We all have been waiting for a seriously powerful two stroke from Kawasaki since their last model 2007 KX250. Kawasaki has finally listened to us and launched 2027 Kawasaki KX327 and KX327X with the specs we all have been waiting for.
Now that the specs have been released, I have to say, it’s great to see a company go big and offer their first two-stroke dirt bikes with fuel injection.
Kawasaki has taken the chassis of their flagship 450 four-stroke and incorporated a lightweight two-stroke motor to create the exact machine I’ve been wanting to see: a mix of a traditional two-stroke that is easy to maneuver with modern, powerful, and predictable four-stroke motor.
Key Highlights
2027 Kawasaki KX327 featuring 327cc, single, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine. I appreciate that they have completely eliminated the traditional carburetor and engineered a complete, modern crankcase reed-valve system, incorporating a 39mm throttle body with two, dual position fuel injectors.
- Low-Speed Control: I have to say, I think the downstream fuel injector is a brilliant innovation. It controls low engine speeds, allowing for a clean throttle response and completely eradicating the “loading up” and “sputtering” characteristically seen in the older two-stroke engines.
- Top-End Power: When the throttle is applied the upstream injector, in conjunction with an innovative fuel delivery, is opened. With an estimated 60 horsepower on the rear wheel, I believe the KX327 easily competes with the European 300cc two-stroke products.
- Dynamic Exhaust Valve: I have to give credit for the improved, and more intelligent, power-valve system, which acts on recommendations of engine speed. This delivers a more linear and flatter torque curve by adjusting the exhaust port opening timing.
- My Take on Lubrication: The KX327 series also utilizes good old-fashioned premix (with a gas to oil ratio of 32:1). I appreciate the simplicity this adds to the mechanics of the machine and the weight of the machine is minimal.
Chassis & Suspensions
Kawasaki slimmed down the KX450F perimeter frame and placed it around a new engine. Replacing the KX450F’s four-stroke head and valve train with a two-stroke engine made the bike much lighter, dropping the overall weight to an impressive 233.7 lbs.
Kawasaki has has done right thing by skipping air forks with new fully adjustable KYB system including:
- Suspension Up Front: This features a very slick, low-friction Kashima Coated, 48mm inverted coil-spring fork.
- Suspension Out Back: This is a Uni-Trak system which allows adjustment of spring preload and rebound. It also allows for changes to be made at both the high-speed and low-speed, as well as compression damping.
I also believe that the Nissin system combined with a 270mm front and a 240mm rear petal disc, will give all the braking bite you could ever want.
KX327 (Motocross) vs. KX327X (Cross-Country)
Though these two motorcycles share the same basic engine and frame, Kawasaki designed and developed each model for a particular type of riding.
| Feature | KX327 (Motocross) | KX327X (Cross-Country) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $9,099 | $9,699 |
| Transmission | Close-ratio 5-speed | Wide-ratio 6-speed |
| Rear Wheel Size | 19-inch | 18-inch |
| Tires | Motocross spec | Dunlop Geomax AT82 |
| Added Protection | Minimal | Skid plate, handguards, linkage guard, brake guards |
| Kickstand | No | Yes |
If you want my honest opinion, I’d say get the KX327X model. I like the X model a lot more too because it has a 6-speed wide-ratio gearbox. This model has a much lower first gear. This is a good model when you want to ride in the woods and there are a lot of rocks.
Tech Features
I think adding an electric starter and a handlebar mounted map switch is a big win for convenience. I was also looking at how they set up the tuning and was very impressed by the RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX2 integration, which offers a mobile option to set your ignition maps.
I recommend you customize the ergo when you buy your KX. This bike has 4 handlebar positions and 2 foot peg heights, which is far greater adjustability than I have seen. The tool-less air filter access is awesome too. I think we’ll start seeing these in dealerships late this year.
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