Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1545744
QUICKSPIN I 2026 KAWASAKI KX85 & KX112 P114 2026 KAWASAKI KX112 ($5749) / KX85 ($4999) Engine 2-stroke, single-cylinder Displacement 112cc / 84cc Bore x Stroke 52.5 x 51.6mm / 48.5 x 45.8mm Compression Ratio 9.9:1 (low speed), 8.6:1 (high speed) / 10.9:1 (low speed), 9.0:1 (high speed) Cooling System Liquid Starting System Kickstart Fueling 28mm Keihin carburetor Transmission 6-speed, return shift, with wet multi-disc manual clutch Frame Perimeter, high-tensile steel Rake/Trail 29.2°/4.6 in Front Suspension 43mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping Rear Suspension Uni-Trak single shock, adjustable compression and rebound damping Front-Wheel Travel 10.8 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 12 in. / 10.8 in. Front Wheel 19 in. / 17 in. Rear Wheel 16 in. / 14 in. Front Tire Dunlop Geomax MX34; 70/100-19 / 70/100-17 Rear Tire Dunlop Geomax MX34; 90/100-16 / 90/100-14 Front Brake Single Nissin 240mm disc, dual piston caliper Rear Brake Single Nissin 220mm disc Seat Height 34.1 in. / 32.7 in. Ground Clearance 13 in. / 11.6 in. Fuel Capacity 1.32 gal. Wheelbase 51.6 in. / 49.8 in. Weight (wet, claimed) 172.8 lbs. / 168.4 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S comfortable and easier to oper- ate than those on his bikes. Despite Kawasaki's upgraded braking package, Myles felt the overall braking power was not quite as strong as that of his bikes. On jump faces and in the air, the KX112 delivered a different feel than the KTM Supermini, said Myles. The wider seat and roomier cockpit made the Kawasaki feel more comfortable over jumps and while moving around the bike. The KTM still felt slimmer and slightly more agile in corners, but the Kawasaki offered a more relaxed overall riding position. The KX112 showed its best traits in rough sections. Thanks to its larger wheels and additional suspension travel, it tracked through bumps better than the KX85. The KX112 also felt lower to the ground than the KTM 105 Supermini, allowing Myles to eas - ily stand flat-footed. The lower center of gravity made it easy to move around and contributed to a confidence-inspiring feel. This could be helpful for riders transi- tioning up from a 65cc machine. The strongest takeaway from this test was how much the KX112 grew on our rider through- out the day. Jumping on two new bikes proved challenging, and the differences between the Japa - nese and European bikes became apparent immediately. Initial impressions gave way to greater comfort as Myles became more familiar with the KXs. Nothing stood out as a major weakness, and the overall package proved easier to ride than expected. By the end of the day, it be - came apparent that the KX85 remains a solid option for riders and those moving up through the youth ranks. While serious racers might want to add further modi - fications, the updated platform, particularly the suspension, pro- vides a strong foundation right out of the crate. The big-wheel option might also be the perfect in-between for taller riders. For our 15-year-old test rider for the day, the KX112 was the clear favorite. Its smoother power de - livery, larger wheels and improved suspension made it easier to ride across a wider range of terrain. Kawasaki's extensive updates transformed both machines into more capable race bikes, but the KX112's versatility made it the standout of the pair. Kawasaki has already an - nounced the 2027 KX85 and KX112 models, which are identi- cal to the '26s except for minor graphic changes. The '27 KX112 also sees a small price bump, with a $5799 MSRP. Ryan Nitzen