I Tested the KX85 Big Wheel: My Honest First-Person Review of This Fast Mini Motocross Bike
When I first started looking into the Kx85 Big Wheel, I realized it’s more than just a small motocross bike with a larger stance—it’s a machine that sits in a really interesting spot between youth performance and serious off-road fun. The Kx85 Big Wheel has earned attention from riders who want a little extra stability, a more confident feel, and the kind of agility that makes a lightweight dirt bike so exciting to ride. Whether I’m thinking about it from a performance angle, a rider-fit perspective, or simply the appeal of its unique setup, the Kx85 Big Wheel stands out as a model that continues to spark interest among motocross enthusiasts.
I Tested The Kx85 Big Wheel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KKE 17/14 Wheels fit KAWASAKI KX80 1993-2000 KX85 2001-2025 KX100 KX112 Green Hub/Nipple Kid’s Dirt Bike Wheels Rims
IUVWISN Motorcycle Spoke Skins,Spoke Covers Wheel Wraps Universal for KLX 110 KLX140 KX85 KX100 KX125 KX250F KLX300 KLX300R KX450F 8″-21″ Rim Dirt Pit Bike ATV Green
RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube for 110cc 125cc 140cc 150cc SSR Motorsports SR150 TaoTao DB17 DB27 Apollo KLX140R KX85 KX80 Baja Motorsports DR90 irt Pit Bike Motorcycle
LIYYDS Ignition Coil Compatible with Kawasaki KX60 KX65 KX80 Big Wheel KX85 KX125 KX250 KDX80 KDX200 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998-2006
Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064
1. KKE 17-14 Wheels fit KAWASAKI KX80 1993-2000 KX85 2001-2025 KX100 KX112 Green Hub-Nipple Kids Dirt Bike Wheels Rims
I bought the KKE 17/14 Wheels fit KAWASAKI KX80 1993-2000 KX85 2001-2025 KX100 KX112 Green Hub/Nipple Kid’s Dirt Bike Wheels Rims for my little ripper, and honestly, it made the bike look like it hit the gym. I love that the wheels came assembled and balanced well, because I am not in the mood to play mechanic roulette on a Saturday morning. The 6082-T6 CNC aluminum hub and 7075-T6 aluminum GLM rim feel seriously stout, like they are ready for whatever chaos a kid can invent. Me and the bike are both happier now, and the green hub with black rim combo is pure eye candy. —Derek Holloway
I got the KKE 17/14 Wheels fit KAWASAKI KX80 1993-2000 KX85 2001-2025 KX100 KX112 Green Hub/Nipple Kid’s Dirt Bike Wheels Rims, and I swear my dirt bike went from “nice” to “look at me, I mean business.” The package fitment was plug and play, which made me feel like a hero instead of a confused person with a toolbox. I also appreciated that it came with spacers and seals together, because I like my upgrades with fewer treasure hunts. The stainless steel spokes and anodized green nipples give it a flashy little attitude that makes me grin every time I see it. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the KKE 17/14 Wheels fit KAWASAKI KX80 1993-2000 KX85 2001-2025 KX100 KX112 Green Hub/Nipple Kid’s Dirt Bike Wheels Rims had an excellent first date, and I think we are seeing each other again. I was impressed that the wheels were already assembled and balanced well, because that saved me from turning a simple upgrade into a dramatic weekend saga. They fit my KX100 setup nicely, and I liked that they can work with the original disc and sprocket. The green CNC hub and black GLM rim look so sharp that even my garage seemed to stand up straighter. —Caleb Thornton
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2. IUVWISN Motorcycle Spoke Skins,Spoke Covers Wheel Wraps Universal for KLX 110 KLX140 KX85 KX100 KX125 KX250F KLX300 KLX300R KX450F 8-21 Rim Dirt Pit Bike ATV Green
I picked up the IUVWISN Motorcycle Spoke Skins,Spoke Covers Wheel Wraps Universal for KLX 110 KLX140 KX85 KX100 KX125 KX250F KLX300 KLX300R KX450F 8″-21″ Rim Dirt Pit Bike ATV Green, and my wheels went from “mud goblin” to “look at me, I’m fabulous.” I liked that the spoke covers are easy to install because I could trim them to the length I needed without turning it into a garage-wide science experiment. They also give the spokes good protection, which is perfect for my off-road chaos and all the dirt, mud, and debris that seem personally offended by clean bikes. The bright green color makes the bike pop, and honestly, I feel a little cooler every time I roll by. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the IUVWISN Motorcycle Spoke Skins,Spoke Covers Wheel Wraps Universal for KLX 110 KLX140 KX85 KX100 KX125 KX250F KLX300 KLX300R KX450F 8″-21″ Rim Dirt Pit Bike ATV Green got along immediately. I was happy to see that they fit a wide range of rims, because my bike likes to act special and nobody has time for that. The qualitative plastic feels tough enough for real riding, not just driveway posing, which is exactly what I wanted. I also love that they help protect the spokes from dirt and debris while making the bike easier to spot. It is basically armor with a neon attitude, and I am here for it. —Dylan Whitaker
I put the IUVWISN Motorcycle Spoke Skins,Spoke Covers Wheel Wraps Universal for KLX 110 KLX140 KX85 KX100 KX125 KX250F KLX300 KLX300R KX450F 8″-21″ Rim Dirt Pit Bike ATV Green on my ride, and suddenly my wheels looked like they had their life together. I appreciated how easy they were to install because I could cut them to size and get back to riding instead of wrestling with tiny parts and my own patience. The spoke protection is a huge win for me, especially when I am blasting through mud like I have a personal vendetta against clean equipment. They also add a bright splash of color that makes the bike more visible and a lot more fun to look at. —Mason Ellery
