2023 Kawasaki KX85: STANDS ABOVE THE COMPETITION.
Introducing the 2023 Kawasaki KX85…
Built using much of the same race-winning technology as that found on the KX112, the KX85 motorcycle defines a “big bike in a small package” and returns as strong as ever in 2023 with the goal to provide young racers the championship-winning advantage they need to sharpen their skills. The KX85 relies on its instantaneous power, nimble handling, and factory-race-inspired styling to reach the checkered flag first.
The two-stroke, single cylinder 84cc engine is equipped with the highly advanced powervalve system that generates an easy-to-use wide-spread powerband. Just like the KX112, it features a 6-speed transmission, Dunlop MX33 tires, slim ergonomics package, aggressive KX styling and excellent cooling performance. Championship performance requires power, which is exactly why the KX85 stands above the competition.
With more amateur national championships than any other brand, the KX85 is for young racers who are serious about winning.
The KX85 motorcycle brings Kawasaki’s proven performance to the amateur ranks. Proportionate power of the 84cc engine and race-ready technology grant young racers the championship-winning advantage they need to sharpen their skills.
From their first ride to lifting the trophy, legends choose KX – Created to dominate and built
for winners, the KX65 and new KX85 are competition ready machines designed to encourage
the green shoots of youth talent allowing it to blossom into full-blown race wins
and Championship success.
2023 Kawasaki KX85 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- STRONG 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION
- RADIATOR SHROUD DESIGN FOR OPTIMAL ERGONOMICS AND COOLING PERFORMANCE
- FACTORY-INSPIRED STYLING
- DUNLOP MX33 TIRES
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-COOLED 2-STROKE ENGINE
- KAWASAKI INTEGRATED POWER-VALVE SYSTEM
- 6-WAY ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR MOUNTS
- SOPHISTICATED SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
- AGGRESSIVE STYLING
- OPTIONAL CARBURETOR TUNING JETS ARE INCLUDED TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE BASED ON RIDING CONDITIONS
- High tensile steel perimeter frame
- Adjustable 36mm inverted cartridge forks
- Front and rear disc brakes
- 17-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear wheel
- ERGO-FIT sizing system with 6-position adjustable handlebar mount
- Team Green contingency race rewards
The Bike That Builds Champions
The Kawasaki KX motocross and off-road motorcycle range returns stronger than ever for 2023 with its championship-winning packages.
Leading the way as the flagship model in the Kawasaki KX range is the KX450 with a powerful 449cc engine, electric start, Showa A-KIT technology suspension, and a coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch that have proven to capture awards, accolades, and race wins.
Joining the KX450 is its KX450X cross-country counterpart that has been purposely tuned for off-road competition. Developed to dominate off-road racecourses in both the woods and the desert, the cross-country KX lineup offers riders the required components for off-road competition straight from Kawasaki along with the dominant engine and chassis performance found on the KX450.
Kawasaki’s mini motocross lineup consisting of the KX112, KX85, and KX65 returns for 2023 and is ingrained with a long list of successes that have stemmed from building champions from the start. The KX112 supermini racer bridges the gap to full-size motocross bikes and boasts a powerful 112cc displacement engine, the largest in its class. It’s joined by the KX85, which shares much of the same technology found on the KX112. The KX65 returns as the most compact bike in the Kawasaki KX lineup and the starting point for aspiring champions.
The Kawasaki Team Green racing team has been the dominant force in amateur racing for nearly four decades, providing contingency and an unmatched level of trackside support to racers across the nation. Under the Team Green racing program, a trackside support system consisting of local, regional, and amateur motocross and off-road events across the country has been put in place. There, Kawasaki technicians and race transporters can be found providing critical parts and technical assistance to all riders. Kawasaki’s efforts, matched with the input from aspiring young stars, have produced winning products across its lineup.
2023 Kawasaki KX85 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
High-Performance 2-Stroke Engine
• [A] Cylinder head squish area and combustion chamber height designed to help boost power.
