Previously available in other markets since 2022, the Kawasaki KX85 L big-wheel motocrosser makes it to the United States for 2026. The first big-wheel version of the KX85 in our country, it is heavily based on the KX85, which enjoys numerous updates this year. However, as the 2026 Kawasaki KX85 L is a new model, let’s take a look at it from scratch.
- The 2026 Kawasaki KX85 L employed a liquid-cooled two-stroke motor. The 84cc mill is slightly oversquare and fed by a 28mm Keihin carburetor. The power valve adjusts the compression ratio between 9.0:1 and 10.9:1. The motor uses a kickstarter exclusively, and the six-speed transmission is fully manual. There are no electronic rider aids or power modes.
- The motor is nestled in a steel perimeter frame. The wet weight of the L with the 1.3-gallon fuel tank filled is 172 pounds. Rake is 29.2 degrees, with the trail checking in at 4.6 inches, and the steering head is 25mm longer for more front-end rigidity compared to last year’s KX85. The seat height is 34.1 inches, and the chassis has 13.0 inches of ground clearance.
- KYB handles the suspension duties. The fork is a beefy 43mm inverted design with fully adjustable damping. There is no spring-preload adjustment. The fork tubes get a Kashima coating for smoother operation through the 10.8-inch stroke. The piggyback-reservoir shock is fully adjustable, including high- and low-speed compression damping. A linkage system helps make the most of the 12.0 inches of rear wheel travel.
- As a big-wheel model, the 2026 Kawasaki KX85 L has a 19-/16-inch wheelset. Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires are spooned onto the black rims. A two-piston Nissin caliper and 240mm petal disc handles braking chores in the front, while the rear 220mm petal disc is grasped by a single-piston caliper. Also, the rear sprocket is 0.8 pounds lighter than last year’s KX85.
- The KX85 L has plenty of ergonomic adjustability. Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit handlebar system allows for eight mounting positions for the Renthal Fatbar with ODI lock-on grips. The handlebar bend 35mm wider and 50mm forward compared to last year’s KX85, and the pegs are widened 8mm to 48mm.
- The 2026 Kawasaki KX85 L hits showroom floors in February. The list price is $5199, and you can have it in any color, as long as it’s Lime Green.
2026 Kawasaki KX85 L Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single-cylinder 2-stroke
- Displacement: 84cc
- Bore x stroke: 48.5 x 45.8mm
- Compression ratio: 9.0:1 to 10.9:1
- Carburetor: Keihin PWK 28mm semi-flat slide
- Intake: Carbon fiber reed valves
- Exhaust: Power valve
- Cooling: Liquid
- Starting: Kick
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Perimeter high-tensile steel
- Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar w/ ODI lock-on grips
- Front suspension; travel: Fully damping-adjustable KYB inverted 43mm fork; 10.8 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable KYB piggyback-reservoir shock; 12.0 inches
- Wheels: Wire-spoke w/ aluminum rims
- Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX34
- Front tire: 70/100-19
- Rear tire: 90/100-16
- Front brake: 240mm petal disc w/ 2-piston Nissin caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm petal disc w/ single-piston caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 51.6 inches
- Rake: 29.2 degrees
- Trail: 4.6 inches
- Seat height: 34.1 inches
- Ground clearance: 13.0 inches
- Fuel capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Wet weight: 172 pounds
- Color: Lime Green
2026 Kawasaki KX85 L Price: $5199 MSRP
