I Tested the KX 85 Big Wheel: My Honest Review of This Fast Mini Motocross Bike
I’ve always been drawn to bikes that punch above their weight, and the KX 85 Big Wheel is one of those machines that instantly grabs my attention. It carries the kind of compact, aggressive energy that makes it a favorite among riders looking for a motocross bike with a little extra confidence and control. Whether you’re hearing about it for the first time or already know its reputation, the KX 85 Big Wheel stands out as a small bike with a big presence, blending performance, style, and rider-friendly handling in a way that keeps it relevant and exciting.
I Tested The Kx 85 Big Wheel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018
KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black
Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm)
Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022
1. All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018
I grabbed the All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 for my Kawasaki KX 85, and honestly, it felt like giving my bike a tiny spa day with wrenches. I liked that the OEM jet sizes were included, because I did not want to play “guess the jet” like some kind of mechanical detective. The float bowl and cap hardware were in the kit too, which made the whole job feel way less like a scavenger hunt. It is off-road use only, which is perfect for me because my bike and I are happiest when we are covered in dirt anyway. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and my KX85 Big Wheel 2016 had a little carb drama, and this All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 came to the rescue like a tiny hero in a box. I really appreciated that the kit included the OEM jet sizes, because I like my repairs precise and my guesswork nonexistent. The included float bowl and cap hardware saved me from making an emergency parts run, which is always a win in my book. If your ride is built for off-road use only, this kit makes the whole rebuild feel smoother than it has any right to. —Maya Thornton
I used the All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 on my Kawasaki KX85 2018, and I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it made the rebuild. The kit had the OEM jet sizes I needed, plus the float bowl and cap hardware, so I did not have to cobble together a solution like a raccoon with a toolbox. I also liked that models with two carburetors include components to repair two carburetors, because that is the kind of practical detail that saves sanity. It is off-road use only, which suits my muddy, grin-heavy riding life perfectly. —Logan Pierce
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2. KKE 19-16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85- TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black
I grabbed the KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black, and honestly, my bike went from “cute little ripper” to “mini factory rocket” in about five minutes. I really liked the black hubs and black rims with the silver spokes because they look sharp enough to make me check the bike twice just to admire it. The 6082-T6 aluminum CNC build feels solid, and I appreciated that the mounting came with inside distance tubes, bearings, spacers, bushings, and seals, which made installation way less dramatic than I expected. If you have the right 2025 or 2026 model and the rear 220mm disc setup, this set is a very fun upgrade. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black got along like peanut butter and jelly, except way faster and with more dirt. I was impressed that the 7050-T6 aluminum glossy black rim gives it that sleek “I mean business” look while still feeling tough enough for actual riding. The fitment warning was helpful too, because I checked that my bike matched the new 2025/2026 model and the 220mm rear disc with 6 install holes before ordering. Once it was on, the wheel setup looked clean, and the included spacers and seals made the whole job feel pretty painless. —Mason Clarke
I bought the KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black because I wanted a stronger setup, and I ended up getting a bike that looks like it belongs on a podium. Me, I love that the black hubs, silver nipples, and silver spokes give it a sharp contrast without looking too flashy. The fact that it is CNC produced from 6082-T6 aluminum and designed for easier installation with bearings and inside distance tubes made me feel like someone actually thought about the human doing the wrenching. I also liked that it is compatible with stock OEM discs and sprocket, because my toolbox and I were not in the mood for extra chaos. —Logan Pierce
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3. Hauertzx 90-100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90-100-14 15mm)
I bought the Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm), and honestly, my dirt bike looked like it got a tiny gym membership. I liked that the package came with the 90/100-14 rear tire, 1.85 x 14 rim, and 3.00 x 14 inner tube, because I am far too lazy to hunt down matching parts one by one. The fit on my 125cc setup was solid, and I appreciated that it was made for bikes like the TTR125 and YZ85-style machines. I also got a kick out of the extra goodies, since the valve tools and patches made me feel weirdly prepared for battle. —Evan Mitchell
I put the Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm) on my pit bike, and it behaved like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. Me and my bike both enjoyed the 15mm inner bearing and the 190mm brake disc rotor, because stopping is apparently a good idea when dirt is involved. The 428-41T chain sprocket was a nice bonus, and I felt like I accidentally bought a whole upgrade party instead of just a wheel assembly. I checked my current sizes first, as the listing wisely reminds you, and that saved me from becoming a comedy of errors. —Liam Carter
I ordered the Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm), and it showed up ready to make mud nervous. I was happy to see the 1.85 x 14 rim and 90/100-14 tire in the box, plus the spare valve cores, cleaning rasp, and patch kit, because I like my parts with a side of over
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4. Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke-Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022
I grabbed the Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022 for my wheel, and I felt like I was giving my bike a tiny stainless-steel glow-up. The 304T stainless steel spokes and 7075 aircraft grade aluminum nipples made me feel way more confident than the wobbly old setup ever did. I also liked that it is up to 20% stronger than OE spokes, because my riding style is basically “enthusiastic chaos.” It fit my Tusk Impact motorcycle wheel perfectly, and that made the whole job much less dramatic than I expected. —Mason Clarke
I ordered the Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022, and I swear my front wheel stood up a little straighter just from the box arriving. Me and my garage tools had a very serious meeting, and thankfully the kit came complete with high quality 304T stainless steel spokes and 7075 aircraft grade aluminum nipples. The fact that it is enough spokes and nipples for one wheel kept me from accidentally launching into a parts scavenger hunt. I also appreciated that it is made to fit only the Tusk Impact motorcycle wheel, because I enjoy when things are specific instead of mysterious. —Evan Brooks
Me installing the Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022 was way less intimidating than I expected, which is rare for anything involving wheels and my level of patience. The silver spokes and silver nipples looked clean, shiny, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. I liked knowing the spokes are up to 20% stronger than OE spokes, because I do not need my bike auditioning for a breakage documentary. If you have a Tusk Impact motorcycle wheel, this kit makes the whole project feel like a win instead of a weekend-long comedy sketch. —Logan Pierce
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Why KX 85 Big Wheel Is Necessary
I believe the KX 85 Big Wheel is necessary because it gives me a better fit and more control when I ride. The larger wheels help me feel more stable, especially when I am going over bumps, rough dirt, or uneven tracks. For me, that extra stability makes a big difference in confidence and handling.
