Back to 2012 Suzuki Motorcycle Model Review Page

Click photos to enlarge.
They make great desktop images.

2012 Suzuki RM85

2012 Suzuki RM85

– 2012 Suzuki RM85

2012 Suzuki RM85 Review

The RM85 is back and it’s here to carry on the powerful tradition of racing excellence in the Suzuki RM family. Its two-stroke engine produces smooth power at any rpm with an emphasis on low- to mid-range performance. Just like its bigger brothers, the RM85 delivers class-leading handling for experienced racers and rookie riders alike. With its smooth power delivery and loads of mid-range and lightweight handling, the 2012 RM85 is the perfect motocross bike for anyone learning to race—and to win!

Mount up. Because 1st place doesn’t come without a fight. Razor-sharp handling. Beastly torque. Quick-response braking. They’re not features, they’re the difference between podium and parking lot. Our legendary RM-Zs put the track—and the competition—at your mercy.

RM85 available in small and big-wheel versions with a number of performane enhancing revisions.

This model has a tubular steel frame and an aluminium swingarm for performance on the track. An excellent first machine for those aspiring to compete in the bigger engine class.

Class Powerhouse

The RM85 delivers everything first-time motocross racers demand and is equipped with technology from Suzuki’s championship-winning two-stroke motocross weapons. The junior-size RM85 is the perfect tool for young riders learning to race and win.

Engineered to perform, the high revving 85cc reed valve engine features alloy exhaust valves for more stable combustion, in combination with the Keihin PE28 carburetor.

At ground level, inverted Showa cartridge forks use a progressive valve system with damping tuned to match the strong rear shock. The braking system boasts large discs and a twin-piston caliper up front.

The RM85 comes with 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tyres, 1,240mm wheelbase and 850mm of seat height.

 

 

2012 Suzuki RM85 Features and Benefits

85cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a bore and stroke of 48.0mm x 46.8mm.

The cylinder has Suzuki’s original Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) to help transfer heat to the coolant quickly and efficiently, while adding durability and lightweight to the engine construction.

Digital CDI map offers the suitable engine performance at high rpm.

High-tensile tubular steel frame for performance on the track, especially in the corners.

Newly designed swingarm with thicker wall improves traction delivery especially at whoops.

Front forks offer 275mm of wheel travel.

Rear piggyback-reservoir shock absorber has 277mm of wheel travel and adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload.

Each side of the seat has textured surface for better knee gripping.

Footpegs are made of chrome-molybdenum-steel, making them more durable with better grip.

Long clutch lever makes it easier to accurately locate and work the engagement point during starts and when clutching off at corners.

The RM85 comes with 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tyres, 1,240mm wheelbase and 850mm of seat height.

 

Engine Features

The RM85’s high-revving 84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed-valve engine has a bore and stroke of 48.0mm x 46.8mm. The cylinder features Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) for durability, weight reduction and effective heat transfer for superior class performance.

A Keihin™ PE28 carburetor provides smooth throttle response and is designed for simplified maintenance.

The exhaust valves are made of aluminum to best match the expansion rate of the cylinder itself, improve sealing.

The RM85’s exhaust valve governor and actuator helps provide good throttle response and overall tractability.

A digital CDI map helps provide strong engine performance at higher rpms.

The RM85 comes with a large-capacity radiator for efficient engine cooling.

 

Transmission Features

The RM85 is equipped with a smooth shifting six-speed transmission. The transmission features a fully worked-out shift mechanism including a strong shift-drum detent spring and needle bearing on the left side of the shift drum. A knurled shift-pedal tip delivers excellent grip and shift feel.

 

Chassis Features

A tubular steel frame and thick wall aluminum swingarm provides class-leading performance on the track, especially in the corners.

The frame was designed for increased rigidity, durability and straight-line performance; it features large diameter tubing in key areas and a large front reinforcement plate.

Showa 37mm inverted front forks are completely adjustable for rider weight, style and ability. The forks feature a cartridge damping system with fully-adjustable rebound damping and 20-way adjustable compression damping (also included are fork guards to protect the inner fork tubes). The front forks offer 275mm (10.8-inches) of travel.

A Showa rear shock absorber, with large diameter shock body, is designed and properly valved to produce a plush feel and increase bottoming resistance. The Showa rear shock provides 277mm (10.9-inches) of wheel travel.

The RM85 comes with a twin-piston caliper front brake with 220mm (8.7-inches) large-diameter disc and a rear brake with 200mm (7.9-inches) disc to provide excellent braking performance.

