2018 v 2019 KX 85

no changes

Other than plastic and minor engine updates - its the same back to like 98

basic engine castings and frames go back to 91, powervalve added in 98 with new plastic, and then new plastic, new crank, barryl and power valve added in 2014

18 and 19 are identical except for stickers,

This is not what you are asking, but a different angle on it. The Kawi performs pretty well (power and handling seem pretty solid), but definitely short on power and durability compared to the KTM. I was never a KTM fan per say, but I have to admit the KTM 85 has held up way better than our Kawasakis did. Every part is higher quality, frame is way stronger, etc. I had to weld the Kawi frame in 4 different places on our 2015. The stress was transferred all over the bike (and this is with a 75 lb kid riding it).

Even the KTM 85 cylinder is holding its shape through more pistons than the KX 85 (meaning I am still running an A piston after 100 hours of total engine time). If you could pick up a 17 or 18 KTM 85 with lowish hours for quite a bit less than the new bike I would jump on that all day. If your guy is not launching the Kawi or riding around with it pinned all day it may hold up ok. If he rides hard it will not hold up well in my opinion. Good luck!