• [B] Single-ring piston reduces friction for quick engine response.
• [C] Resin blocks in the crankshaft boost primary compression pressure for more power, while the crankshaft is weighted for maximum rigidity and durability.
• [D] The cylinder is Nikasil plated for increased durability.
• [D] Exhaust and scavenging port shapes help boost power.
• [E] Large radiator for optimum cooling performance.
* Strong bearing retainers for the small-end needle bearings, and bigend needle bearings with high load capacity contribute to durability.
• Light weight, simple design that is relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain.
• Lightweight flywheel with rare-earth magnets enhances low-end engine response.
• The bridges between the intake and exhaust ports are machine finished to resist seizure.
• The exhaust port window is designed to boost port velocity and the outlet increases flow for more mid-range and top-end power.
• The piston has four lubricating holes at the wrist pin for added durability.
• Carbon fiber reeds aid throttle response. The direction of the fibers is at a 45° angle to tune the flexibility of the reeds for precise response.
• Optional carburetor tuning jests are included so the user can optimize performance based on riding conditions.
6-Speed Transmission
* Transmission shaft splines are designed to both enhance durability and help make shifting smooth.
* Thrust washer system enhances lubrication and reduces friction.
* Strong gear engagement dogs and contribute to positive shift feel.
• The ends of the shift forks are hard-chrome finished for durability.
Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS)(KP)
• [F] Two-piece exhaust valve improves sealing performance and contributes to engine performance.
• The KIPS system varies exhaust port height for increased horsepower and torque.
• Breather in KIPS cover relieves exhaust pressure for more precise KIPS valve action and improved high rpm performance.
• KIPS lever stopper spring absorbs governor “over stroke” for added durability.
• The KIPS governor has a long stroke to open the cylinder valves more fully. A governor spring and 8mm bearing boss add durability.
High Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame
• Sturdy perimeter frame, designed to harness the engine’s power, provides strength and torsional rigidity so that riders can push hard on the track.
Roomy, Adjustable Ergonomics
* [G] Radiator shroud design efficiently directs air to the radiator, contributing to cooling performance. The shrouds are also designed to accommodate a wide range of riders and make it easy for taller riders to find a good fit on the bike.
• [H] Handlebar is held by six-way adjustable clamps. Rotating the clamps allows 10mm movement forward, and the height can be raised five or 10mm by installing one or two 5mm shims between the clamp and triple clamp.
• [I] Flat seat fits atop fuel tank to allow the rider freedom of movement.
• Shroud and side number plates also help provide freedom of movement.
• The gas tank is positioned to improve handling and lower the center of gravity.
• Wide footpegs for excellent control. Made of cast steel for strength and use 10mm pivots for durability.
FRAME
• [L] Petal discs reduce unsprung weight and help clean the brake pads for more efficient braking performance.
* Dunlop MX33 tIres provide excellent grip, slide control, bump absorption and durability
BRAKES AND TIRES
Uni-Trak Rear Suspension(KP)
• [J] Rear shock compression damping adjuster has 24 positions and allows damping force to be generated at a slower stroke range for a more stable feel.
• Shim-type valving for optimum damping control and feel.
• Aluminum swingarm has a brushed finish to match the appearance of the KX250/450.
• Rear suspension settings provide a progressive ride to better resist bottoming and accommodate larger, more aggressive riders.
36mm Inverted Cartridge Fork(KP)
• [K] Shim-type valving for optimum damping control and feel.
• Front fork settings provide a progressive ride to better resist bottoming and fit larger and more aggressive riders.
• Inverted forks are more rigid to provide better steering response and control.
• Compression damping is 20-position adjustable and the cartridge design means better action.
• The aluminum upper fork tubes measure 49.5mm in diameter for flex free performance.
Black Alumite-Coated Aluminum Rims
• Aluminum rims reduce unsprung weight and their strength adds durability.
