The Suzuki RM85L->ke2148 is far from being considered a powerhouse bike. On the contrary, it's actually pretty puny compared to the kind of motocross bikes we've seen in the past. But don't mistake it's "puniness" as a negative because that's actually where the appeal lies as far as this bike is concerned.

The RM85L is a straight-forward, no-questions-asked bike that accomplishes it's goal of being a great start-up dirt bike. There's nothing flashy about it, although it does have a frame that has been designed for increased rigidity, durability, and straight-line performance.

Speaking of performance, the Suzuki->ke371 RM85L is powered by a high-revving 84.7cc, liquid-cooled, case-reed engine that produces strong peak power and torque, relative to its stature, of course. It also comes with aluminum exhaust valves for more stable exhaust flow and an RM125-style exhaust valve governor and linkage for precise valve movement and strong throttle response. Likewise, the bike was also give a Keihin PE28 carburetor, providing smooth throttle response and a smooth shifting six-speed transmission that provides the right kind of power linkage novice riders will come to enjoy.

In terms of handling, the Suzuki RM85L is more than capable, thanks to a steady load of high-performance parts that include a Showa rear shock absorber with large diameter shock body and valving, an aluminum swingarm with chain adjustment system similar to the RM250, a lightweight rear brake system with a large 200mm diameter rear brake rotor, and a 37mm Showa inverted fork that features a cartridge damping system with fully-adjustable rebound damping and 20-way adjustable compression damping.

If at any point somebody wants to get started in the world of dirt bike riding, the Suzuki RM85L is not the flashiest choice, but you could make a case that it's one of the smartest.

Find out more about the Suzuki RM85L after the jump.

2012 Suzuki RM85L

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Suzuki RM85L
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled, case-reed engine
  • Transmission: six-speed transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

-High-revving 84.7cc, liquid-cooled, case-reed engine produces strong peak power and torque - includes aluminum exhaust valves for more stable exhaust flow and RM125-style exhaust valve governor and linkage for precise valve movement and strong throttle response

-Keihin PE28 carburetor provides smooth throttle response and is designed for simplified maintenance

-Knurl-finished gear shift lever tip for improved appearance and feel

-Large-capacity radiator for efficient engine cooling

-Magneto cover with styling similar to RM250

-SCEM-plated cylinder - lighter than a steel-sleeved cylinder with superior heat transfer capability

Transmission

-Easy to use clutch lever with long lever stroke for precise clutch operation and feel

-Smooth shifting 6-speed transmission - shift drum detent plate and detent spring designed for positive shift feel, plus needle bearing mounted on the left side of the shift drum to reduce friction

Chassis

-Showa rear shock absorber with large diameter shock body and valving designed to produce a plush feel and increase bottoming resistance

-Aluminum swingarm with chain adjustment system similar to RM250

-Brake and shift pedals designed with thick cross-section for durability

-Chrome-moly footpegs for increased durability and improved rider feel

-Frame designed for increased rigidity, durability and straight line performance; features large diameter tubing in key areas and large front reinforcement plate

-Fuel tank, radiator shroud, seat and number plates with design and graphics similar to RM125/250

-Lightweight rear brake system with large 200mm diameter rear brake rotor for positive brake feel

-Showa 37mm inverted fork featuring cartridge damping system with fully-adjustable rebound damping and 20-way adjustable compression damping - Includes fork guards to protect inner fork tubes

-Twin piston front brake caliper and large 220mm diameter front brake rotor, plus large capacity front master cylinder

-Wheel sizes of F: 70/100-19, R: 90/100-16 to fit a variety of young riders

Specifications

Bore Stroke

48 x 46.8mm

Compression Ratio

9.5/10.9 : 1

Engine

84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled

Fuel System

KEIHIN PE28, single

Ignition

Electronic ignition (CDI)

Lubrication

Fuel/oil premixture of 30 : 1

Starter

Primary kick

Brakes Front

Disc brake

Brakes Rear

Disc brake

Color

Champion Yellow

Curb Weight

74 kg (163 lbs)

Final Drive

Chain, D.I.D 428DS, 122 links

Fuel Tank Capacity

5.0 L (1.3 US gallons)

Ground Clearance

355 mm (14.0 in)

Overall Height

1165 mm (45.9 in)

Overall Length

1895 mm (74.6 in)

Overall Width

735 mm (28.9 in)

Seat Height

875 mm (34.4 in)

Suspension Front

Telescopic, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear

Link type, coil spring, oil damped

Tires Front

70/100-19 42M

Tires Rear

90/100-16 52M

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Wheelbase

1280 mm (50.4 in)

Bore Stroke

48 x 46.8mm

Compression Ratio

9.5/10.9 : 1

Engine

84.7cc, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled

Fuel System

KEIHIN PE28, single

Ignition

Electronic ignition (CDI)

Lubrication

Fuel/oil premixture of 30 : 1

Starter

Primary kick


Quotes

Motorcycle USA----"The Suzuki RM85L has a large capacity radiator for efficient engine cooling and Showa 37mm inverted fork featuring cartridge damping system with fully-adjustable rebound damping and 20-way adjustable compression damping. It also includes fork guards to protect inner fork tubes."