2008 Kawasaki KX85 Review

Introduction

With the KX85, Kawasaki further trains riders who gained experience on the smallest KX, the 65cc model, when they could actually fit the bike. The long road towards success progressively receives bigger and bigger stamps and the Kawasaki KX85 is a very important one as the thirst of wining increases with the bike’s dimensions.

The bike is defined through its liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder 84cc engine which makes it the favorite of the race tracks.

History

1996 Kawasaki KX80

Kawasaki has used the powerful heritage gained by producing the famous KX80 for over twenty years and developed a modern motocross machine which took the levels of handling, power, and pleasure even further.

The Kawasaki KX85 was introduced in 2001 as a brand new motorcycle. The idea behind it was to bring life into the old by inspiring on those bigger green machines that dominated the motocross racing tracks. The result was a machine that perfectly blends the traditional easy-to-deal-with powerband with a healthier top end rush.

An immediate success, the KX85 is still a relatively “new born” considering the years of producing and manufacturing the motocrosser that formed its base, the KX80.

Competition

85cc dirt spreaders dispute their supremacy constantly as manufacturers know that once a rider is fascinated by a bike’s behavior, he’ll keep on buying the bigger models until the highest levels of success are reached in his career.

2007 Honda CR50R Expert

Of course Honda stepped up for the challenge and produced a bike like the CR85R Expert which delivers the same rush and features the exact same qualities as the CR85R only with bigger wheels, a higher seat height and a longer swingarm. You will base your victories on the 85cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke, pretty much as well as the Kawasaki.

2008 Yamaha YZ85

Riders who need to step up and follow the path towards success can also head at Yamahas and have a look taken at the YZ85. If they are lucky enough and take it for a test ride, the 85cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted will surely prove its point and the bike get sold immediately.

Another alternative, even more appropriate, is the Suzuki RM85L. This bike uses the same recipe as the Honda because it simply takes the awesome RM85 and gives it bigger wheels and a longer swingarm and wheelbase.

Exterior

2008 Kawasaki KX85

One of the best looking (if not THE best) motocross bikes out there, the Kawasaki KX85 definitely has what it takes in order to attract customers with just its looks.

A rider won’t be able to take his eyes off the bike as the high front fender looks very aggressive and looks good surrounded by the white number panel and mudguards. This is how the front looks, but on the side’s you will immediately fall in love with the panels featuring the Kawasaki name and decals.

The seat is perfectly integrated between the high rear fender and fuel tank and the white side panels further enhance the aggressive looks of this bike.

Everything else, the fork, the exhaust looks aggressive and prepared for the fight with those bumps.

The only color available for the KX85 is Lime Green as the manufacturer is identified on the track with the help of its unique color. You can be certain that this will be the color most often seen first at the finish line.

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Test Drive

2008 Kawasaki KX85

A fully grown adult wouldn’t feel at home on the KX85 as the bike is destined to riders situated still at the beginning of their careers. So my solution was to consult with some of these riders in order to get that very precious feedback.

I found no separate opinions about this 2008 Kawasaki as every rider was impressed by how this motocrosser handles and delivers its power to the rear wheel.

Ever since it became an 85cc, the KX’s two-stroke single was tuned for more top-end power, but this doesn’t mean that low and mid-range rush isn’t adrenaline pumping as well. It is true that the KX80 was famous for its low-end rush and most of that feel is still being retained as the manufacturer gets the best out of that motor.

The bike accelerates extraordinarily well out of corners and it is very stable while cornering. This is the result of its great steering geometry. Riders had no problem showing it the way and the bike had no problem following the directions as it is very responsive and very well balanced. The way it goes around the corners has also much to do with the fact that the center of gravity was kept down.

Even though some people in the crowd may of needed more allowing ergonomics, they didn’t went for a bigger bike as they prefer buying aftermarket handlebars and they are ready to go.

Appreciating to make high jumps and accelerating hard before such a maneuver, a beginning rider won’t feel restricted by the bike’s behavior. In fact, I found out that it actually “invites” you to give it some more gas and fly higher just for the hell of it. The fully adjustable suspensions have much to do with the ease of this situation and the fact the bike is stable is a big advantage.

On your every day racing circuit you probably won’t be able to hit sixth gear, not even in the straight line, but you will definitely enjoy every single gear change and clutch engaging and disengaging that comes with it. I only heard positive responses related to the way the gearbox functions and no riders, beginners or not, managed to miss a single gear.

Disc brakes are always appreciated, and the KX85 features such brakes both at the front wheel and at the back wheel. Powerful stopping power is provided and the riders are confident about braking later before a corner because they rely on these awesome performing units.

You will also feel very at home on the Kawasaki KX85 if you go for it and the satisfaction will be guaranteed. It is a real blast and a small clue on what you’re going t be on in a couple of years.

