHAUST VALVE SYSTEM FOR SMOOTH, UNIFORM TORQUE
6-SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH ULTRA-LOW 1st-GEAR AND HYDRAULIC CLUTCH
POWER MODE SELECTION WITH HANDLEBAR-MOUNTED SWITCH
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA GPS AND RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX™2
ATHLETIC STYLING WITH SLIM, ERGONOMIC BODYWORK
2.25-GAL LARGE-CAPACITY FUEL TANK, SKID PLATE, & HAND GUARDS
LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM PERIMETER FRAME
FACTORY-STYLE SUSPENSION WITH CROSS-COUNTRY-SPECIFIC SETTINGS AND BRAKES
21-IN FRONT WHEEL, 18-IN REAR WHEEL, REAR BRAKE DISC GUARD, & SIDE STAND
ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES:
KYB 48mm coil-spring fork and New Uni-Trak® rear suspension
ERGO-FIT® adjustable components for ride position optimization
Streamlined ergonomics for easy rider movement
ODI lock-on grips
Quick-release side cover offers tool-less air filter access
-----------------------------------------------------------
My only qualms is that it appears to not have a lighting stator coil, and it looks like the aftermarket graphics companies will be quite busy producing something appealing looking for these... I know I certainly would be having the 1996 styled KX purple with checkered flag retro graphics, they left it looking quite bland for being a bike that mechanically speaking will dominate over basically everything and at least be equals with Beta nowadays....
Yamaha really needs to up their game now and maybe just come to an agreement with fantic to distribute the Fantic 300 that is based on the YZ chassis... If not actually developing their own 300cc engine. I can't believe with Cody Webb running their team that they still haven't taken the two-stroke game any further or even the four-stroke game with a 300 or 350 4-stroke version of the YZ250FX. All Yamaha would really need is a 6-speed wide ratio gearbox and new top end design with some extra displacement in a balance shaft preferably, on their current YZ250 two-stroke but in the YZ250FX chassis,, in order to dominate over KTM ... Well, & a lighting coil and "oversized" 2.25 gallon tank...
'97 KDX220R - purple/green! - KLX forks, Lectron, Tubliss
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
'77 Suzuki PE250 & '83 PE175 Full Floater - restomod builds
'77 Suzuki GS750-844cc, '77 GS400 & '77 GS550 big bore builds
'62 GMC 1000 Panel Truck
'88 Suzuki Samurai TDI/Toyota swap
'88 Toyota 4x4 pickup
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
'77 Suzuki PE250 & '83 PE175 Full Floater - restomod builds
'77 Suzuki GS750-844cc, '77 GS400 & '77 GS550 big bore builds
'62 GMC 1000 Panel Truck
'88 Suzuki Samurai TDI/Toyota swap
'88 Toyota 4x4 pickup
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Nighthawk016
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
I don't want to dog it, but I hate the name. They have clearly forgotten their 2 stroke roots. They could have easily called them the kx330 and the kdx330, but instead someone settled on kx327 and kx327x which is just honestly ridiculous.
All that whining aside, im sure the bike will be great
All that whining aside, im sure the bike will be great
2000 kdx220
1996 rm250
87/88 rm125 - a mixed basket of parts.
1996 rm250
87/88 rm125 - a mixed basket of parts.
- Chuck78
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Re: Reliable Source says Kawasaki is making a 2T bike soon
Yes, indeed... They should have just called the MX version a KX, & the enduro race version the KDX.... However, the new model KX327X as well as KX450X & KX250X are all GNCC enduro racer type configurations from the factory, which is not quite what the 1989-2006 KDX200/220 ever were as stock, they were a more serious trail bike that could easily be modified (suspension, pipe, jetting) to be a highly viable enduro racer, but the new KX327X really is the modern equivalent of what a KDX/KX hybrid is... So I get it from that perspective. But still, I wish it were called the KDX327R or KDX330R or whatever, as the KDX started out as a highly competitive enduro racer model in the early 1980's...
At this point, I'm just rooting for a small bore engine to be released with this technology, and since they upped the displacement to dominate over the standard 300cc offerings (only Beta makes a big bore, and it's MX-only, the 2-stroke 350RR), it only makes sense to put out... A 220cc variant of this technology, but in a more compact chassis geometry especially one closer to a YZ125X / YZ250X or Beta 200RR chassis!
Blow up the Kawasaki comments sections on their social media posta demanding a new KDX220R offering with lights and this engine and suspension technology! But in a compact quick steering agile nimble chassis geometry!
At this point, I'm just rooting for a small bore engine to be released with this technology, and since they upped the displacement to dominate over the standard 300cc offerings (only Beta makes a big bore, and it's MX-only, the 2-stroke 350RR), it only makes sense to put out... A 220cc variant of this technology, but in a more compact chassis geometry especially one closer to a YZ125X / YZ250X or Beta 200RR chassis!
Blow up the Kawasaki comments sections on their social media posta demanding a new KDX220R offering with lights and this engine and suspension technology! But in a compact quick steering agile nimble chassis geometry!
'97 KDX220R - purple/green! - KLX forks, Lectron, Tubliss
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
'77 Suzuki PE250 & '83 PE175 Full Floater - restomod builds
'77 Suzuki GS750-844cc, '77 GS400 & '77 GS550 big bore builds
'62 GMC 1000 Panel Truck
'88 Suzuki Samurai TDI/Toyota swap
'88 Toyota 4x4 pickup
'97 KX125/220R hybrid build! - '25 KX450X suspension, titanium hardware, extensive mods purple/green!
'99 KDX220R project - '98/'01 RM125 suspension, Titanium hardware, Lectron Billetron, Tubliss
'77 Suzuki PE250 & '83 PE175 Full Floater - restomod builds
'77 Suzuki GS750-844cc, '77 GS400 & '77 GS550 big bore builds
'62 GMC 1000 Panel Truck
'88 Suzuki Samurai TDI/Toyota swap
'88 Toyota 4x4 pickup

