11 Best 85cc Dirt Bikes in 2023 | Specs, Pros & Cons

You may think that all dirt bikes are the same. Yes, they all look the same or similar on the outside, but inside, they are very different. Each brand carefully comes up with its formula to apply to the bikes that will make them the best on the road. 

How fast does it go? Which one is the best? Who has good suspensions? All these are essential things to consider. You should not make a hasty decision regarding such a vehicle. Take your time to read and review before purchasing an 85cc dirt bike. 

Our Selection of Top 11 85cc Dirt Bikes in 2023

Below is a list of our top 11 dirt bikes selection in 2023. We have given you the specs, its best features, and additional information that will guide you in deciding which is the best 85cc dirt bike in today’s market. 

1: Yamaha YZ85

This dirt bike was previously the Yamaha YZ80 but has been reworked, and the new model, the Yamaha YZ85, is the new version with a few upgrades done to improve it. The rigid and firm frame gives you a stable ride through all the bumps and humps. The 2-stroke 85cc engine includes a Power Valve System that allows for a power boost across all low and midrange RPM.

The reed valve feature in the engine regulates and allows fresh gas intake in the crankcase and combustion chamber. This, in turn, increases the reloading of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, resulting in better engine power and overall heightened performance. 

Pros of Yamaha YZ85

• High-powered engine
• Slim body
• An enhanced air intake system
• Superior braking 

Cons of Yamaha YZ85

• Only two-wheel size options
• Not ideal for beginners 
• Lots of clutch work

Specifications of Yamaha YZ85

• Top Speed: 65 miles per hour
• Weight: 161 lb
• Horsepower: 23.49 HP
• Torque: 10.61 lb-ft
• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Ground Clearance: 12.6 inches
• Seat Height: 33.1 in
• Price: $4,899

2: Yamaha YZ85LW

The edition of the Yamaha YZ85LW has a new addition of larger wheels. This dirt bike has high-capacity radiators with large cores that give you maximum efficiency and are also lightweight. 

It has an all-new improved 85cc engine with the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS). It gives you better power delivery and boosts the engine output all the way, and the coles transmission gearbox also enhances the engine power. 

Pros of Yamaha YZ85LW

• Adjustable front and rear suspensions
• Easy handling and maneuvering
• Quick ignition
• Good clutch and braking system

Cons of Yamaha YZ85LW

• Not suited for small or short children
• A small rider may face problems with the suspension and handling of the dirt bike

Specifications of Yamaha YZ85LW

• Top Speed: 60 miles per hour
• Weight: 165 lb
• Horsepower: 23.49 HP
• Torque: 10.61 lb-ft
• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Ground Clearance: 60.7 in
• Seat Height: 34.8 in
• Price: $5,009

3: KTM 85 SX

The KTM 85 Sx has been designed with high-quality performance in mind. This dirt bike version has bigger-sized wheels and 19 ad 16-inch hoops. Compared to its previous version, which only came with 17 and 14-inch wheels. 

The dirt bike comes with a hydraulic clutch instead of a normal cable clutch. It has an optimized 6-speed transmission and handy front and rear brakes that give you solid power stopping in all conditions. The sixty-six-degree turning head will enable you to turn any sharp corner and nook with ease and control. 

The engine is a 47mm bore engine with a 4-stroke catalyzed gas engine. It can even take on cargo and haul it over an expanse of terrain. 

Pros of KTM 85 SX

• Very fast
• High-performance engine
• Lightweight

Cons of KTM 85 SX

• Less durability
• Needs maintenance
• Costly to perform any repair work

Specifications of KTM 85 SX

• Top Speed: 65-70 miles per hour
• Weight: 150 lb
• Horsepower: 20 HP
• Torque: N/A
• Frame Material: Hydroformed chromium-molybdenum steel tubes
• Ground Clearance: 16.9 inches
• Seat Height: 35.4 in
• Price: $6,859

4: Husqvarna TC 85

The Husqvarna TC 85 is a 2-stroke dirt bike. It has an advanced hydraulic clutch that can activate a 6-speed transmission. It is a kick start only, and kids will have no problem firing it up and riding. This dirt bike comes with two-wheel choices – 17/14 and 19/16. You have an excellent braking system, and the slim framework allows for a smooth ride. Under a capable and experienced rider, this dirt bike will pass with flying colors. It is a very capable piece of machinery that has advanced technology. The engine performance and rpm range allow for high-power delivery, giving you a reliable performance. 

