Even the best motocross riders in the world will tell you: if you ever want to become good at the sport, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

When talking about a bike that can give you that introductory feel, the Suzuki RM85->ke2148 is a pretty good choice. Nothing about this bike screams power and all-world performance - and that's a good thing. The appeal, as far as the RM85 is concerned, is manifested in its simple and reliable offering of high-quality design, optimum performance, and sturdy durability.

At the heart of the RM85 is a relatively light, albeit highly effective 84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed-valve engine that has a bore and stroke of 48.0mm x 46.8mm. The cylinder on the engine comes with the Suzuki->ke371 Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM), further enhancing its durability, weight reduction, and effective heat transfer for superior class performance. The engine set-up also comes with a Keihin PE28 carburetor that provides smooth throttle response, while a digital CDI map has been fitted to provide optimum engine performance at higher rpms.

Even novice bikes like the RM85 need to be equipped with superior handling characteristics to be considered an effective dirt bike. A tubular steel frame and thick wall aluminum swing arm comes with class-leading performance on the track, especially in the corners. In designing the frame, Suzuki wanted to build one that not only increased rigidity, but also increased its durability and straight-line performance. Showa 37mm inverted front and rear forks were also fitted in which come with a cartridge damping system with fully-adjustable rebound damping and 20-way adjustable compression damping.

With all these elements in tow, the Suzuki RM85 is an ideal start-up motocross bike to get all the young ones acclimated in the sport. Even the pros will tell you that if you want to learn the ropes, you have to start simple.

Find out more about the Suzuki RM85 after the jump.

2012 Suzuki RM85

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Suzuki RM85
  • Engine/Motor: 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed-valve engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

-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

-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

-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).

Specifications

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

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


Quotes

Motorcycle USA----"The Suzuki RM85 is equipped with a two-stroke engine that produces smooth power at any rpm with an emphasis on low- to mid-range performance. It also has a Keihin PE28 carburetor which provides smooth throttle response and is designed for simplified maintenance while the RM85 comes with a large-capacity radiator for efficient engine cooling."