2019 Yamaha YZ85 vs 2023 Kawasaki KX85
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Team Yamaha Blue | Lime Green |
| Warranty | 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 330 mm | 290 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 13.0 inches | 11.4 inches |
| Seat Height | 841 mm / 33.1 in. | 830 mm / 32.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1255 mm / 49.4 in. | 1265 mm / 49.8 in. |
| Height | 1146 mm / 45.1 in. | 1100 mm / 43.3 in. |
| Length | 1821 mm / 71.7 in. | 1830 mm / 72.0 in. |
| Width | 759 mm / 29.9 in. | 765 mm / 30.1 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons | 5.00 litres / 1.32 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | 73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs | 75.0 kg / 165.3 lbs |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | 5.19 cubic inches | 5.13 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 85.0 cc | 84.0 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 47.5 x 47.8 mm | 48.5 x 45.8 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 1.9 x 1.9 inches | 1.9 x 1.8 inches |
| Engine Detail | Reed-valve-inducted | - |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Keihin PWK 28 | Carburettor. Keihin 28mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Petrol mix |
| Ignition | CDI | CDI with digital advance |
| Starter | Electric | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc | Wet multidisc |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Semi-double-cradle frame | High-tensile steel perimeter design with subframe member |
| Suspension - Front | Inverted fork | 36mm inverted telescopic cartridge fork with 20-way compression damping |
| Suspension - Rear | Single shock | Uni-Trak® single shock system with 24-way compression and 21-way rebound damping, plus adjustable spring preload |
| Rake | 28.0° | 29.0° |
| Trail | - | 97 mm / 3.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 274 mm / 10.8 in. | 275 mm / 10.8 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 282 mm / 11.1 in. | 275 mm / 10.8 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc. Petal disc with dual-piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliper |
| Rims | Dunlop tyres | Wire spoked |
| Tyres - Front | 70/100-17 | 70/100-17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2019 Yamaha YZ85
The 2019 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
2019 Yamaha YZ85 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 330 mm vs 290 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
2023 Kawasaki KX85 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 2023 Kawasaki KX85 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2019 Yamaha YZ85 vs 2023 Kawasaki KX85 - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 Yamaha YZ85 or the 2023 Kawasaki KX85?
The 2023 Kawasaki KX85 has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 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 2019 Yamaha YZ85 or the 2023 Kawasaki KX85?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 Yamaha YZ85 has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2023 Kawasaki KX85 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.