Pros of Husqvarna TC 85

• Smooth ride
• Easy to maintain 
• Powerful engine
• Fast

Cons of Husqvarna TC 85

• Expensive to buy

Specifications of Husqvarna TC 85

• Top Speed: 60 miles per hour
• Weight: 150 lb
• Horsepower: 25.36 HP
• Torque: N/A
• Frame Material: Chromium-molybdenum steel 
• Ground Clearance: 10.6 inches
• Seat Height: 34.4 in
• Price: $6,611.29

5: Kawasaki KX85

Kawasaki has made a few changes to the new 2022 model version. In this, you get an improved 6-speed transmission, an engine cooling system revamped and styled, and a set of Dunlop MX33 tires. Besides this, this Kawasaki KX85 has not received any upgrade since 2014. 

This dirt bike has immense braking power, thanks to the combination of Missing master cylinders and Tokico calipers. Kawasaki has also included 6 different handlebar options in this dirt bike. It will allow you to adjust it to your height; as your child grows, you can use it for a longer period. 

Pros of Kawasaki KX85

• Good ergonomics
• Slim
• Durable and rigid framework
• Powerful and quick braking
• Uni-Trak rear suspension
• Electric start

Cons to Kawasaki KX85

• Small wheels

Specifications of Kawasaki KX85 

• Top Speed: 78-80 miles per hour
• Weight: 165.3 lb
• Horsepower: 28.97HP
• Torque: N/A
• Frame Material: Aluminium  
• Ground Clearance: 11.4 inches
• Seat Height: 32.7 in
• Price: $4,699

6: Suzuki RM85

The Suzuki RM85 is the smallest dirt bike available by Suzuki. This mini dirt bike focuses on racing and is track oriented. This dirt bike has a 2-stroke single-cylinder engine with a six-speed gearbox. This engine dates back to the 1990s. It makes the engine reliable because Suzuki has tried and tested all sorts of methods and finally found the best one. They have found something that works well and gives you a good performance. 

Pros of Suzuki RM85

• Powerful engine
• Liquid cooling
• Smooth throttle
• Smooth-shifting gearbox

Cons of Suzuki RM85

• Expensive

Specifications of Suzuki RM85 

• Top Speed: 55-60 miles per hour
• Weight: 161 lb
• Horsepower: 22 HP
• Torque: 17.6 lb-ft
• Frame Material: Tubular steel frame with aluminum beam swingarm
• Ground Clearance: 12.8 inches 
• Seat Height: 33.5 in
• Price: $4,299

7: Suzuki RM85L

The Suzuki RM85L is of the same constitution but comes with a bigger wheel size. The bigger wheels allow for better rider control and handling. It has a high revving 85cc Reed valve engine that includes alloy exhaust valves and will give you more stable combustion. 

Pros of Suzuki RM85L

• Powerful engine
• Bigger wheels
• Robust
• Can handle slightly bigger riders

Cons of Suzuki RM85L 

• Rev can drop
• Suspension not up to the mark

Specifications of Suzuki RM85L

• Top Speed: 55-60 miles per hour
• Weight: 161 lb
• Horsepower: 22 HP
• Torque: 17.6 lb-ft
• Frame Material: Tubular steel frame with aluminum beam swingarm
• Ground Clearance: 12.8 inches 
• Seat Height: 33.5 in
• Price: $4,299

8: GasGas MC 85

The GasGas MC 85 is a high-performance designed dirt bike. It is built for young riders, and you will be able to get the hang of it in no time. You will enjoy the ride’s excitement, and it is a fun motocross dirt bike. 

This dirt bike has the option of big and small wheels (17/14 and 19/16). You can choose which will suit your height and weight the best, and you should also choose where and how you will be ringing the dirt bike. 

The GasGas MC 85 features an airbox. It keeps the mortar breathing and protects it from dust, debris, or dirt. 

Pros of GasGas MC 85

• Good performance
• Two-wheel choices
• Affordable 
• Good stability 

Cons of GasGas MC 85

• For shorter and smaller kids

Specifications of GasGas MC 85

• Top Speed: 60 miles per hour
• Weight: 149.914 lb
• Horsepower: 21 HP
• Torque: N/A 
• Frame Material: Lightweight aluminum subframe
• Ground Clearance: 14.3inches 
• Seat Height: 34.5 in
• Price: $6,249

9: TM 85 MX

It is an Italian brand, and they make custom trick bikes for high performance. It is an 85cc water-cooled power valve type engine with a machined billet crankshaft. This model has a revised exhaust system and some ignition changes that will enhance this dirt bike’s performance.

Pros of TM 85 TX

• Great handle
• Good Stability
• High-end performance
• Good motor

Cons of TM 85 TX

• Workable suspensions

Specifications of TM 85 TX

• Top Speed: 60 miles per hour
• Weight: 158.733 lb
• Horsepower: N/A 
• Torque: N/A 
• Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
• Ground Clearance: 12 inches 
• Seat Height: 34.5 in
• Price: $6,249

10: Honda CR85R

Honda is a reliable name and a reputable brand that has been around for a long time. The Honda CR85R is particularly a popular dirt bike in the motocross community. However, Honda discontinued making this dirt bike in 2007 and all their other 2-stroke dirt bikes. 

