26 • July 2025 • Powersports Business

New for 2026 is the KLX230 Sherpa S ABS, a dual-sport machine designed with accessibility and versatility in mind. The Sherpa’ s adventure-ready design, with its whitish beige color scheme, gives it a distinctive, utilitarian aesthetic. The MSRP is $ 5,699.( Photos: Kawasaki USA)

Kawasaki has unveiled its 2026 dual-sport lineup, showcasing a mix of returning favorites and new additions designed for a broad range of riders— from daily commuters and weekend adventurers to more dirt-focused enthusiasts. Headlining the announcement are the return of the KLX300 and KLX300SM, along with the debut of two all-new models: the KLX230 Sherpa S ABS and KLX230 DF ABS.

engine. Built for both trail and street use, the KLX300 offers riders a go-anywhere machine capable of navigating pavement, back roads, and dirt with ease. The bike features a 43mm inverted front fork, Uni-Trak rear suspension, and a steel perimeter frame for strength and stability. Styling is inspired by Kawasaki’ s offroad KX family and comes in lime green, bright white, or cypher camo beige. Pricing starts at $ 5,449.

KLX300

KLX300SM For riders seeking a more street-centric option, the KLX300SM supermoto variant features the same engine and chassis as the KLX300, but is equipped with 17−inch cast wheels, IRC street tires, a larger 300mm front petal disc brake, and suspension tuned for urban agility. Its sharp styling and nimble feel make it ideal for both city riders and canyon carvers. Available in neon green / ebony and battle gray / ebony, the KLX300SM is priced at $ 5,849.

KLX230 SHERPA S New for 2026 is the KLX230 Sherpa S ABS, a dual-sport machine designed with accessibility and versatility in mind. Powered by a 233cc air-cooled fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, the Sherpa S features a compact chassis with a low 32.5− inch seat height, selectable ABS, digital instrumentation, and smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’ s Rideology app. Tubeless rear tires and metal-reinforced

KLX300SM

handguards highlight the Sherpa’ s adventure-ready design, while its whitish beige color scheme gives it a distinctive, utilitarian aesthetic. MSRP is $ 5,699.

KLX230 DF Riders needing more rugged features will find them in the KLX230 DF ABS, which shares much of the Sherpa S platform but adds enhanced off-road durability. Key upgrades include long-travel suspension( 7.8 inches front, 8.7 inches rear), 9.4 inches of ground clearance, engine guards, and a heavy-duty rear carrier capable of hauling up to 6.6 lbs of gear. With its stealthy medium cloudy gray finish and blacked-out components, the DF ABS blends into natural or urban environments while offering practical function. It retails for $ 5,799.

All four 2026 KLX models are available now at Kawasaki dealerships nationwide. With a combination of lightweight design, approachable performance, and practical features, Kawasaki’ s latest offerings continue to reinforce the brand’ s commitment to accessible dual-sport riding.

KLX230 DF

KLX300 Returning for 2026, the KLX300 continues to deliver dual-sport performance with a lightweight chassis, nimble handling, and a 292cc liquid-cooled DOHC

José Boisjoli announced May 29 that his 22−year run as president and CEO of BRP will come to an end. The chief executive says he’ ll retire sometime within the next nine months.

Earlier reported by our sister publication Snow Goer, Boisjoli spearheaded BRP’ s remarkable growth story, from a Bombardier spin-off to a publicly traded, global leading powersports OEM.

His tenure included leading BRP to market-share dominance in the snowmobile and personal watercraft markets. He also brought massive growth to BRP’ s ATV / UTV and off-road segment, introduced Can-Am Spyder three-wheel

José Boisjoli, who served as president and CEO of BRP since 2003, announced his retirement on May 29.( Photo: LinkedIn)

motorcycles, and made segment-defining moves in the marine market.

“ What I’ m most proud of is what BRP has become,” says Boisjoli during a May 29 earnings call.“ We had two product lines that were profitable and two product lines that were not profitable in 2003. Today, we have seven profitable product lines, and we have a diversified product portfolio and an international manufacturing footprint— I am very happy with where we are.”

Boisjoli also says he will be stepping down from his role as board chairman. As part of an ongoing succession plan, BRP’ s board is searching for the company’ s next president and CEO. Boisjoli will continue to lead BRP until the appointment of his successor, the company says.

“ We have very experienced, long-time board members [ who ] know the business very well … It will obviously be a global search, considering external and internal candidates. It could take anywhere from 3 to 9 months – that would be the normal timeline.”

In 2003, Boisjoli, who was then president of the snowmobile and watercraft division of Bombardier, became president and CEO of BRP on the day it became a standalone company. Under his leadership, BRP diversified its product portfolio, dealer and distributor network and manufacturing footprint. The company more than tripled its revenue and grew its market share three-fold.

Arctic Cat released its snowmobile race program application on May 22, setting the stage for Team Arctic’ s return to snowmobile racing for the 2025−2026 season.

Arctic Cat has a long and historic background in snowmobile competitions, going back to the 1960s. In the past, racing efforts have been used to develop and test new products and market the brand.

“ Team Arctic has a rich racing history spanning over 60 years, and I am excited to announce that we are back with full support for the 2025−2026 season,” says Brad Darling, president and CEO of Arctic Cat.

Jumping back into racing is just the latest news coming from Arctic Cat, a company that has had a volatile year. In

November 2024, Arctic’ s former parent company, Textron, announced mass layoffs

Team Arctic will be back for the 2025-2026 snowmobile racing season.( File photo) and a stop in production at its Thief River Falls, Minnesota facility.

That was until April, when Darling led a group of investors to buy the Arctic Cat from Textron, which ultimately led to the brand revival.

Fast-forward to today and the newly acquired Arctic has released a complete 2026 snowmobile lineup, restarted production, and restored over 300 jobs at its Minnesota facility.

The new ownership group now ushers back in Team Arctic, an element of the brand that the company says is an important part of Arctic Cat’ s DNA.

“ I am extremely excited that Team Arctic is back supporting riders on their quest for the checkered flag and will continue to utilize the race program to advance Arctic Cat snowmobiles for many years to come,” says Arctic Cat Snowmobile Racing Manager Mike Kloety.