2019 KTM 85 SX vs 2023 Kawasaki KX85
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | - | Lime Green |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 14.3 inches | 11.4 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 362 mm | 290 mm |
| Seat Height | 890 mm / 35.0 in. | 830 mm / 32.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1265 mm / 49.8 in. |
| Height | - | 1100 mm / 43.3 in. |
| Length | - | 1830 mm / 72.0 in. |
| Width | - | 765 mm / 30.1 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 68 kg / 149.9 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.20 litres / 1.37 US gallons | 5.00 litres / 1.32 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 75.0 kg / 165.3 lbs |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 1.9 x 1.9 inches | 1.9 x 1.8 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 47.0 x 49.0 mm | 48.5 x 45.8 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 84.9 cc | 84.0 cc |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | 5.18 cubic inches | 5.13 cubic inches |
| Fuel System | - | Carburettor. Keihin 28mm |
| Compression Ratio | - | 10.9:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Petrol mix |
| Ignition | - | CDI with digital advance |
| Starter | Kick | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet | Wet multidisc |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Central-tube frame with double-cradle | High-tensile steel perimeter design with subframe member |
| Suspension - Front | WP upside-down Ø 43 mm | 36mm inverted telescopic cartridge fork with 20-way compression damping |
| Suspension - Rear | WP monoshock | Uni-Trak® single shock system with 24-way compression and 21-way rebound damping, plus adjustable spring preload |
| Rake | - | 29.0° |
| Trail | - | 97 mm / 3.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | - | 275 mm / 10.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | - | 275 mm / 10.8 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc | Single disc. Petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliper |
| Rims | - | Wire spoked |
| Tyres - Front | - | 70/100-17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2019 KTM 85 SX and the 2023 Kawasaki KX85 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2019 KTM 85 SX - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 362 mm vs 290 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2023 Kawasaki KX85 - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 830 mm vs 890 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2019 KTM 85 SX vs 2023 Kawasaki KX85 - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 KTM 85 SX or the 2023 Kawasaki KX85?
The 2023 Kawasaki KX85 has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 KTM 85 SX sits higher at 890 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2019 KTM 85 SX or the 2023 Kawasaki KX85?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 KTM 85 SX has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2023 Kawasaki KX85 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.