Kawasaki Revives the Legendary KX500 for 2025–2026: The Ultimate Two-Stroke Returns with a Modern Twist, Priced at $1.275 Million — Plus, 10 Units Will Be Given Away for Free..

Kawasaki Revives the Legendary KX500 for 2025–2026: The Ultimate Two-Stroke Returns with a Modern Twist, Priced at $1.275 Million — Plus, 10 Units Will Be Given Away for Free

In a move that has left motocross enthusiasts stunned and nostalgic gearheads cheering, Kawasaki has officially revived the iconic KX500 for the 2025–2026 model years. But this isn’t just a simple reissue of a classic — it’s a bold reimagining of what a modern two-stroke monster can be. At a jaw-dropping price of $1.275 million, the new KX500 isn’t for the faint of heart — or light of wallet. Still, the surprise announcement that 10 units will be given away for free has ensured that the entire moto world is paying attention.

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A Beast Reborn

The original Kawasaki KX500 earned its legendary status in the 1980s and ’90s, dominating desert races, motocross circuits, and the hearts of riders who craved raw, untamed power. With its 500cc two-stroke engine, the bike became synonymous with explosive acceleration and adrenaline-pumping rides. The last model rolled off production lines in 2004, leaving behind a legacy — and a hole in the two-stroke market that fans have long begged Kawasaki to fill.

Now, two decades later, Kawasaki is answering the call — but not in the way anyone expected.

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Engineering a Legend

According to Kawasaki’s official press release, the 2025–2026 KX500 is “not a retro replica, but a futuristic homage.” The new KX500 features a completely redesigned chassis, electronic fuel injection, smart exhaust power valves, and selectable engine maps. The engine itself remains a 499cc two-stroke single-cylinder, but it’s been rebuilt from the ground up to meet modern emissions standards while retaining that classic two-stroke character.

The new model also incorporates a carbon fiber subframe, titanium exhaust, and electronically adjustable suspension, developed in collaboration with Showa Racing. A full-color TFT display provides telemetry and tuning options, including traction control, ride modes, and GPS lap timing.

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Why the $1.275 Million Price Tag?

The seven-figure price is perhaps the most shocking element of the announcement. Kawasaki has clarified that this price applies to the limited “Founders Edition”, of which only 25 units will be produced worldwide. These bikes will be hand-assembled in Japan, individually numbered, and include:

A gold-anodized chassis

Diamond-studded KX emblems

Integrated biometric rider tuning systems (yes, really)

Personalized rider setup with on-site Kawasaki engineers

A lifetime warranty and complimentary service program

In a move reminiscent of luxury automotive brands like Bugatti or Pagani, Kawasaki is targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and collectors with this ultra-premium, bespoke version of the KX500.

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A Gift to the Fans: 10 Free Units

In what Kawasaki is calling the “Green Legacy Giveaway”, the company will distribute 10 non-Founders Edition KX500s for free to selected fans. Entry is open globally, and winners will be chosen through a mix of lottery and merit-based applications. Riders will be asked to submit a short video explaining their connection to the KX legacy, along with a proposal on how they would use the bike — whether in competition, preservation, or community outreach.

This part of the campaign is clearly aimed at Kawasaki’s core loyal fanbase, many of whom have championed the KX500’s return for years.

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Reception in the Motocross Community

Reactions to the announcement have been explosive. Forums, social media channels, and YouTube comment sections lit up within minutes of the press release, with many users expressing excitement — and confusion.

“This is insane,” said former Supercross champ Jeff Emig in a livestream. “They just dropped the KX500 like a hydrogen bomb on the whole industry.”

Critics have called the $1.275 million price “ridiculous,” but even they admit that Kawasaki has reignited interest in the two-stroke category in a way no one else has dared to do in years.

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What Comes Next?

Kawasaki hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a mass-market version of the KX500 in the future — and some insiders suggest that a toned-down, sub-$15,000 model could arrive by 2027. For now, the limited run of 35 bikes — 25 sold and 10 given away — serves more as a symbolic resurrection than a full-scale relaunch.

But make no mistake: this is more than nostalgia. This is Kawasaki reminding the world what raw, two-stroke performance feels like when it’s fused with cutting-edge engineering.

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Conclusion

With the revival of the KX500, Kawasaki has pulled off something rare in motorsports: a move that is as bold as it is unexpected. By blending heritage, exclusivity, and technology, they’ve created what may be the most outrageous — and most coveted — off-road motorcycle of the decade.

Whether you’re one of the lucky few who gets to ride it, or just someone who grew up dreaming about the braap of a KX500, one thing’s for certain: the legend is back — and it’s louder, faster, and wilder than ever.

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How to Enter the Giveaway:

Visit Kawasaki’s official site or participating dealers

Submit a video and personal story by September 30, 2025

Winners announced November 2025