As always, the KTM 85 SX is available for order with two rims sizes -19/16 and 17/14.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 KTM 85 SX 17/14: SMALLER TIRES BUT NOT SMALLER DREAMS!
Introducing the 2025 KTM 85 SX 17/14…
Ready to step up into the big leagues? The 2025 KTM 85 SX is ready to take you there. Developed on track and at an international level, the KTM 85 SX boasts significantly enhanced handling, improved power delivery, and notable enhancements in race pace over longer distances. All said – the KTM 85 SX is 100% READY TO RACE.
2025 KTM 85 SX 17/14 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
2025 KTM 85 SX – STEP UP INTO THE BIG LEAGUES
Filling the gap between the KTM 65 SX and the KTM 125 SX, the 2025 KTM 85 SX provides young racers the ideal platform to launch into full-size motocross competition, ready to pick up the baton and continue its domination in the 85 cc class.
The 2025 KTM 85 SX is developed to be as close to a scaled-down version of a full-size KTM Motocross machine as possible, with international testing in Europe, North America, and Australia. This has resulted in an 85 cc screamer that not only looks like it’s bigger brothers but behaves like them, sharing the same high levels of quality and attention to detail.
For 2025, the KTM 85 SX has been updated significantly to enhance handling characteristics, boost rider confidence, and improve engine performance in the low to mid-rpm range.
A completely new frame, subframe, and swingarm provide the basis for the update over the previous generation. Based on the full-sized KTM SX frame concept, the high-strength chromium molybdenum steel frame integrates carefully calculated longitudinal flex and torsional rigidity parameters for unmatched rider feedback, energy absorption, and straight-line stability. This is mated to a 1-piece polyamide glass fiber reinforced aluminum subframe, reducing overall weight and providing a platform to integrate the electronics. Manufactured using a gravity die-cast process, the one-piece aluminum swingarm offers exceptional strength with minimal weight. The topology has been optimized for maximum rigidity, and an improved casting process reduces the weight by 300 grams. Additionally, a 20 mm rear axle has been fitted to optimize and match the chassis flex characteristics.
The new frame also allowed for a new riding experience with a steering head at 63.5° —half a degree flatter than the previous generation—and moved rearwards by 6 mm. This has aided in cornering stability and a more planted feel in high-speed acceleration, further supported by a wider steering angle of 35°, which has improved the steering angle by 2° over its predecessor.
The engine position has also been tweaked, with a 3° rotation upwards to maintain a more direct connection point with the swingarm. This has allowed for the most effective weight distribution when hitting jumps.
Regarding suspension updates, the 2025 KTM 85 SX benefits from an all-new, fully-adjustable WP XACT monoshock mirroring the latest technology found in the full-size motocross range. Linked directly to the swingarm in a PDS format, the WP XACT monoshock has a different mounting point to the previous generation, allowing for a more compact rear shock design with a shorter stroke. This provides improved rider feedback and stability over larger jumps and rough tracks.
A notable update over the previous generation is a lower suspension travel of 289 mm compared to 305 mm on the previous model. This has aided dramatically in controlling rebound and compression in the rear shock, with a more planted feel, better traction, and overall handling.
Up front, the 2025 KTM 85 SX maintains the championship-proven and lightweight 43 mm WP XACT USD AER fork. Compared to the previous generation, the air pressure is tuned to 4.8 bar from the previous 5.0 bar for a smoother ride and suspension compliance.
An updated engine has improved power in the low and mid-rpm range and increased torque for performance. This is made possible by a new cylinder head and spark plug, ignition, exhaust, shift drum, and updated carburetor settings.
Changes on the new generation KTM 85 SX have also extended to the overall looks, with all-new slimmer bodywork mimicking that of the full-sized KTM SX range. This new look is also functional, allowing for better contact with young riders’ boots when standing up. New footpegs, a larger radiator, and improved triple clamps round out the changes.
The 2025 KTM 85 SX is another example of KTM’s dedication to mini-cross, with the same amount of energy and attention going to the development of grassroots racing as it imparts at a Supercross level.
The new 2025 KTM 85 SX will be rolling off the Austria production line in July and will be available at authorized KTM dealers from August.
2025 KTM 85 SX 17/14 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
PUMPED UP!
