STEP INTO THE BIG LEAGUES.

The 11 to 15-year-old riders of the junior class are no longer beginners. These are future champions fighting for victory, no matter if it is the Junior Motocross World Championship or a regional championship. In this scene, the new and improved KTM 85 SX is considered a winner’s bike. With the most powerful engine in the field and a super lightweight, stable chassis, it does not need to shy away from a full size bike.

2018 KTM 85 SX 17/14 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

With its 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines, from the KTM 50 SX to the KTM 450 SX-F ultimate powerhouse, KTM offers high quality serial equipment in all of its motocross range. As developed for its factory racing teams, which have won numerous races and championships, including last year’s AMA 450 Supercross title with Ryan Dungey, as well as the FIM MX2 World Championship with Jeffrey Herlings, these KTM serial machines are renowned for being READY TO RACE right out of the crate.

For model year 2018 KTM introduces a brand new KTM 85 SX for junior riders that are cutting their teeth in the schoolboy ranks. With the serious competitor in mind, this machine has a new engine that is 0.69 kg lighter than the previous model, with improved power and rideability throughout the complete RPM range. In addition, the KTM 85 SX receives a lighter chassis with a revised chromium molybdenum steel frame as crafted by WP Performance Systems, as well as a lighter subframe. This READY TO RACE Mini, which joins the KTM 50 SX and KTM 65 SX in KTM’s line-up of premium junior equipment, is fitted with high-quality Formula brakes, WP AER 43 forks and a specifically developed WP Xplor progressive damping system (PDS) shock absorber, which provides excellent sensitivity and outstanding bottoming resistance with full adjustability.

In the adult range the KTM 125 SX and KTM 150 SX now feature new aluminum head stays, as well as a new CDI control unit for improved starting behaviors. As with all of KTM serial equipment, the 4-stroke range, including the KTM 250 SX-F, KTM 350 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, boasts high-quality, class-leading components from the all-important E-starter, to the WP suspension, traction control and map selection, and much more to compliment the super lightweight, yet powerful championship winning engines.

In addition, the complete model year 2018 SX range including both 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines feature revised suspension settings in the WP AER 48 forks, along with a factory-looking orange frame plus, brand new graphics to finish the look.

2018 KTM 85 SX 17/14 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

CUTTING-EDGE 2-STROKE TECHNOLOGY

ENGINE
Cutting-edge 2-stroke technology, combined with a precise 6-speed transmission and hydraulic clutch are the foundation of the KTM 85 SX’s superiority in all junior racing competition. The new KTM 85 SX engine uses the latest technology to deliver unrivaled performance in the competitive 85cc class. With an unchanged bore and stroke, the engine is 0.69kg lighter and delivers improved power and rideability along the complete rev range. Key to the engine is a new power valve which allows the power delivery to be tailored simply and more effectively than before.

CYLINDER
The new cylinder has an unchanged bore and stroke (47/48.95mm) with new ports to improve performance and response. Additionally, it is designed around an all new power valve system. This system controls both the exhaust valve and the sub exhaust port for significantly improved power, torque and controllability. As a result, the KTM 85 SX receives a significant increase in mid-range performance reducing the need to use the clutch in loamy or sandy conditions. An adjuster screw allows the opening time of the power valve to be adjusted to suit rider preference and track conditions and by changing between different power valve springs – available in the KTM PowerParts catalog – the rate at which the power valve opens can be tailored even further.

Crankshaft
The new crankshaft is now lighter with optimized balancing to reduce vibration and oscillating mass. Even after removing this weight, the rotational inertia of the crankshaft has increased by 0.5kg improving torque and rideability.

CLUTCH
The hydraulic clutch mechanism by Formula ensures an easy clutch action and well-defined modulation on the KTM 85 SX. Replacing the previous coil spring design, the KTM 85 SX features a new diaphragm spring clutch. The new design is 0.4kg lighter, more compact and also benefits from added durability.

Exhaust system
The new exhaust system is perfectly suited to the engine’s power characteristics and contributes to the outstanding performance and rideability. The header is made in a 3-dimentional stamping process by WP Performance Systems. Once the components are shaped they are robot welded to ensure the highest level of quality and durability. The new silencer is 50mm shorter, improving mass centralization.

Crankcases
The crankcases are manufactured using a high pressure die-cast production process keeping wall thickness to a minimum while retaining strength and durability. The design of the new cases is more compact and aims at positioning the shaft arrangements as close as possible to the center of gravity for improved handling.