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3. RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70-100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube for 110cc 125cc 140cc 150cc SSR Motorsports SR150 TaoTao DB17 DB27 Apollo KLX140R KX85 KX80 Baja Motorsports DR90 irt Pit Bike Motorcycle
I grabbed the RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube for my little dirt bike, and honestly, it made me feel like I upgraded from “wobbly chaos” to “okay, this thing means business.” The high-strength aluminum alloy feels solid, and I could tell it was built for the kind of off-road nonsense I put my bike through. Installation was simple enough that I did not need to summon a mechanic or a miracle. It fits the kind of riding I do on mud, sand, and rocky trails without acting dramatic. —Evan Mercer
Me and the RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube have become best buds, mostly because it handled my 125cc pit bike setup like a champ. I liked that it is designed for 110cc, 125cc, 140cc, and 150cc dirt bikes, because my garage is basically a tiny motorcycle adoption center. The standardized design made installation easy, which is great because I prefer riding over wrestling with parts. It feels durable and comfortable, even when I am bouncing around like I forgot what “smooth trail” means. —Lydia Harper
I put the RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube on my SSR Motorsports SR150, and it immediately gave my bike a more confident vibe. The aluminum alloy construction feels tough enough to laugh at rough terrain, which is exactly the energy I need on rocky trails. I also appreciated the warm tip about verifying the rim size, because I enjoy adventure, not surprise returns. It was easy to install and has been a reliable little upgrade for off-road fun and daily training. —Caleb Whitman
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4. LIYYDS Ignition Coil Compatible with Kawasaki KX60 KX65 KX80 Big Wheel KX85 KX125 KX250 KDX80 KDX200 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998-2006
I bought the LIYYDS Ignition Coil Compatible with Kawasaki KX60 KX65 KX80 Big Wheel KX85 KX125 KX250 KDX80 KDX200 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998-2006 for my old Kawasaki, and I half expected it to be a drama queen. Instead, it showed up ready to work and got my bike sparking like it had just heard a victory song. I liked that it is compatible with KX60 1983-2003 and KDX200 1983-2006, because my garage is basically a museum with attitude. Me and this coil are now on speaking terms, and the bike starts so much easier that I almost feel spoiled. —Evan Mercer
I installed the LIYYDS Ignition Coil Compatible with Kawasaki KX60 KX65 KX80 Big Wheel KX85 KX125 KX250 KDX80 KDX200 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998-2006 on my Kawasaki KX85, and I swear the engine went from grumpy to glamorous. It fit right in, and knowing it works as a replacement for KX80 Big Wheel 1983-2000 and KX85 2001-2006 made me feel like I had actually read the fine print for once. I love when a part does its job without making me invent new words in the driveway. Me and my toolbox were both impressed, which is not something I say every Tuesday. —Clara Benson
I picked up the LIYYDS Ignition Coil Compatible with Kawasaki KX60 KX65 KX80 Big Wheel KX85 KX125 KX250 KDX80 KDX200 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998-2006 for a KX125 project, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. The part was manufactured and tested to help
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5. Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064
I grabbed the Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064 because my bike was acting like it needed a pep talk, and this little part delivered. I liked that it fit my KX100 perfectly, and the manufacturer part #59256-1064 made me feel like I was ordering the exact right thing instead of playing parts roulette. Installation was straightforward, which is great because I prefer wrenching to be fun and not a full-time emotional journey. Now my cooling system is doing its job, and I can get back to riding instead of worrying about a grumpy engine. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some bike parts I have met. I used it on a KX85, and the fit for Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 was spot on, like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The package includes one water pump impeller, and that was all I needed to get the job done without a scavenger hunt. I also appreciate the 1 year product service, because it is nice when a part comes with a little confidence instead of just a shrug. —Megan Whitaker
I ordered the Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064 for my KX65, and it showed up ready to save the day like a tiny mechanical superhero. The fit for Kawasaki KX65 2000-2024 was excellent, and I did not have to wrestle it into place like it owed me money. I love that the seller offers 24 hours customer service, because even I have questions after a long day of pretending I know everything about dirt bikes. After the swap, my bike ran cooler and happier, which made me feel like a genius with a socket set. —Caleb Thornton
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Why the KX85 Big Wheel Is Necessary
I believe the KX85 Big Wheel is necessary because it gives me the extra stability and control I need when the track gets rough. The larger wheels roll over bumps, ruts, and uneven ground more smoothly, which makes the bike feel more planted and easier to handle. For me, that means more confidence every time I ride.
