Kawasaki KX 327X as a Hard Enduro Bike

Kawasaki is finally entering the modern off-road 2-stroke market with a new 327cc fuel-injected machine. On paper it looks like they are aiming directly at KTM, Beta and Sherco, and at around $10,000 it undercuts a KTM 300 while still coming with some premium components.

The bike uses a TBI-style fuel injection system and runs premix fuel, so there is no oil injection pump to worry about. It comes with electric start but no kickstart. At this point, riders who want both electric and kickstart options are mostly looking at Beta, where a kickstart can be added afterward.

The chassis uses an aluminum frame based on Kawasaki's 450 platform. That will be interesting to ride, as many hard enduro riders prefer the feel and compliance of a steel frame in rough terrain. Going off the spec of a KX450 the seat height is 37.9" which is similar to a XCW but taller than the XC (37.4")

One thing I do like is that Kawasaki included several useful protection items from the factory. The bike comes with a skid plate, linkage guard, rear brake disc guard and flag-style handguards. There is currently no lighting package available, but it wouldn't be surprising to see a more trail-oriented KDX version in the future.

The larger displacement should be great for hill climbs and lugging power, although I do wonder if it will feel heavier than a 300 because even when actual weights are similar, 250s often feel noticeably lighter than a 300 and more flickable on the trail.

The transmission is a 6-speed with a very low first gear, which sounds similar to an wide ratio XC-W style setup. Kawasaki hasn't released detailed gearing specs yet, so it'll be interesting to see how it compares once riders get some seat time on them.

Another interesting feature is the adjustable footpeg mounts. Riders may be able to fine-tune peg position without immediately buying aftermarket low-back pegs. One concern is the exposed hardware in that area, which could take a beating from rocks in hard enduro conditions.

One detail I'm not a huge fan of is the shifter design. It uses a pinch-bolt arrangement that can be difficult to loosen trailside without the right tools. KTM's external-bolt design is generally easier to work with during a ride.

Braking is handled by Nissin components, similar to Beta. It also appears to use a floating front rotor. Kawasaki claims a light clutch pull with a wide friction zone, which sounds promising for technical riding maybe something similar to the Brembo 9mm which is a worthy upgrade to any hard enduro bike. Time will tell how the clutch pack holds up in hard enduro use. KTM has set a pretty high bar in that department.

Fuel capacity is listed at 2.2 gallons. Personally, I prefer something closer to 2.5 gallons for longer off-road rides, especially when exploring or racing in remote areas.

The component list rounds out nicely with Renthal handlebars, Excel wheels and KYB suspension, all of which are proven parts with a good reputation in off-road riding.

Overall, Kawasaki appears to have checked a lot of the right boxes. The biggest question now is how the bike feels on the trail and whether it can match the durability, handling and clutch performance that KTM or Beta.

Specs

KX 327X

fuel injected crankcase reed-valve

32:1 premix

39mm throttle body

dynamic exhaust port timing

electric start

6 speed tranny (low first gear)

hydraulic clutch with coned-disc spring

aluminum frame based on 450f

map switch

App with GPS and ‘rideology’