If you want, you will have to purchase the dirt bike secondhand. Although it might be hard to find one that has been maintained and kept in good running condition after all this time, you can try. The next best dirt bike from Honda you can get is the Honda CRR150R, which is a 4-stroke dirt bike. 

Pros of Honda CR85R

• Lightweight
• Simple design
• Powerful
• Impressive suspension system
• Kick start only

Cons of Honda CR85R

• Uses lots of fuel
• Production of this dirt bike stopped in 2007

Specifications of Honda CR85R

• Top Speed: 65 miles per hour
• Weight: 154 lb
• Horsepower: 25.83
• Torque: 8.5 lb-ft
• Frame Material: Semi-double cradle steel frame
• Ground Clearance: 12.2 inches 
• Seat Height: 32.4in
• Price: $2,899

11: Honda CR85RB

The Honda CR85RB is similar to the Honda CR85 but has a few changes. It includes a selection of bigger tires and wheels. This dirt bike is not for beginners. 

Pros of Honda CR85RB

• Big wheel size
• Big tire size
• Big seat height

Cons of Honda CR85RB

• Difficult to learn how to ride
• No electric start
• Hard to find used ones
• Not easy to repair 

Specifications of Honda CR85R

• Top Speed: 65 miles per hour
• Weight: 159 lb
• Horsepower: 20 HP
• Torque: N/A
• Frame Material: Semi-double cradle steel frame
• Ground Clearance: 13.9 inches 
• Seat Height: 32.4in
• Price: $2,999

Age Group to Ride an 85cc Dirt Bike For

Kids ages 11-15 can ride 85cc dirt bikes. Any younger than that, then they will have to go for a lower cc dirt bike such as a 50cc. It is smaller and has a lower speed and less power, making it easier for small kids to ride and control without getting seriously injured. 

Riders Height for an 85cc Dirt Bike

An average seat height for an 85cc dirt bike is 30-33 inches an ideal height of 5 ft is required to ride comfortably. If you are too short, you will not be able to reach the ground properly, and that is not a good sign. You will not be able to ride properly due to this. 

Which Bikes Have the Best Components, Features, and Tech?

Every dirt bike has different specifications and whatnot. It is crucial if you are serious about racing and want to find the perfect 85cc dirt bike for yourself. Take the proper time to conduct research and carefully review each one before. It will ultimately be better for you in the long run, and you will not regret your choice. 

The KTM SX85, Husqvarna TC85, and Yamaha YZ85 are 85cc dirt bikes with the best components, features, and tech. 

Who Has the Best Clutch?

The Husqvarna TC85 has the best clutch. They have upgraded the clutch to a diaphragm spring clutch activated using the formula hydraulic system. It makes the clutch point remain the same under different conditions and over time. This type of clutch is lightweight, durable, and compact. 

Who Has the Best Brakes?

The Yamaha YZ85 has the best braking system among the 85cc dirt bikes available today. The braking is excellent, with a new feature of a master cylinder in the rear brake. 

Which Bike is the Lightest?

The KTM SX85 and the GasGas MC 85 are the lightest 85cc dirt bikes. A small child or kids can easily control and maneuver this dirt bike without it being too heavy and facing any problems. 

Which One Makes the Most Power?

The Husqvarna TC 85 and the KTM SX85 are the most powerful 85cc dirt bikes. Husqvarna is a brand that KTM owns, so these two bikes are very similar in their build. However, both these dirt bikes have a premium price tag. But they will be worth the investment because the performance is just out of the world. 

Which Bike Handles Best?

The Yamaha YX85 and the Husqvarna TC 85 are dirt bikes with the best handling. The Yamaha YZ 85 has sleeker body mounts, low-profile seats, and a redesigned fuel tank, and all this makes for better handling of the dirt bike. The Husqvarna TC 85 is lightweight, agile, and a high-performance dirt bike. 

Who Has the Best Suspension?

The Kawasaki KX85 and the KTM SX85 are 85cc dirt bikes with the best suspension. The Kawasaki uses a Uni-track suspension system with an adjustable KYB shock at the rear. The KTM uses a WP XACT rear shock absorber with an advanced Progressive Damping System (PDS).

Which Bike is the Cheapest?

The Suzuki RM85, Yamaha YX85, and Kawasaki KX85 are the cheapest 85cc dirt bikes, either the 2022 or 2023 model versions. The price range for these 3 is $4,499-4,899.

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