All-new 2014 Kawasaki KX85 model announced

Both the Kawasaki KX250F and KX450F see little more than refinements for 2014. In fact, the 450 only gets new graphics and grips. But with 2013 marking the 40th anniversary of the first KX, some Kawi fans were quietly expecting big, bold news. They’ve announced an eye-catching KX85 that comes with major mods to engine, chassis, suspension and bodywork. Kawi has long been about grooming young riders, and no doubt the revamped KX85 is aimed at reinforcing brand loyalty for racers at an impressionable age.

“It was definitely time for this particular model to be updated,” said Kawasaki Australia’s Marketing Coordinator, Rudi Baker. “The KX85 was first introduced in 2002, and no major upgrades have really been made to the bike since. The KX250F and KX450F have steadily evolved into championship-winning machines, and we felt as though it was time for the 85 to follow in its footsteps. We believe that the KX85 will build champions, but in order for it to do so, it needs to be competitive. This all-new overhaul is welcomed and exciting.”

KX85 & KX85-II Updates

Engine

• The six-speed 84.66cc two-stroke, liquid-cooled engine gets a new low-friction, single-ring piston (previously two-ring), Nikasil-plated cylinder treatment, new settings for the Keihin PWK28 carb, more rigid crankshaft and larger exhaust port.
• The KIPS valve system is completely new to help generate more power and torque across the rev range. Peak power is claimed to be almost 20% greater than the 2013 bike.
• Larger radiators increase cooling efficiency by 50% to match the ramped-up engine performance.

Chassis

• The 36mm USD fork gets a more sophisticated valve construction with better bottoming resistance, while the shock gets a 150g lighter spring and a revised compression damping mechanism.
• The bike is fitted with an all-new flush-fit bodywork kit (including front and rear guards and fork protectors) with KX250/450F-inspired colours and graphics.
• The new handlebar mounts offer a choice of six positions.
• There brake discs are now petal-shaped, front and rear.
• The seat is 20mm slimmer and flatter for a smoother junction with the redesigned 5-litre fuel tank.
• The handlebars are 24mm wider, 22mm higher and 22mm closer to the rider.
• The rims and shock body get a new black Alumite finish, while the suspension adjusters are now finished in blue Alumite.

The all-new KX85 and KX85-II are definitely a couple of very cool-looking little race weapons that’ll turn freckled heads. Not only do they make their predecessors appear a decade old; they also get more torque and power, updated suspension, new-generation ergos and bodywork, up-specced brakes and some factory-look anodised finishes. Alloy frame aside, the 2014 KX85s look like mini-me KX-Fs, and should give market leader, KTM, some cause for concern in the Junior motocross market.

Both KX250F and KX450F have been in dealers since the beginning of July at RRPs identical to the 2013 models: namely, $10,999 and $11,999, respectively. The all-new KX85 will be available in late August at an RRP to be announced. Last year, the Big Wheel version, which features 19″ front and 16″ rear wheels was priced at $6499, and for 2014 will be priced at $6699. The Small Wheel version, which is equipped with 17″ front and 14″ rear wheels, was priced at $5999, and for 2014 will be priced at $6199. KTM’s 2014 85SX models are both priced at $6999.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDnezopUr24&feature=youtu.be