2017 KTM 65 SX vs 2020 Kawasaki KX65
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Orange/white/black | Lime Green |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 11.0 inches | 12.0 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 280 mm | 305 mm |
| Seat Height | 750 mm / 29.5 in. | 759 mm / 29.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,137 mm / 44.8 in. | 1120 mm / 44.1 in. |
| Length | - | 1590 mm / 62.6 in. |
| Width | - | 759 mm / 29.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 53 kg / 116.8 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons | 3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 60.0 kg / 132.2 lbs |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement (cc) | 64.85 cc | 64.7 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 45.0 x 40.8 mm | 44.5 x 41.6 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 1.8 x 1.6 inches | 1.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Displacement (ci) | 3.96 cubic inches | 3.95 cubic inches |
| Engine Detail | Reed intake. | Reed valve |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Mikuni TMX | Carburettor. Mikuni VM24SS |
| Compression Ratio | - | 8.4:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | Mixture oil lubrication | - |
| Ignition | AET digital EMS | CDI w/digital advance |
| Starter | Kick | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-disc clutch, Formula hydraulics | - |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | 14:48. Primary drive: 23:75 straight cut spur gear. | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Central-tube frame with double-cradle | Tubular, semi-double cradle |
| Suspension - Front | WP upside-down ? 35 mm | 33 mm telescopic fork with 4-way rebound damping |
| Suspension - Rear | WP shock absorber | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, adjustable preload and stepless rebound damping |
| Rake | 25.5° | 27.0° |
| Trail | - | 61 mm / 2.4 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 215 mm / 8.5 in. | 210 mm / 8.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 270 mm / 10.6 in. | 240 mm / 9.4 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 7.8 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 198 mm | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 6.3 inches | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 160 mm | - |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Four-piston calipers. Wave brake discs. | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Two-piston calipers. Wave brake discs. | Single disc |
| Rims | Black anodized, aluminum rims | - |
| Tyres - Front | - | 60/100-14 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2017 KTM 65 SX and the 2020 Kawasaki KX65 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
2017 KTM 65 SX - Advantages
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 270 mm vs 240 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
2020 Kawasaki KX65 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 305 mm vs 280 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2017 KTM 65 SX vs 2020 Kawasaki KX65 - FAQs
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM 65 SX or the 2020 Kawasaki KX65?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM 65 SX has the edge in higher rear wheel travel, while the 2020 Kawasaki KX65 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.