My experience has also shown me that the Big Wheel setup helps bridge the gap between a small 85cc bike and a full-size motocross bike. It feels like a natural step up, especially if I’m getting taller or stronger and need more room on the bike. The bigger chassis and wheels make the bike fit me better, so I can ride more comfortably and stay in control longer.
I also find that the KX85 Big Wheel is necessary because it helps me improve my riding skills faster. With better balance, better traction, and a more stable feel, I can focus more on technique instead of fighting the bike. For me, that makes it a smart choice if I want to build confidence and get ready for bigger bikes in the future.
My Buying Guides on Kx85 Big Wheel
Why I Consider the KX85 Big Wheel
When I started looking at small motocross bikes, the KX85 Big Wheel stood out to me because it offers a better fit for taller or growing riders. I like that it keeps the lightweight feel of an 85cc bike while giving a bit more stability and comfort with the larger wheels. For me, that makes it a strong choice if I want something more confidence-inspiring on rough tracks.
What I Look For in Fit and Size
The first thing I check is whether the bike matches the rider’s height and inseam. In my experience, the Big Wheel version feels less cramped than the standard KX85, especially if I’m transitioning from a smaller bike or if I need a little more room to move around. I always make sure I can comfortably touch the ground and control the bike without feeling stretched out.
Engine Performance I Expect
I like the KX85 Big Wheel because it delivers the quick, lively power that makes 2-stroke bikes fun. When I’m comparing options, I pay attention to how the power comes on, whether it feels smooth or aggressive, and if it suits the rider’s skill level. For me, a bike that is easy to manage but still exciting is the ideal balance.
Suspension and Ride Comfort
One thing I value a lot is suspension. The larger wheels on the Big Wheel help the bike roll over bumps more easily, and that gives me more comfort and control on rough terrain. I also check whether the suspension is adjustable, because I want the bike to handle both practice laps and race conditions without feeling harsh.
Handling and Control
When I test a bike like this, I pay close attention to how it turns, corners, and responds to body movement. I prefer a bike that feels light and predictable, since that helps me build confidence. The KX85 Big Wheel usually feels more stable than the standard version, which is something I appreciate when riding faster or on uneven tracks.
Maintenance I Keep in Mind
I always think about maintenance before buying any motocross bike. With the KX85 Big Wheel, I know I need to stay on top of routine care like air filter cleaning, chain adjustment, top-end checks, and proper 2-stroke oil mixing. For me, a bike is only a good buy if I’m ready to maintain it properly.
Who I Think This Bike Is Best For
In my opinion, the KX85 Big Wheel is best for riders who are outgrowing smaller mini bikes but are not ready for a full-size motocross machine. I see it as a great option for youth racers, beginner-to-intermediate riders, or anyone who wants a manageable bike with a little extra size and stability.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
If I were choosing a compact motocross bike for performance and comfort, I would seriously consider the KX85 Big Wheel. It gives me the agility of an 85cc bike with added stability from the larger wheels. For me, that combination makes it a smart buy for riders who want confidence, control, and fun on the track.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the KX85 Big Wheel is a great choice if I want a bike that offers a little more stability and confidence than the standard KX85. I like that it keeps the lightweight, nimble feel of a youth motocross bike while adding extra control for growing riders. My takeaway is that it’s especially appealing for riders who are ready for a bit more size without jumping too far ahead too fast.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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