The RM85 also comes with a light, narrow-diameter front and rear brake hose. The font brake hose is routed behind the fork leg, eliminating the need for a brake hose cover, which helps reduce weight.

A rigid rear brake caliper provides reliable braking performance, long pad life and is easy to maintain.

A plastic rear brake caliper guard reduces the possibility of deformation and saves weight as well.

The RM85’s forged aluminum-alloy rear brake pedal gives the rider accurate braking feel.

The RM85’s footpegs are made of cast chrome-molybdenum steel, instead of stamped steel, which makes them more durable with better grip.

A long clutch lever makes it easy to accurately locate and work the engagement point during starts and when clutching off at corners.

Each side of the RM85’s seat has textured surface for better knee gripping.

The RM85’s wheel sizes meet AMA 85cc class regulations (Front: 70/100-17; Rear: 90/100-14).

 

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM85 – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $4,149 USD

Chassis
Overall Length 1805 mm (71.1 in)
Overall Width 735 mm (28.9 in)
Overall Height 1240 mm (43.3 in)
Wheelbase 1240 mm (48.8 in)
Ground Clearance 325 mm (12.8 in)
Seat Height 850 mm (33.5 in)
Curb Weight 73 kg (161 lbs)
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive Chain, D.I.D. 428DS, 118 links
Suspension Front Telescopic, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 70/100-17 40M, tube type
Tires Rear 90/100-14 49M, tube type
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.0 L (1.3 US gallons)
Color Champion Yellow
Engine
Bore Stroke 48 x 46.8mm
Engine 84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled
Compression Ratio 9.5/10.9:1
Fuel System KEIHIN PE28, single
Starter Primary kick
Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)
Lubrication Fuel/Oil premixture of 30:1
Warranty
Warranty No Warranty

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM85 – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Suzuki Dealer for pricing.
Chassis
Overall Length 1805 mm (71.1 in)
Overall Width 735 mm (28.9 in)
Overall Height 1240 mm (43.3 in)
Wheelbase 1240 mm (48.8 in)
Ground Clearance 325 mm (12.8 in)
Seat Height 850 mm (33.5 in)
Curb Weight 73 kg (161 lbs)
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive Chain, D.I.D. 428DS, 118 links
Suspension Front Telescopic, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 70/100-17 40M, tube type
Tires Rear 90/100-14 49M, tube type
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.0 L (1.3 US gallons)
Color Champion Yellow
Engine
Bore Stroke 48 x 46.8mm
Engine 84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled
Compression Ratio 9.5/10.9:1
Fuel System KEIHIN PE28, single
Starter Primary kick
Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)
Lubrication Fuel/Oil premixture of 30:1
Warranty
Warranty No Warranty

 

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM85 – Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australian MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing.

ENGINE
84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid cooled, single cylinder
STARTER
Primary kick
TRANSMISSION
6 speed constant mesh
FRONT SUSPENSION
Telescopic, pneumatic/coil spring, oil-damped
REAR SUSPENSION
Link Type, coil spring, oil damped
FRONT BRAKES
Disc
REAR BRAKES
Disc
WHEELBASE
1,240mm
SEAT HEIGHT
850mm
LENGTH
1,805mm
WIDTH
735mm
HEIGHT
1,100mm
WET WEIGHT
73kg
FUEL CAPACITY
5 litres
COLOURS
Champion Yellow

 

---

 

2012 Suzuki RM85 – UK Specifications/Technical Details
RRP Price: £3,165 GBP

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

Overall length: 1805mm (71.1in)
Overall width: 735mm (28.9in)
Overall height: 1100mm (43.3in)
Wheelbase: 1240mm (48.8in)
Seat height: 850mm (33.5in)
Kerb Mass: 73kg (160.9lbs)
Fuel capacity: 5.0litres (1.1 UK gallons)
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine capacity: 84cc
Engine: 2-stroke, liquid cooled, single cylinder
Bore: 48 mm x 46.8 mm
Compression ratio: 9.5/10.9 : 1
Lubrication: Fuel/oil premixturef 30 : 1
Ignition: CDI
Fuel system: KEIHIN PE28, single
Starter: Kick
Transmission: 6-speed
Drive: Chain
CHASSIS SPECIFICATION

Front suspension: SHOWA, telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension: Swingarm, link type, SHOQA piggyback-reservoir shock
Front brakes: Disc
Rear brakes: Disc
Front tyres: 70/100-17 40M
Rear tyres: 90/100-14 49M

 

*Price, Specifications and photos may change without notice.