Kawasaki 2022. For motocross and cross-country

Appearance

The Kawasaki KX 85 looks bright. Even in the photo. This is achieved by design: the combination of bright green and white makes the motorcycle sporty.

In motion this is only confirmed. Looking at the video, it is clear that this is a powerful and original motorcycle that is perfect for motocross and more.

The car looks interesting thanks to the stylish wings that rise high above the tires. Of course, the ground clearance here is huge, and the wheels are spoked. The striking design is also evident in the shape of the frame. Yes, it is not fundamentally different from those of motocross bikes, but it still looks special in some ways.

Comfort

This bike is easy to maintain, because you can easily get spare parts for it. And it’s inexpensive, considering how much a particular part costs.

And all because the model is still in production. It’s realistic to buy a new motorcycle and, perhaps, in this case the risk of encountering problems is lower.

The bike is unlikely to be comfortable in urban conditions. In addition, it makes a lot of noise and will therefore cause discomfort to others. But for motocross and rural areas, it’s unlikely that anything will be better suited than this option. After all, this technique copes excellently with off-road conditions. Not only sport bikes and road motorcycles, but even enduro bikes are not capable of this.

Dimensions and weight

In terms of dimensions, this is a light, jumpy motorcycle in the literal sense, which is intended primarily for motocross.

If you keep this in mind, then its relative instability somewhere on the track in the middle of a field during strong gusts of wind hardly seems a minus. This is not a touring bike.

The dimensions are:

• height – 1150 mm;
• width – 765 mm;
• length – 1920 mm;
• wheelbase – 1310 mm;
• seat height – 870 mm;
• ground clearance - 330 mm;
• curb weight – 75 kg;
• Tank capacity – 5 l.

Of course, the volume of the gas tank here is minimal. And you can’t travel far from a gas station on such a motorcycle. But objectively this cannot be considered a disadvantage, because such equipment must literally fly when needed. Fly far and fast. And for such jumps to work, the configuration is appropriate.

Motorcycle KAWASAKI KX85 – Green (2018-2019)

KAWASAKI KX85 - (Green) - Powered by an 84cc two-stroke engine with a liquid cooling system. Also included are Uni-Trak suspension with more than 24 positions of adjustment and a 36mm front fork with 20-position damping adjustment. Smaller wheels than the KAWASAKI KX95-II and a 2kg weight difference make the fun bike easier to handle.

Engine

The KAWASAKI KX85 has a two-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Its volume is 84 cubic meters. cm.

This engine is a modernized version of the previous generation power unit.

The main design differences are the low friction piston and the new KIPS valve. This modification made it possible to increase the maximum power by 20%.

Frame

The KAWASAKI KX85-I is designed to conquer off-road terrain.

It is built on a frame made of high-strength steel.

Its design is able to withstand significant operating loads due to its optimal rigidity.

A rider of any size will be able to sit comfortably on the motorcycle, including thanks to the comfortable steering wheel, which has six adjustment positions. In addition, this modification of the motocross motorcycle is equipped with a 17-inch wheel at the front and a 14-inch wheel at the rear.

Suspension

At the front, the KAWASAKI KX85-I has a 36mm inverted fork. Thanks to this upgraded suspension element, the motorcycle is more rigid, which guarantees excellent handling.

The Uni-Trak rear suspension design features a fully adjustable shock absorber to eliminate bob during acceleration and deliver linear power delivery.

Brakes

KAWASAKI KX85-I is equipped with a disc-type brake system, which includes powerful elements.

They are able to guarantee complete control over the bike while withstanding heavy use.

Specifications

The bike's parameters are impressive. But it's not about power or torque, per se. When assessing the technical characteristics of this equipment, it is necessary to take into account its dimensions. Only then will it be possible to objectively evaluate this car.

This is first and foremost a sports car, and already a port of transport. Regarding the weight and dimensions, the torque and power are impressive. It is a mistake to compare the latter with those of sportbikes.

