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2018 KTM 65 SX Overview
For 2018, KTM offers the 65 SX as a cross / motocross motorcycle with 64.85 cc on tap. The 2018 KTM 65 SX is built around a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine. Internally, bore and stroke are 45 x 40.8 mm. In everyday use, the 2018 65 SX tips the scales at 53 kg, carries a 3.50-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 750 mm and spans a 1,137 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2018 KTM 65 SX spec sheet below.
2018 KTM 65 SX compared with other bikes in the Cross / motocross category
Measured against other bikes in the Cross / motocross category in our database (up to 224 models, one entry per model), the 2018 KTM 65 SX comes out as follows.
- With 65 cc, the 65 SX has the 13th smallest engine displacement of 224 bikes in the Cross / motocross category, 77% below the category average of 279 cc.
- Seat height of 750 mm is lower than that of 182 of the other 199 bikes in the Cross / motocross category.
- Narrowing the field to the 110 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 65 cc is smaller than that of 104 of the other 109.
Versus the 2017 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2017 model: displacement and seat height all match.
2018 65 SX - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🛑
Strong front braking: The single disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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📏
Accessible seat height: At just 750 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
Considerations
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🔧
Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
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⛽
Modest fuel capacity: A 3.50-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
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⚙️
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Carburetor maintenance
Being carbureted, the 65 SX is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.
Brake disc and pad wear
Single disc with four-piston calipers and wave brake discs up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by WP upside-down ? 35 mm up front and WP shock absorber at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the 65 SX means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Central-tube frame with double-cradle chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Low-speed handling
The 65 SX's 53 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.
65 SX - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2018 KTM 65 SX with its 64.85 cc cross / motocross should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 8 years old, this cross / motocross is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 65 SX settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the 65 SX's 64.85 cc single cylinder, two-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A 65 SX that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
2018 KTM 65 SX - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 KTM 65 SX have?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX uses a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine with 64.85 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2018 KTM 65 SX weigh?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX weighs 53 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 KTM 65 SX?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX has a 3.50-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 58-70 km between stops.
Is the 2018 KTM 65 SX suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX has a seat height of 750 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2018 KTM 65 SX have?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX uses single disc with four-piston calipers and wave brake discs at the front and single disc with two-piston calipers and wave brake discs at the rear.
What fuel system does the 2018 KTM 65 SX use?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX uses Carburettor. Mikuni TMX, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.
What suspension does the 2018 KTM 65 SX have?
The 2018 KTM 65 SX uses WP upside-down ? 35 mm up front and WP shock absorber at the rear.
KTM 65 SX Spec Evolution
The KTM 65 SX was produced across 20 model years (2003-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
173.0 kg / 381.4 lbs |
- |
112.0 kg / 246.9 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Dry Weight |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.6 kg / 122.6 lbs |
55.4 kg / 122.1 lbs |
55.4 kg / 122.1 lbs |
55.4 kg / 122.1 lbs |
55.5 kg / 122.4 lbs |
55.5 kg / 122.4 lbs |
55.5 kg / 122.4 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
53 kg / 116.8 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Reed intake and exhaust control |
Reed intake. |
Reed intake. |
Reed intake. |
Reed intake. |
Reed intake. |
Reed intake |
Reed intake |
- |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Seat Height |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
725 mm / 28.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
750 mm / 29.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
3.40 litres / 0.90 gallons |
3.30 litres / 0.87 gallons |
3.30 litres / 0.87 gallons |
3.30 litres / 0.87 gallons |
3.30 litres / 0.87 gallons |
3.30 litres / 0.87 gallons |
3.30 litres / 0.87 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 US gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 US gallons |
3.50 litres / 0.92 US gallons |
3.70 litres / 0.98 US gallons |
| Displacement (cc) |
64.85 cc |
64.89 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.90 cc |
64.85 cc |
64.85 cc |
64.85 cc |
64.85 cc |
64.85 cc |
64.85 cc |
64.9 cc |
64.9 cc |
64.9 cc |
64.9 cc |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
11.4 inches |
11.4 inches |
11.4 inches |
11.4 inches |
11.4 inches |
11.4 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
11.0 inches |
Key Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Fuel Capacity
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons
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Full 2018 KTM 65 SX Specifications
Colours
Orange/white/black
Ground Clearance (in.)
11.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
280 mm
Seat Height
750 mm / 29.5 in.
Wheelbase
1,137 mm / 44.8 in.
Dry Weight
53 kg / 116.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity
3.50 litres / 0.92 gallons
Displacement (cc)
64.85 cc
Displacement (ci)
3.96 cubic inches
Engine Type
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)
1.8 x 1.6 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
45.0 x 40.8 mm
Engine Detail
Reed intake
Fuel System
Carburettor. Mikuni TMX
Engine Lubrication
Mixture oil lubrication
Ignition
AET digital EMS
Starter
Kick
Clutch
Wet, multi-disc clutch, Formula hydraulics
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
14:48. Primary drive: 23:75 straight cut spur gear.
Frame Type
Central-tube frame with double-cradle
Suspension - Front
WP upside-down ? 35 mm
Suspension - Rear
WP shock absorber
Rake
25.5°
Wheel Travel - Front
215 mm / 8.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
270 mm / 10.6 in.
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.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Two-piston calipers. Wave brake discs.
Rims
Black anodized, aluminum rims
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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