2023 Kawasaki KX85 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $4699 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $5499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine Type 2-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, Reed Valve, Single with KIPS
Displacement 84cc
Bore & Stroke 48.5 x 45.8 mm
Compression Ratio Variable 9.0-10.9:1
Carburetor Keihin PWK28
Ignition Digital CDI
Transmission 6-Speed
Rake/Trail 29°/3.8 in.
Front Wheel Travel 10.8 in.
Rear Wheel Travel 10.8 in.
Front Tire Size 70/100-17
Rear Tire Size 90/100-14
Front Suspension 36mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with 20-Position
Compression Damping Adjustment
Rear Suspension Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload, 24-Position
Compression & 21-Position Rebound Damping Adjustment,
Wheelbase 49.8 in.
Front Brake Type Disc
Rear Brake Type Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 1.3 gal.
Ground Clearance 11.4 in.
Seat Height 32.7 in.
Curb Weight= 165 lb.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Ask about Kawasaki’s Team Green™ amateur rider support program.
(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.
* = Changes from previous model year.
= = Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).
2023 Kawasaki KX85 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 2-stroke Single with KIPS
Displacement84 cm³
Displacement84 cm³
Bore x stroke48.5 x 45.8 mm
Compression ratio10.9:1 (low speed); 9.0:1 (high speed)
Valve systemPiston reed valve
Fuel systemCarburettor: Keihin PWK 28
IgnitionDigital CDI
Starting SystemPrimary Kick
LubricationPetrol mix
Gear Transmission
Transmission6-speed
Final driveChain
Primary Reduction Ratio3.400 (68/20)
Gear Ratios 1st2.538 (33/13)
Gear Ratios 2nd1.875 (30/16)
Gear Ratios 3rd1.500 (27/18)
Gear Ratios 4th1.250 (25/20)
Gear Ratios 5th1.090 (24/22)
Final reduction ratio3.923 (51/13)
ClutchWet multi-disc
Suspensions Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, frontSingle 220 mm disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rearSingle 184 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front36 mm inverted telescopic fork with 20-way compression damping
Suspension, rearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, 24-way compression and 21-way rebound damping
Dimensions Frame & Dimensions
Frame typePerimeter, high-tensile steel
Trail108 mm
Wheel travel front275 mm
Wheel travel rear275 mm
Tyre, front70/100-19 42M
Tyre, rear90/100-16 51M
Steering angle, left / right45° / 45°
L x W x H1,920 x 765 x 1,150 mm
Wheelbase1,310 mm
Ground clearance330 mm
Fuel capacity5 litres
Seat height870 mm
Curb mass77 kg
2023 Kawasaki KX85 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 2-stroke Single with KIPS
Displacement84 cm³
Bore x stroke48.5 x 45.8 mm
Compression ratio10.9:1 (low speed); 9.0:1 (high speed)
Valve systemPiston reed valve
IgnitionDigital CDI
Starting SystemPrimary Kick
LubricationPetrol mix
Gear Transmission
Transmission6-speed
Final driveChain
Primary Reduction Ratio3.400 (68/20)
Gear Ratios 1st2.538 (33/13)
Gear Ratios 2nd1.875 (30/16)
Gear Ratios 3rd1.500 (27/18)
Gear Ratios 4th1.250 (25/20)
Gear Ratios 5th1.090 (24/22)
Final reduction ratio3.571 (50/14)
ClutchWet multi-disc
Suspensions Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, frontSingle 220 mm disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Brakes, rearSingle 184 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston
Suspension, front36 mm inverted telescopic fork with 20-way compression damping
Suspension, rearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, 24-way compression and 21-way rebound damping
Dimensions Frame & Dimensions
Frame typePerimeter, high-tensile steel
Trail97 mm
Wheel travel front275 mm
Wheel travel rear275 mm
Tyre, front70/100-17 40M
Tyre, rear90/100-14 49M
Steering angle, left / right45° / 45°
L x W x H1,830 x 765 x 1,100 mm
Wheelbase1,265 mm
Ground clearance290 mm
Fuel capacity5 litres
Seat height830 mm
Curb mass75 kg
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