There are completely different principles and concepts. So it’s worth comparing only with other motocross bikes. And if you do this, it turns out that the KX 85 is one of the best in its class.

Kawasaki KX450X and KX250X

The new KX450X and KX250X cross-country racing models, introduced last year, feature the same proven technology found on the KX motocross models, but tuned specifically for country cross competition. Kawasaki's rich racing history spans over 20 years, with over 25 first-place finishes in WORCS, National Hare & Hound, GNCC and Endurocross.

The Kawasaki KX450X and KX250X share many features with their motocross siblings, including the engine, frame, chassis and design. Added to this successful base is a unique cross-country setup: suspensions, short gears, 21 front and 18 rear enduro wheels, braking components, skid plates, side stand. Softer suspensions and shorter gears give Kawasaki cross-country racing models optimal handling.

The 2022 Kawasaki KX450X and KX250X are available at Kawasaki dealerships in Lime Green. The recommended price for the KX450X is $9,700 and the KX250X is $8,500 (for the US market).

History of changes

Since the start of release, some changes have taken place. However, this did not bring anything radically new to the motorcycle. However, these changes deserve attention. At the end of the day, this bike is sure to go down in motocross history and stay there forever.

Here are the changes that happened in 2014:

1. Minor design restyling.
2. New brake system.
3. Reduced fuel tank.
4. Updated suspension settings.

That's all the changes that happened to the car. And this does not prevent it from being one of the best cross-country options in the world for almost twenty years.

And perhaps this will remain so for many more years, because this technology looks promising even against the background of current competitors, the production of which began just a couple of years ago.

Brief history of the model

• 2001 - start of production and sales. First generation.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A1; KX85-B1.

• 2002 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A2; KX85-B2.

• 2003 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A3; KX85-B3.

• 2004 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A4; KX85-B4.

• 2005 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A5; KX85-B5.

• 2006 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A6F; KX85-B6F.

• 2007 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A7F; KX85-B7F.

• 2008 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A8F; KX85-B8F.

• 2009 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-A9F; KX85-B9F.

• 2010 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-AAF; KX85-BAF.

• 2011 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-ABF; KX85-BBF.

• 2012 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-ACF; KX85-BCF.

• 2013 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-ADF; KX85-BDF.

• 2014 - restyling of the model. Second generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CEF; KX85-DEF.

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CFF; KX85-DFF.

• 2016 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CGF; KX85-DGF.

• 2017 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CHF; KX85-DHF.

• 2018 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CJF; KX85-DJF.

• 2019 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CKF; KX85-DKF.

• 2020 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85-CLF; KX85-DLF.

• 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki KX85: : Kawasaki KX85-II (North America, Europe, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation:
KX85CMFNN; KX85DMFNN.

What do the owners say?

Judging by the reviews of those who own a Kawasaki KX 85, it performs well on the road, but off-road it is much better. They warn that such a bike in the city is not only useless, but even slightly dangerous. If you really need to regularly drive through yards, you should buy yourself an enduro.

Someone in the review noted that such a machine is good for a farmer, and he is right. Just like this bike is good for other residents of rural areas. However, if a person just needs a light, single-seat open transport for rough terrain, an ATV is more suitable. Less traumatic.

According to the description of those who use such a bike specifically for racing, this is not the best machine today. However, she will give many a head start and, even if she doesn’t win, will help her perform with dignity. However, owners experienced in motocross note that even on such a small-capacity bike, a beginner has a high risk of injury.

And therefore, during the first training, it is advised to avoid any jumps. Even simple riding on such a bike often carries the risk of injury. So at first it is recommended to drive on a slightly uneven field with short grass. And gradually increase the difficulty.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki KX 85 is a great motocross bike. It is suitable for both those who have been riding such motorcycles for a long time, and those who have recently decided to switch to such equipment. The main positive qualities are lightness, speed and maneuverability. But do not forget that all this manifests itself on dry off-road conditions, and not on the highway.