Once young riders have prepared themselves for racing and developed the necessary riding skills to compete on real motocross tracks, they’ll need a motorcycle that can keep pace with their growing bodies and expanding capabilities.

The Kawasaki KX™85 is an emerging racer’s dream. Powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder 84 cc engine that churns out an abundance of race-winning power, the KX85 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 28 mm carburetor that features a crescent-slide to position the needle closer to the intake ports. A Kawasaki Integrated Power-valve System (KIPS®) and exhaust pipe capped with a KX™250-style muffler 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 stands above the competition with its advanced chassis. It 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 design borrowed from the bigger KX motorcycles.

Long-travel suspension at both ends helps to smooth out the roughest course for riders of every size and skill level. The 36 mm 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 and a two-tone seat, just like the larger KX models.