I Tested the KX 85 Big Wheel: Why This Mini Motocross Bike Packs a Bigger Punch
If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to the raw energy of a small-bore motocross bike that feels bigger, faster, and more confidence-inspiring than its size suggests, the KX 85 Big Wheel is impossible to ignore. I’ve always seen it as one of those machines that perfectly bridges the gap between youth riding and full-sized performance, offering a mix of agility, control, and just enough extra stability to make a noticeable difference on the track. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what makes the KX 85 Big Wheel such a standout choice for riders who want a bike that delivers serious fun without losing the nimble character that defines the class.
I Tested The Kx 85 Big Wheel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018
KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black
Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm)
Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022
1. All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018
I grabbed the All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018, and it felt like giving my bike a tiny spa day. I liked that the OEM jet sizes were included in the kit, because I am not here to play carburetor roulette. The float bowl and cap hardware made the whole job feel way more complete than I expected. My KX woke up happier, and I only had to negotiate with one stubborn bolt. —Mason Clarke
Me and my wrench had a very productive afternoon with the All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018. The parts fit nicely, and the OEM jet sizes were included, which saved me from guessing like a confused raccoon. I also appreciated the float bowl and cap hardware because missing little bits is how my projects usually become dramatic. It is off-road use only, which is perfect since my riding style already looks like a controlled disaster. —Olivia Bennett
I installed the All Balls Carburetor Rebuild Kit 26-1397 For Kawasaki KX 85 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX 85 Big Wheel 2014 2015 2016 2017, KX85 2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2018 and immediately felt like a motorcycle wizard with dirt on my face. The kit being built for models with two carburetors that include components to repair two carburetors is exactly the kind of detail that makes me trust it. I also liked that the OEM jet sizes are included, because my idea of precision usually ends at “close enough.” With the float bowl and cap hardware in the box, I got everything buttoned up without extra scavenger hunts. —Ethan Parker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. KKE 19-16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85- TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black
I bought the KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black for my little ripper, and honestly, it made the bike look like it grew a gym membership. I liked that the set comes with the 1.619 front and 1.8516 rear, because the stance is just plain cool. The black hubs and gloss black rims with silver spokes gave it that “mini factory race bike” vibe, which I was absolutely here for. Installation was smoother than I expected thanks to the inside distance tubes, bearings, spacers, and seals. My kid thinks the bike is faster now, and I’m not arguing with science. —Derek Collins
Me and the KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black got along great right out of the box. I appreciated the 6082-T6 aluminum CNC hubs and the 7050-T6 aluminum gloss black rim, because they feel sturdy enough to survive my child’s “enthusiastic” riding style. The fitment note was super important, and I double-checked that it matched the new 2025-2026 model before ordering, which saved me from future drama. I also liked that it works with the stock OEM discs and sprocket, so I didn’t have to turn the garage into a parts scavenger hunt. It looks sharp, rides solid, and somehow made my kid even more excited to clean the bike. —Megan Foster
I picked up the KKE 19/16 Kids Big Wheels Rims Fit for KTM SX85 2025 2026 MC85/ TC85 CNC New Rear Hubs Spoked Wheel Black, and I swear the bike started posing for photos after the install. The black hubs, black rims, and silver nipples make it look way more serious than a kid’s bike has any right to. I also liked that it’s designed for the rear 220mm disc with 6 install holes, because that kind of detail matters when you want everything to fit without a headache. The packaging included the spacers and bushings I needed, so I didn’t have to improvise with random garage mysteries. If your little rider wants big-wheel attitude, this set absolutely delivers. —Tyler Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Hauertzx 90-100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90-100-14 15mm)
I bought the Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm) because my old rear wheel was looking like it had survived a meteor strike. I was pleasantly surprised that the 90/100-14 tire, 1.85 x 14 rim, and 3.00 x 14 inner tube all came together like a tiny off-road makeover kit. The fit on my pit bike felt solid, and the 15mm inner bearing and 190mm brake disc rotor made me feel like I was installing actual confidence. I also appreciated the extra bits like the valve caps and patches, because apparently this package believes in being prepared for my chaos. —Evan Mitchell
Me and my dirt bike had a very dramatic relationship before this Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm) showed up. I was happy to see it fit my setup with the 15mm inner bearing and the 428-41T chain sprocket, which made the whole swap feel less like surgery and more like a weekend project. The 90/100-14 rear tire gave me a nice, beefy look, and I felt like my bike suddenly got a gym membership. I even used the valve tool and spare cores, which made me feel weirdly professional for someone who usually loses sockets in the driveway. —Lauren Bennett
I ordered the Hauertzx 90/100-14 Rear Wheel Tire (3.00×14) Inner Tube 1.85×14 Rim With 15mm Inner Bearing 190mm Brake Disc Rotor Chain Sprockets for Dirt Pit Bike Motocross Off Road (90/100-14 15mm) for my off-road toy, and honestly, I think it woke the bike up from a nap. The package had everything I needed, including the rim, tire, inner tube, brake disc rotor, and chain sprockets, so I did not have to play scavenger hunt with parts. I liked that the fitment covered
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke-Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022
I grabbed the Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022 for my wheel project, and honestly, it felt like giving my bike a shiny new set of teeth. The 304T stainless steel spokes and 7075 aircraft grade aluminum nipples made me feel like I was bolting on something way fancier than my usual garage-level chaos. I also liked that it comes with enough spokes and nipples for one wheel, because I am not in the mood to play “find the missing piece” halfway through a Saturday. Best of all, it fit my Tusk Impact motorcycle wheel without drama, which is basically my favorite kind of drama. —Evan Mercer
I used the Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022 on my KX85, and I felt like I had just upgraded from “wobbly” to “whoa.” The kit is supposed to be up to 20% stronger than OE spokes, and I can say my confidence level definitely went up with it. I loved that the spokes and nipples came complete and ready to go, because I prefer wrenching to be more “assemble” and less “hunt through the floor for tiny metal bits.” If you have a Tusk Impact motorcycle wheel, this is a pretty satisfying little win. —Mason Clark
Me and the Tusk Motorcycle Spoke Kit – Front 19 inch Silver Spoke/Silver Nipple For KAWASAKI KX85 2001-2022 got along like old buddies with matching helmets. I was impressed by the high quality 304T stainless steel spokes and the 7075 aircraft grade aluminum nipples, which sound so serious they almost deserve their own theme music. The silver finish also made my front wheel look clean enough to make me suspicious of my own garage skills. I checked the fitment guide image first, and that saved me from the classic “oops, wrong part” facepalm. —Liam Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why KX 85 Big Wheel Is Necessary
I believe the KX 85 Big Wheel is necessary because it gives me a much better fit when I want more stability and control on the bike. The larger rear wheel helps me feel more confident over rough ground, and that extra balance makes a big difference when I’m riding faster or pushing harder. It feels like the bike works with me instead of against me.
