Kawasaki KX85 specifications

Kawasaki · Youth motocross

The 2027 Kawasaki KX85 is an 84cc liquid-cooled two-stroke youth motocross bike with a six-speed gearbox, a 43 mm inverted fork and a 32.7 in seat. It weighs 160.3 lb and lists at $4,999 plus $315 destination, and the KX85 L costs $200 more at $5,199. It is the cheapest of the 85cc race bikes and the oldest design, which is exactly the trade Motocross Action's 2025 shootout described.

It suits a young rider learning to carry momentum, and a family that will spend on suspension and engine upgrades to race it.

Who the KX85 suits.

The KX85 suits an amateur racer moving up from a 65cc bike, and it has a long record there. Motocross Action wrote that Kawasaki's KX85 "has been very successful in the amateur ranks," and recommended it in two cases: a family that wants a bike to teach a rider to carry momentum, and one that expects to spend money on engine and suspension and cash in on Kawasaki's Team Green contingency program.

The same shootout called it the most outdated bike of the group and also the one with the friendliest price, at $4,949 in that test.

That gap is the whole story of the KX85. The current KTM and Husqvarna 85s are lighter and more advanced, and they cost more. Kawasaki's is the bike a parent buys for the lowest price, and it is a sound platform if the plan includes upgrades.

The stock KX85 rolls on 17-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels, and MXA notes that 85 riders can now also race on Supermini-spec "big wheels" of 19 and 16 inches.

Brakes, suspension and upgrades on a KX85.

Most 85cc riders will not have a problem with the stock Formula brakes, MXA said in its shootout, but a rider fast enough to qualify for Loretta Lynn's would appreciate upgrading to stronger Brembo brakes. That is a common path on this bike.

Kawasaki gives the KX85 a 43 mm inverted fork and a Uni-Trak rear shock, both adjustable, with about 10.8 in of travel at each end. Plan the KX85's upgrade budget around suspension revalving first.

Keeping a KX85 running.

A KX85 is a race two-stroke and needs regular upkeep. MotoSport lists the common complaints as inconsistent power delivery and hesitation, which it traces to a dirty fuel filter or fuel line, and poor performance from a clogged air filter or wrong jetting. Its advice is regular oil changes, chain lubrication and air filter cleaning, and replacing the fuel filter before it clogs.

On a used bike, ask when the top end was last rebuilt and how the bike has been stored, because a carbureted two-stroke that sits with old fuel is the usual source of a hard start.

KX85 used prices.

Used KX85s vary a lot by year. Autotrader shows asking prices from $3,199 to $5,973 with an average of about $4,731, which is close to a new bike's $4,999 price. Because the average is near new, a used KX85 is worth buying only if it is much cheaper or comes with upgrades, since a new one includes Kawasaki's current warranty and the latest model-year parts.

What is new on the current KX85, and the KX85 L.

The current KX85 got new hardware around an unchanged engine. Dirt Bike Magazine says the engines are the same apart from a switch of the motor's accents from silver to black, the brakes are now entirely Nissin with a front setup nearly identical to Kawasaki's 250F. The foot pegs are significantly wider, which makes riders feel more planted at high speed.

It also reports the KX85 and KX112 run slightly lean from the factory, which can cause a lean bog, and recommends a Pro Circuit jetting modification. The KX85 L is the big-wheel version: it takes the KX112 chassis's longer swingarm and 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels and pairs them with the 85cc engine.

KX85 against the YZ85 and KTM 85 SX.

The KX85 sits at the bottom of the price range and the top of the weight range for the class. Yamaha's YZ85 uses a fully adjustable KYB fork and shock with hydraulic disc brakes. The KTM 85 SX 17/14 uses a WP XACT fork and shock and costs $1,950 more than the Kawasaki.

A KX85 buyer gets the lowest price and the friendliest bike to learn on, and the KTM buyer pays for the racing pedigree. All three use six-speed gearboxes and carbureted 85cc two-stroke engines.

Model-year range

2026–2027

Compared editions

2

Specification entries

25

Entries that differ

0

2027 Kawasaki KX85 questions

How much more does the KX85 L cost than the KX85?

Kawasaki lists the KX85 L at $5,199 against $4,999 for the standard KX85, each plus a $315 destination charge. The standard bike rolls on 17-inch and 14-inch wheels.

Is the Kawasaki KX85 a good race bike for a beginner?

Motocross Action calls it the friendliest-priced 85 and a good teacher of momentum, but also the most outdated in its group. It is a strong choice for a young racer if the plan includes suspension and engine work.

Does the Kawasaki KX85 L have bigger wheels?

Yes. Dirt Bike Magazine says the KX85 L takes the KX112 chassis's longer swingarm and 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels and pairs them with the 85cc engine. Kawasaki lists the L at $5,199 against $4,999 for the standard KX85.