CRANKSHAFT
The all-new crankshaft is now lighter with optimized balancing to reduce vibration and oscillating mass. Even after removing this weight, the rotational inertia of the crankshaft has increased by 0.5kg improving torque and rideability. Thanks to its perfectly sized lightweight connecting rod, the crankshaft is distinguished by minimum vibrations and maximum durability.

HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS

HANDLEBAR
The KTM 85 SX has a super strong, tapered handlebar made of high-quality aluminum alloy with a bend that’s perfect for motocross requirements. They get a new throttle assembly that allows for easy free play adjustment. ODI lock-on grips on the left side make grip changes easy and do not require any wire or glue to be secured.

BRAKES
The Formula brake system with radial calipers – four pistons in front, two in the rear – with lightweight Wave brake discs – front 240mm diameter, rear 210mm – are the benchmark in terms of controlled action and braking performance. The piston size on the rear caliper is reduced by 2mm to 22mm and in combination with a new rear brake lever it provides improved modulation and feeling.

COOLING SYSTEM
A constant temperature balance for consistent, high performance is ensured by an intelligent cooling circuit with integrated crankcase cooling and two radiators. It routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum radiators made by WP. Thanks to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. In addition, new radiator protections improve heat dissipation. Especially in the mud. They are also integrated into the front part of the shrouds to protect the radiators in a crash.

AIR FILTER BOX
What is good for the bigger KTM offroad bikes cannot be bad for the 85 SX: an air filter change can be done within seconds without tools.

CHASSIS

Wheels
Black coated high-end Excel rims, lightweight, CNC machined hubs and black spokes with lightweight aluminum nipples ensure the highest stability at minimum weight on the KTM 85 SX. The OEM MAXXIS tires are renowned for their perfect traction and outstanding performance.

Frame
Professionally crafted by WP Performance Systems, the chromium molybdenum steel frame is constructed using hydro formed tubes joined by precision robot welding to ensure the highest level of consistent quality. The frame sees a weight saving of 0.7kg and features a new geometry aimed at tailoring flex characteristics for improved handling and comfort. As a result, and in conjunction with new laterally mounted cylinder head mountings, the torsional rigidity is increased by 7% while longitudinal stiffness is reduced by 25%. This allows the frame to move in harmony with the suspension effortlessly soaking up big hits while also delivering improved agility and high speed stability. Additionally, the frame is fitted with new ´No Dirt´ footpegs which prevent the build-up of dirt collected through deep ruts and muddy terrain. The simple but effective self-cleaning system ensures the footpeg returns to its original position providing complete control in all conditions. The frame is finished off in a highly durable powder coating with standard frame protectors.

Subframe
Made from lightweight aluminum, the new subframe features a shorter and more compact profile. It is now 75mm shorter and 0.2kg lighter, which not only contributes to the overall weight reduction but also improves mass centralization.

Front suspension
Up front, the WP AER 43 consists of a split fork design using a capsuled air spring in the left leg and the trusted oil damping system in the right leg. The new components offer a significant improvement in suspension performance with a reduction in weight of 1.0kg and an increase in wheel travel to 280mm total (+10mm). Additionally, adjustment is made simpler thanks to the single air pressure valve and supplied fork air pump for preload and easy access clickers for compression and rebound.

Rear suspension
On the rear, a specific version of the new WP Xplor PDS shock absorber is fitted to the KTM 85 SX. PDS stands for the unique progressive damping system developed by WP together with KTM which provides excellent sensitivity and at the same time outstanding bottoming resistance. Full adjustability of compression and rebound damping and preload are KTM standard.

Grown-up looks

Bodywork
When scaled down to the proportions of an 85cc rider, the contact points and feeling remain the same allowing the younger riders to feel the same control and comfort found on the larger models. The improved ergonomics instill confidence while also leaving room for free and unrestricted movement thanks to the broader and flatter seat and one piece air filter box cover.

Graphics
The cool graphic design provides a striking look based on the big bikes. Don’t be surprised when someone mistakes you for a grown-up.

2018 KTM 85 SX 17/14 – Totalmotorcycle.com North American (USA, Canada) Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in  CDN

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine

Displacement

84.9 cm³

Bore

84.9 mm

Stroke

48.95 mm

Starter

Kickstarter

Transmission

6-speed

Primary drive

20:64

Secondary gear ratio

13:46

Clutch

Wet, multi-disc clutch, Formula hydraulics

EMS

Kokusan

2018 KTM 85 SX 17/14 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £4799 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine

Displacement

84.9 cm³

Bore

84.9 mm

Stroke

48.95 mm

Starter

Kickstarter

Transmission

6-speed

Primary drive

20:64

Secondary gear ratio

13:46

Clutch

Wet, multi-disc clutch, Formula hydraulics

EMS

Kokusan

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).