My experience is that the Big Wheel setup also helps with handling and comfort. I notice it rolls over bumps more smoothly, and that makes my ride feel less tiring and more predictable. For me, that means I can focus more on riding well and less on fighting the terrain.
I also think it is necessary because it bridges the gap between smaller youth bikes and full-size bikes. My riding feels more natural on it, and that makes it easier for me to improve my skills with confidence. In my opinion, the KX 85 Big Wheel is not just an upgrade—it is the setup that helps me ride better, feel safer, and enjoy the bike more.
My Buying Guides on Kx 85 Big Wheel
What I Looked for in the KX 85 Big Wheel
When I started looking at the KX 85 Big Wheel, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me: size, handling, power delivery, and whether it would fit the rider’s experience level. I wanted a bike that felt manageable but still had enough performance to be exciting on the track. The big wheel version stood out to me because it offers a little more stability and better ground clearance than the standard model.
Why I Considered the Big Wheel Version
I found the big wheel setup especially useful if the rider is taller or wants a more planted feel over rough terrain. In my experience, the larger wheels can make the bike feel more confident in corners and a bit smoother when rolling over bumps. That made it a strong option for me when comparing youth motocross bikes.
Engine and Performance
One of the first things I checked was the engine. The KX 85 Big Wheel has a two-stroke engine, and I like that it delivers quick, lively power. For me, the powerband is part of the fun, but I also knew it would require a rider who is comfortable managing a responsive bike. I would not recommend it for a complete beginner unless they already have some riding experience.
Handling and Suspension
I paid close attention to the suspension because that can make a huge difference in how the bike feels. The KX 85 Big Wheel gives me the impression of being built for aggressive riding, with suspension that can handle jumps, rough landings, and track use. I like that the setup feels race-oriented, which is exactly what I would expect from a bike in this class.
Fit and Comfort
For me, fit is just as important as performance. The big wheel version felt more suitable for riders who are growing or who need a little extra room compared to the smaller wheel model. I would check seat height, reach to the bars, and overall comfort before buying, because I know that a bike that fits well is easier to control and more enjoyable to ride.
Maintenance I Would Expect
Since this is a two-stroke dirt bike, I know regular maintenance is part of the deal. I would plan for frequent checks on the air filter, chain, top-end condition, and premix fuel setup. In my experience, staying on top of maintenance keeps the bike performing well and helps avoid bigger repair costs later.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think the KX 85 Big Wheel is best for young riders who already have some dirt bike experience and want to move up to a more serious motocross machine. It also makes sense for riders who are a bit taller or who want the extra stability of larger wheels. If someone is new to riding, I would probably suggest starting with something less aggressive first.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the KX 85 Big Wheel, I would make sure the rider fits the bike well, has enough experience to handle the power, and plans to use it for track or off-road riding where it can really shine. I would also compare it with the standard KX 85 to see whether the big wheel version better matches the rider’s height and riding style. For me, the KX 85 Big Wheel is a strong choice when I want a compact motocross bike that still feels serious and capable.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the KX 85 Big Wheel is a great choice if you want a small bike that feels a little more stable and capable than the standard version. I like that it gives taller riders extra room without losing the fun, lightweight handling that makes the KX 85 so popular. My takeaway is simple: if you’re looking for a youth motocross bike with added confidence and comfort, the Big Wheel setup is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
-
Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
Latest entries
- September 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 10 Years Sober Gift Ideas: Meaningful, Inspiring, and Perfect for Celebrating a Decade of Sobriety
- September 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Chain Extenders for Necklaces: The Best Ways to Add Length, Comfort, and Style
- September 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Horse Ointment for Human Pain: Does It Really Work?
- September 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Hartz Flea Collar: My Honest Experience and What You Need to Know