2008 Kawasaki KX85

2008 MODEL

The foundation for future champions

2008 MODEL

Today’s winner for tomorrow’s champions

The young rider has prepared for racing, developed the skills necessary to compete on real motocross tracks, and now needs a motorcycle that can keep pace with these expanding capabilities and their growing bodies. Enter the Kawasaki KX™85. A budding racer’s dream, the KX85 is powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder 84cc engine that churns out race-winning power, and is packed with high-tech features, such as an Electrofusion-coated cylinder with a narrow squish band and large volume combustion chamber to enhance top-end power.

Fuel delivery for the engine is provided by a 28mm carburetor that features a crescent-slide to position the needle closer to the intake ports. A Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System (KIPS®) and tuned exhaust pipe contribute to the KX85’s tractable powerband, which provides control for riders of varying skill levels.

A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, hard chrome-finished shift fork ends, a thick base on the clutch basket housing and an additional bushing on the input shaft for extra durability are all features that make the KX85 shine.

The KX85 utilizes a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, and a specially designed gas tank sits inside the frame, lowering the fuel load and center of gravity for improved handling –yet another beneficial feature borrowed from the larger KX design.

Long-travel suspension at both ends helps to smooth out the roughest course for riders of every size and skill level. The 36mm inverted cartridge front fork has the capability of 18-way compression damping adjustment. Out back, the spring preload, compression and rebound damping are all adjustable on the UNI-TRAK rear suspension system.

The KX85 also features aggressive Kawasaki Lime Green and Black graphics, just like the larger KX models.

Those who race their KX85 at designated events are eligible to receive support from Team Green™, Kawasaki’s amateur racing support program. Each year, Team Green provides regional support vehicles and highly trained technicians at more than 100 events, offering technical information and assistance to those who race Kawasaki products. Kawasaki also offers a comprehensive contingency program for amateur and professional riders who place well at designated events.

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 

* Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.