Posts
31
Joined
1/16/2025
Location
Rancho Cucamonga , CA
US
Edited Date/Time
5/27/2026 6:51pm
https://www.vitalmx.com/features/tested-2026-kawasaki-kx85-kx112
Kawasaki heavily updated the KX85 & KX112 in 2026 for the first time since 2014!
Glad to see the continued development of two-strokes from the Japanese company.
What other two strokes would you like to see from Kawasaki?
YZ85 vs New KX85 for my 65 rider looking to move up? She really likes the 65SX but won't be spending $2k more than the others...
Hey Steven,
How tall are you? Just curious cause I might pick up a 112 when they go on sale for shits a giggles.
I kind of hate reading the current year tests because they always say this is great and thats great and it all feels improved, then if the bike changes again they say yea last years bike was bad in the corners but now its better! I always say if you want to get an accurate description of a bike read what the test riders say about it once the new bike comes out. I always think I wish they had said that before when reading what they say about the last gen.
You can’t really compare something against something that doesn’t exist or you haven’t experienced yet
It’s like being young and drinking bud lights or mikes hard, at the time you think it’s awesome. But then you get a little older and discover local breweries and you can’t imagine how you liked BL’s or Mikes in the first place.
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
5’10 bout 180 right now eating good lol
I understand what you are saying but it’s hard after one day of riding to know a lot of the so called negatives, having the bikes for a year you find more out and then can relay that through the next years bikes video for comparison. And exactly like soggy said you can’t compare it to something that doesn’t exist.
I remember in the early 80’s (Yes - “old”)
Honda XRs - “With 2 carburettors for easier starting, more low end power.”
Next model - “With 1 carburettor for easier starting and more low end power.”
I can see when the next CRF450 comes out: “Unlike the previous harsh, overly stiff frame….”
Keep your eyes open. Not 2K more than yz85’s. GG 14/17 bikes going for 4999. Husky small wheels 5499+tax
I'd put my kid on a '23-'24 Austrian from Marketplace for $3-$3500 before a new Japanese brand.
The 112 looks sick, glad to see Kawasaki put effort in the youth (although I want to cash out retirement early and get one).
They say, 'updated rider triangle'. Same chassis, same plastics and seat. Hmmmm.
The rider triangle is updated, steering head pipe extended 25mm, which makes a huge difference, so while it's not a ton of chassis changes, it is very noticeable. They have a new front fender, front number plate, shrouds, and fork guards as well.
Now if only kawi would upgrade that damn 65… All it really needs is updated plastics, inverted forks, and a power valve. Theyve milked that thing for soooo long, theyve def gotten their money back multiple times, they need to update that thing.
Theres value in starting kids out on your brand and them being able to stick with the brand as they move up. They have their own pw50 the kdx50 so kids can start out on kawi, but if they want to be competitive on 65’s they have to get something else. Something else is usually a ktm and now you may have lost their brand loyalty. Update the bike!
Different bars, wider foot pegs, flatter seat.
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