2023 Kawasaki KX85 vs 2020 Yamaha YZ85
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Lime Green | Team Yamaha Blue |
| Warranty | - | 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 11.4 inches | 13.0 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 290 mm | 330 mm |
| Seat Height | 830 mm / 32.7 in. | 841 mm / 33.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1265 mm / 49.8 in. | 1255 mm / 49.4 in. |
| Height | 1100 mm / 43.3 in. | 1146 mm / 45.1 in. |
| Length | 1830 mm / 72.0 in. | 1821 mm / 71.7 in. |
| Width | 765 mm / 30.1 in. | 759 mm / 29.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.00 litres / 1.32 US gallons | 4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | 75.0 kg / 165.3 lbs | 73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 1.9 x 1.8 inches | 1.9 x 1.9 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 48.5 x 45.8 mm | 47.5 x 47.8 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 84.0 cc | 85.0 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 5.13 cubic inches | 5.19 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Engine Detail | - | Reed-valve-inducted |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Keihin 28mm | Carburettor. Keihin PWK 28 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | Petrol mix | - |
| Ignition | CDI with digital advance | CDI |
| Starter | Kick | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multidisc | Wet multi-disc |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | High-tensile steel perimeter design with subframe member | Semi-double-cradle frame |
| Suspension - Front | 36mm inverted telescopic cartridge fork with 20-way compression damping | Inverted fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Uni-Trak® single shock system with 24-way compression and 21-way rebound damping, plus adjustable spring preload | Single shock |
| Rake | 29.0° | 26.3° |
| Trail | 97 mm / 3.8 in. | 89 mm / 3.5 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 275 mm / 10.8 in. | 274 mm / 10.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 275 mm / 10.8 in. | 282 mm / 11.1 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Petal disc with dual-piston caliper | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliper | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Rims | Wire spoked | Dunlop tyres |
| Tyres - Front | 70/100-17 | 70/100-17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2020 Yamaha YZ85
The 2020 Yamaha YZ85 edges out the 2023 Kawasaki KX85 thanks to its greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2023 Kawasaki KX85 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 2023 Kawasaki KX85 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2020 Yamaha YZ85 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 330 mm vs 290 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2023 Kawasaki KX85 vs 2020 Yamaha YZ85 - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2023 Kawasaki KX85 or the 2020 Yamaha YZ85?
The 2023 Kawasaki KX85 has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Yamaha YZ85 sits higher at 841 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2023 Kawasaki KX85 or the 2020 Yamaha YZ85?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 Kawasaki KX85 has its own strengths, while the 2020 Yamaha YZ85 stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.