Kawasaki Revives Two-Stroke Motorcycles After Nearly 20 Years

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Kawasaki has announced the development of a new two-stroke motorcycle, marking a dramatic return to a segment it abandoned nearly two decades ago. The announcement came Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, just before the Anaheim 2 Supercross event, with a cryptic press release titled “We heard you” and the sound of a two-stroke engine revving in the background.

The Japanese manufacturer last produced the KX125 in 2006 and the KX250 in 2007. Since then, the motocross world has largely shifted to four-stroke engines, making Kawasaki’s decision to revive the two-stroke line a surprising yet strategic move. The company has not yet revealed specific details about the new model, but industry experts speculate it could be a KX125, KX250, KX300, or even a KX500.

“This could be Kawasaki’s smartest move in a long time,” said an industry insider. “The two-stroke market is alive and well, and with rising costs due to inflation, consumers are gravitating toward more affordable and fun-to-ride options.”

Kawasaki’s decision comes amid growing nostalgia for two-stroke motorcycles, which are known for their lightweight design, simplicity, and lower maintenance costs. The company is expected to modernize the platform, potentially fitting a two-stroke engine into the current KX250 or KX450 chassis rather than reviving older designs.

The announcement has sparked excitement among motocross enthusiasts, many of whom have been vocal about their desire for new two-stroke models. “Fans have been clamoring for this for years,” said a spokesperson for MXA, a leading motocross publication. “Kawasaki’s move could reignite interest in two-stroke racing and riding.”

While Kawasaki has not released photos of the new bike, the company’s history with two-stroke models remains iconic. Legendary riders like James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, and Jeff Emig have all competed on Kawasaki’s two-stroke machines, cementing their place in motocross history.

As the motocross community eagerly awaits more details, one thing is clear: Kawasaki’s return to two-stroke production is a bold step that could reshape the industry.