Somewhere deep in the echoing rafters of a Supercross stadium, Kawasaki whispered the words we’d been waiting for. Or, more precisely, they let a single-cylinder two-stroke do the talking. No press release, no overblown marketing—just a throttle blip and a simple phrase: “We heard you.”
And just like that, the ghost of the KX250 stirred.
A Kawasaki Two-Stroke Sounds in the Distance
It’s been nearly two decades since Kawasaki last built a full-size two-stroke dirt bike. The KX125 and KDX200 bowed out in 2006, the KX250 in 2007. Since then, the green machines have been all about four-strokes—high-tech, high-strung, and high on complexity.
But the people never forgot. Riders have been rebuilding, restoring, and clinging to the last great smokers like old rock albums you refuse to replace with digital downloads. And now, Kawasaki might finally be giving them what they want.
The real question is: What’s coming? A two-stroke motocrosser makes the most sense—a KX250 with a proper expansion chamber, riding on the bones of the existing KX chassis. But what if Kawasaki takes a left turn into the woods?
A new KDX200, or better yet, a full range of Kawasaki two-stroke enduro bikes to challenge KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas? Imagine it: 125, 250, 300, and maybe even a fire-breathing 500, all singing that sweet, smoky song.
For now, Kawasaki has left us with a rev and a riddle. But if the past is anything to go by, this could be the beginning of something glorious. Two-strokes never really died—they just needed a reason to come back. And if Team Green is truly listening, that reason may finally be here.
Source: Cycle World
