Vehicle Segment:
Entry-level to intermediate motocross/off-road racing.
Key Competitors:
Yamaha YZ85, Honda CR85, Suzuki RM85.
Bike Attributes:
Potent two-stroke engine, race-bred chassis, aggressive styling, strong aftermarket support.
Benefits For Owner:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake repairs confidently, saving time and money.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, home mechanics, aspiring racers, and professional service technicians.
Engine System:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, carburetor, ignition system, cooling system.
Transmission System:
Clutch, gearbox, shifting mechanism, lubrication.
Chassis System:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock), steering, wheels, tires, brakes.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, battery, charging system, diagnostic codes.
Bodywork And Plastics:
Fairings, seat, handlebars, fuel tank, plastics removal and installation.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug service.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair for all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems and symptoms.
Performance Tuning:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing adjustments for optimal performance.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic rider maintenance to full engine rebuilds and component diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
48.5 mm x 45.8 mm
Valvetrain:
Reed valve induction
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 9.7:1 (Varies slightly by year)
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 21-23 HP (at crankshaft, depending on year and tuning)
Torque Estimate:
Approx. 10-12 lb-ft (at crankshaft, depending on year and tuning)
Carburetor:
Keihin PWK38S (or similar 38mm flat slide carburetor)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with 2-stroke oil mix (typically 32:1 or 50:1 ratio)
Ignition System:
Digital CDI
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Engine Oil Type:
2-stroke pre-mix oil (specified by manufacturer)
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific riding conditions (e.g., every 10-15 hours of riding).
Spark Plug Service:
Recommended at regular intervals (e.g., every 20-30 hours).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Clean frequently, especially in dusty conditions (as per manual).
Chain Maintenance:
Clean and lubricate regularly, adjust tension as needed.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50% solution).
Transmission Oil Type:
Specific motorcycle transmission oil (e.g., SAE 10W-30, API GL-4) - refer to manual for exact specification and capacity.
Fork Oil Type:
Specific front fork oil (viscosity varies by year/model, consult manual for exact type and quantity).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, piston rings, spark plugs, chain and sprockets, fork seals, bearings (wheel, steering head).
Carburetor Tuning:
Can be sensitive to altitude and temperature changes; proper jetting is crucial for optimal performance.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Regular coolant checks and flushes are important to prevent overheating.
Filter Part Numbers:
Refer to the manual or a parts catalog for specific air and oil filter part numbers for each model year.
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki has a long and storied history in motorcycle racing, particularly in motocross, with a reputation for producing powerful and competitive machines.
Kx Series:
The KX85 is a key part of Kawasaki's KX line, serving as a crucial stepping stone for young riders transitioning to larger displacement motocross bikes.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period:
The KX85 model has been in continuous production, with updates and refinements over the years, covering the 2001-2010 period specified.