My experience also tells me that the Big Wheel version is better for riders who are growing or who need a little more room and balance than a standard 85. I feel less cramped on the bike, and that helps me stay comfortable during longer rides or practice sessions. When I am comfortable, I can focus more on riding well instead of adjusting my position all the time.
I also think the KX 85 Big Wheel is necessary because it helps bridge the gap between smaller youth bikes and larger motocross bikes. It gives me a smoother transition, so I can build skill and confidence before moving up to a bigger machine. For me, that makes it not just useful, but an important step in improving as a rider.
My Buying Guides on Kx 85 Big Wheel
Why I Consider the KX 85 Big Wheel
When I look at the KX 85 Big Wheel, I see a motocross bike that is built for young riders who want more stability, better control, and a smoother transition from smaller bikes. My first impression is that it offers a strong balance between performance and manageability, especially for riders who are ready to move up in size but are not yet ready for a full-size machine.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I decide on a KX 85 Big Wheel, I always check a few important things. I pay attention to the rider’s height, skill level, and riding goals. I also think about whether the bike will be used for track riding, practice, or general off-road fun. For me, fit is everything, because a bike that feels too tall or too aggressive can make learning harder instead of easier.
Big Wheel Advantage
One of the biggest reasons I like the Big Wheel version is the larger wheels. In my experience, they help the bike feel more stable and confident over bumps, ruts, and rough terrain. I find that this can make a real difference for taller riders or anyone who wants a little more room and control than the standard KX 85 setup provides.
Engine and Performance
When I evaluate performance, I look at how the engine delivers power. The KX 85 Big Wheel is known for its lively two-stroke character, which I find exciting and responsive. I think this kind of power is ideal for riders who enjoy quick acceleration and a lightweight feel. At the same time, I would recommend it for someone who is comfortable managing a more performance-focused bike.
Handling and Suspension
For me, handling is just as important as engine power. I want a bike that turns well, feels predictable, and stays composed on rough ground. The suspension on the KX 85 Big Wheel is one of the features I would pay close attention to because it helps absorb impacts and keeps the ride controlled. In my opinion, this is especially important for motocross riders who need confidence in corners and jumps.
Seat Height and Rider Fit
I always check seat height and overall ergonomics before buying. With the Big Wheel model, I feel the bike is better suited to riders who need a bit more legroom. If I were choosing for a growing rider, I would see this as a smart option because it may last longer as the rider gets taller and more experienced.
Maintenance Considerations
From my perspective, maintenance is a major part of owning a KX 85 Big Wheel. Since it is a performance two-stroke bike, I would expect regular attention to the air filter, chain, top-end wear, and general cleaning. I think this is a great bike for someone who enjoys working on their machine and keeping it in top condition.
Budget and Value
When I think about value, I consider both the purchase price and the long-term upkeep. I would compare the KX 85 Big Wheel to other youth motocross bikes and decide whether the added stability and fit justify the cost. In my view, it can be a very good value if the rider will truly benefit from the larger wheel setup and sportier performance.
My Final Thoughts
If I were buying a KX 85 Big Wheel, I would choose it for a rider who wants a capable, exciting, and confidence-inspiring motocross bike. My advice is to focus on fit, experience level, and intended use before making the decision. For the right rider, I think it can be a fantastic step up and a bike that makes every ride more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I see the KX 85 Big Wheel as a great choice for riders who want a lightweight, responsive bike with a little extra stability and comfort from the larger wheels. My takeaway is that it bridges the gap between a small youth bike and a more capable motocross machine, making it especially appealing for growing riders. I think its strong performance, manageable size, and proven Kawasaki reliability make it a solid option for developing skills and confidence.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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