2020 Kawasaki KX65 vs 2018 KTM 65 SX
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Lime Green | Orange/white/black |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 12.0 inches | 11.0 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 305 mm | 280 mm |
| Seat Height | 759 mm / 29.9 in. | 750 mm / 29.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1120 mm / 44.1 in. | 1,137 mm / 44.8 in. |
| Length | 1590 mm / 62.6 in. | - |
| Width | 759 mm / 29.9 in. | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons | 3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 60.0 kg / 132.2 lbs | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 1.8 x 1.6 inches | 1.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 64.7 cc | 64.85 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 3.95 cubic inches | 3.96 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 44.5 x 41.6 mm | 45.0 x 40.8 mm |
| Engine Detail | Reed valve | Reed intake |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Mikuni VM24SS | Carburettor. Mikuni TMX |
| Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | - |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Mixture oil lubrication |
| Ignition | CDI w/digital advance | AET digital EMS |
| Starter | Kick | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Wet, multi-disc clutch, Formula hydraulics |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | - | 14:48. Primary drive: 23:75 straight cut spur gear. |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Tubular, semi-double cradle | Central-tube frame with double-cradle |
| Suspension - Front | 33 mm telescopic fork with 4-way rebound damping | WP upside-down ? 35 mm |
| Suspension - Rear | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, adjustable preload and stepless rebound damping | WP shock absorber |
| Rake | 27.0° | 25.5° |
| Trail | 61 mm / 2.4 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 210 mm / 8.3 in. | 215 mm / 8.5 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 240 mm / 9.4 in. | 270 mm / 10.6 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 160 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 7.8 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 198 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 6.3 inches |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc. Four-piston calipers. Wave brake discs. |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc. Two-piston calipers. Wave brake discs. |
| Rims | - | Black anodized, aluminum rims |
| Tyres - Front | 60/100-14 | - |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2020 Kawasaki KX65 and the 2018 KTM 65 SX are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2020 Kawasaki KX65 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 305 mm vs 280 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2018 KTM 65 SX - Advantages
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 270 mm vs 240 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
2020 Kawasaki KX65 vs 2018 KTM 65 SX - FAQs
Which should I buy, the 2020 Kawasaki KX65 or the 2018 KTM 65 SX?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Kawasaki KX65 has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2018 KTM 65 SX stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.