Price

One of the most affordable motorcycles in its class, the Kawasaki KX85 manages to attract more and more customers. Engineers made no concessions when they created it, but the marketing department seems to do some.

Having an MSRP of only $2,999 this motocrosser is ready to be taken down the tracks and bring you victories without too many bucks involved. This is another great balance that Kawasaki manages to achieve with its motorcycles, and the KX85 is a good example of the manufacturer’s strategy.

Conclusion

Kawasaki proves having the talent to deliver awesome performance while still managing to keep the bike light, stable, easy to maneuver, and safe. This way, it completes pretty much all the requirements for a best seller, if we also take in consideration its price, with the “success” tag hanging down its handlebars.

The KX85 also represents a guaranteed initiator as many riders gathered experience on it and pretty soon headed towards the bigger displacement machines although the bike was still keeping up with the requirements.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 84cc
Type: Two-stroke single with KIPS®
Bore x stroke: 48.5 x 45.8mm
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin PWK28
Induction: Crankcase reed valve
Compression ratio: 10.0:1 (low speed) – 9.2:1 (high speed)
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: High-tensile steel perimeter design with subframe member
Rake / trail: 27 degrees / 3.5 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 36mm inverted telescopic cartridge fork with 18-way compression damping / 10.8 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® single-shock system with 4-way compression and 16-way rebound damping, plus adjustable spring preload / 10.8 in.
Front tire: 70/100x17
Rear tire: 90/100x14
Front brake: Hydraulic disc
Rear brake: Disc
Overall length: 71.7 in.
Overall width: 28.9 in.
Overall height: 41.5 in.
Ground clearance: 13.4 in.
Seat height: 33.1 in.
Dry weight: 143.3 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal.
Wheelbase: 49.4 in.

Other

Color: Lime Green

Features

2008 Kawasaki KX85

Liquid-cooled Engine:

 Even-running temperatures provide consistent power output


 Lightweight Electrofusion-coated cylinder improves heat transfer while resisting abrasion and seizure


 Bridges between intake and exhaust ports are machine finished for less wear and improved reliability


 Magneto with lower inertial moment improves low-rpm response


 Rotor comes with rare-earth magnets –the unitized piece is small, light and more efficient


 Connecting rod big-end bearing has more rigid cage for improved durability


 Intake port shape and revised cylinder skirt allow cooling air into the crankcase chamber


 Primary gear is secured using a lock-nut to help reduce mechanical noise


 Metafoam gaskets for the generator and water pump covers improve sealing
 

Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS®):

 KIPS system varies exhaust-port height for increased horsepower and torque at all rpm’s


 Produces a broad powerband with more low-end torque and mid-range, while retaining excellent top-end power


 Breather in KIPS cover improves high-rpm and overrun performance

Clutch:

 Thick base clutch hub rides on needle bearings for smooth action


 Large clutch plates are 119mm in diameter for durability and control


 Clutch-release lever ratio is designed for light clutch lever action


 Clutch plate service cover simplifies maintenance and utilizes a metal-carbon composite gasket
 

Six-speed Transmission:

 The fifth and sixth gears on the input shaft ride on bushings for added reliability


 Positive shifting action and rugged durability


 Shift forks are hard chrome finished to resist wear and seizing


 Convenient oil level window


 Bushings on the second, third and fourth gears on the output shaft increase durability

28mm Keihin PWK carburetor:

 Large crescent slide carburetor positions the needle closer to intake ports for excellent throttle response and improves power


 Adjustable for various conditions
 

Airbox:

 Large right-side cutout improves airflow for increased power


 Reusable foam air filter
 

Exhaust System:

 Features large-diameter O-ring and groove on exhaust pipe for improved durability and easy installation


 Aluminum silencer is re-packable like larger KX models
 

High-tensile Steel Perimeter Frame:

 Wide footpegs for better control, made of cast steel for strength


 Thick footpeg mounting brackets withstand today’s rigorous tracks


 Engine and chassis bolts have rust-resistant coating
 

Fuel Tank:

 Gas tank design lowers center of gravity for improved handling
 

UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension:

 The swingarm uses large cross-section beams for improved rigidity and control


 Cast-aluminum drive chain adjuster sections for easy chain adjustments


 Shock is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping and spring preload
 

36mm Inverted Cartridge Fork:

 Inverted forks are rigid, providing better steering response and control


 Compression damping is 18-way adjustable


 Aluminum upper fork tubes measure 49.5mm in diameter for flex-free performance
 

Front and Rear Disc Brakes:

 Front brake lever shape offers better feel


 Forged-aluminum rear brake pedal is strong, lightweight and features two seals at the pivot for smooth operation and increased durability


 Strong braking power is achieved with minimal effort
 

Front and Rear Wheels:

 Rear hub features two wheel bearings on the drive side of the hub for durability


 Rear-axle diameter is large for more rigidity

Graphics:

 Aggressive Kawasaki Lime Green and Black graphics just like larger KX models