Kawasaki KX112 specifications
Kawasaki · Youth motocross
Kawasaki updated the youth bikes' hardware and left the engines alone. Dirt Bike Magazine says the KX112 and KX85 engines are unchanged apart from a cosmetic switch of the motor's accents from silver to black, that the braking system has moved entirely to Nissin components with a front brake virtually identical to the one on Kawasaki's 250F race bike, and that the foot pegs are significantly wider than in previous generations, so riders feel much more planted and stable at high speed without head shake.
The changes are designed to meet the demands of aggressive young riders without immediate aftermarket work.
Kawasaki KX112
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 2-stroke, single-cylinder with exhaust power valve (KIPS), liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 112cc |
| Bore x stroke | 52.5x51.6mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 (low speed) / 8.6:1 (high speed) |
| Fuel system | 28mm Keihin carburetor |
| Front suspension | 43mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping |
| Front suspension travel | 10.8 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 12.0 in |
| Front brake | Single 240mm petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 70/100-19 |
| Rear tire | 90/100-16 |
| Seat height | 34.1 in |
| Wet weight (curb) | 164.9 lb |
| Wheelbase | 51.6 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 29.2° |
| Trail | 4.6 in |
| Fuel capacity | 1.32 gal |
| Ground clearance | 13.0 in |
| Frame | Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
| Length x width x height | 76.2x31.5x45.9 in |
| Starting MSRP | $5,799 |
| Class | Youth motocross |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift, with wet multi-disc manual clutch |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Ignition | CDI with digital advance |
| Destination charge | $315 |
| Rear brake | Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper |
| Special features | ERGO-FIT |
What changed on the KX112 and what testers found
The magazine's one warning is jetting: reviewers noted that both the 85 and the 112 run slightly lean from the factory, which can cause a lean bog, and they recommend a Pro Circuit jetting modification to richen up the mixture.
What the KX112 is meant to do
The KX112 is a stepping stone. Total Motorcycle describes proportionate power, lightweight handling and an optimized chassis to prepare an aspiring rider for big bikes, a six-speed transmission built to withstand the engine output, and a sturdy high-tensile steel perimeter frame with strength and torsional rigidity that lets riders push hard on the track.
Kawasaki also sells the KX85 L, which takes the KX112's longer swingarm and 19-inch and 16-inch wheels and pairs them with the 85cc engine.
So a rider who wants the big-wheel chassis without the bigger engine has an option.
KX112 against the YZ85, KTM 85 SX and CRF150R
At $5,799 the KX112 costs more than Yamaha's YZ85 at $5,199 and Honda's four-stroke CRF150R at $5,499, and less than the KTM 85 SX 17/14 at $6,949. At 164.9 lb it is heavier than the YZ85's 161 lb and lighter than the CRF150R's 185 lb.
Kawasaki KX112 — specification reference- Model-year range
- 2026–2027
- Compared editions
- 2
- Specification entries
- 25
- Entries that differ
- 0
2027 Kawasaki KX112 questions
What is the difference between the Kawasaki KX85 and KX112?
The KX112 has a 112cc engine and 19-inch and 16-inch wheels on a longer chassis. The standard KX85 has an 84cc engine with 17-inch and 14-inch wheels. Kawasaki's KX85 L combines the KX112 chassis with the 85cc engine, according to Dirt Bike Magazine.
Does the KX112 need jetting changes?
Reviewers at Dirt Bike Magazine noted the KX112 and KX85 run slightly lean from the factory, which can cause a lean bog, and recommend a Pro Circuit jetting modification.
The 2027 Kawasaki KX112 is a 112cc two-stroke motocross bike with an exhaust power valve, a six-speed gearbox and a 43 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping. It costs $5,799 before a $315 destination charge and has a 34.1 in seat and a 164.9 lb curb weight. It is Kawasaki's big-wheel youth racer, with 19-inch and 16-inch wheels, made to prepare an aspiring rider for full-size bikes.
Testers say it needs a jetting change from the factory, and its updated pegs and brakes make it planted at speed.
MotoSport calls the KX112 a lightweight bike with a powerful engine and an excellent balance of performance and handling, and lists two owner complaints: front suspension that sags or rides harshly and needs setting to the rider's weight, and engine stalling or poor throttle response, which points back to jetting and fuel. It recommends regular maintenance, oil changes and suspension tuning to extend the bike's longevity.
Two-stroke top ends need regular attention, so a used KX112's rebuild history matters.
The larger youth competition chassis
The KX112's nineteen-inch front and sixteen-inch rear wheel sizes place a practical fitting question ahead of the displacement comparison with a KX85. The published seat is 34.1 inches. Check the rider's reach in boots with the suspension correctly set, and follow the manufacturer's age and supervision instructions. A race-bike seat measurement cannot determine readiness by itself.
With a 112cc two-stroke and KIPS exhaust power valve, this is a competition-machine purchase. Ask about engine work, jetting or other fuel-system changes and the maintenance record for the exact model. A recently replaced piston or cylinder should come with an explanation of why the work was done and what parts were used.
The 1.32-gallon tank and 164.9 lb curb figure are useful for race-day preparation and transport, but neither establishes a safe session length or a rider's ability. Include suitable tie-down points and the weight of stands, fuel and equipment when planning transport. The $5,799 starting price is only part of the cost of preparing a competition bike for its intended use.
Other models in this reference: Kawasaki KX250F, Kawasaki KLX300.