Adjustable Suspension
Either end of the 2025 KTM 85 SX’s WP XACT suspension is adjustable. Upfront, the WP XACT AER fork can be easily adjusted with the use of an air pump. This allows riders to tailor the KTM 85 SX to their specifications, weight, or track conditions. At the rear, the new WP XACT monoshock is fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound.
RACER, START YOUR ENGINE!
Ignition
Picture this; You’re 7 laps into an absolute ripper of a race. You miss your line and end up stalling in a deep rut. But you don’t sweat it. All you do is press the starter button and you blast off again to take the final flag. This is the reality on the 2025 KTM 125 SX. Thanks to a 12.8V 2 Ah lithium ion battery is placed under the rider’s seat, a high-quality stator & pickup and super robust design, the only thing you’ll be kicking – is ass.
LIGHT IT UP!
Combustion Chamber
The 2025 KTM 85 SX boasts a redesigned combustion chamber with a new, smaller spark plug. This makes for more effective and efficient combustion, reducing the compression ratio generating more power and torque.
POWERED ON
Engine
Give your KTM 125 SX more bite with a 125 Factory Performance Kit. Comprising of upgraded engine parts, FMF exhaust, and special engine mapping, it provides a strong power increase across the rpm range.
MORE POWER
Factory Performance Kit
With EFI comes great rideability. Along with the electronic fuel injection is an electronic power valve on the KTM 125 SX, allowing for more usable power throughout the rev range. Smoother power means better traction. Better traction means holeshot heaven!
MORE BRAAAAP!
Exhaust
Designed to churn out torque the 2025 KTM 125 SX is set to continue its dominance in its class with unrelenting forward momentum. With an overal engine weight of just 39.3 lb (17.86 kg) and impressive horsepower figures, this lightweight powerplant retains its typical high-revving character, while laying down the grunt where it matters most.
SHIFTIN’ GEARS
Shifting Mechanism
Clicking into gear is made even smoother for 2025, with an update to the shift drum. Thanks to the new coating finish, shifting up and down the ‘box is smoother, more reliable, and rock-solid even after many hours of use.
FLUID RIDER MOTION
Ergonomics
Meet the 2025 KTM 85 SX in a dark alley, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was one of its bigger siblings. With a carefully scaled-down design that mimics that of the full-sized KTM SX range, this little weapon has unparalleled aesthetic appeal. What’s more, it also provides young riders with an exceptional riding experience and sensation, getting them ready to step up to the big leagues.
FULLY FUELED
Tank
A new tank design works together with the new frame concept and bodywork, providing the ideal support for young knees to grip, and 1.42 gallons (5.4 liters) of screaming fury to rip.
IN TOUCH WITH THE RIDER
Pegs and Bars
Grab a hold and step on up! Tapered black Neken-branded handlebars are made of high-quality aluminum alloy ensuring top stability, vibration damping, and safety, while all-new, “no-dirt” designed footrests offer a bigger surface area to step on while being less susceptible to hooking on deep ruts, and take-offs when scrubbing. The result? Better control, more leverage and more to hold onto when charging down the holeshot.
BRINGING THE BACKBONE
Frame
For 2025, the KTM SX and SX-F range has given the WP XACT AER fork and WP XACT rear shock an update. This means you’ll be lining up at the starting gate with re-tuned settings, reduced weight, improved weight distribution, and an increase in overall response.
RIGID REINFORCEMENT
Subframe
Now pay attention; this is a mouthful – 1-piece polyamide glass-fiber-reinforced aluminum. That’s what the subframe is constructed from, for good reason. Not only does this reduce the weight of the whole construction, but it also features specifically engineered rigidity, delivering outstanding handling and rider feedback. It also makes for the perfect spot for integrated electronics, seat support, and hour meter mounting position.
UNFLAPPABLE FRONT END
WP XACT Fork
Featuring the latest in suspension technology, the 2025 KTM 85 SX is fitted with a state-of-the-art WP XACT AER fork. These ultra-lightweight, 43 mm USD forks feature exceptional damping and comfort, allowing the rider to push the limit confidently.
TRACK SMOOTHER
WP XACT SHOCK
Mirroring the latest technology found in the full-size motocross range, the 2025 KTM 85 SX features an all-new fully adjustable WP XACT monoshock. This is perfectly matched to the front forks, bringing ideal balance and damping characteristics, along with improved traction, a more planted feel, and control at speed.
RACING ON RAILS
Wheels and Tires
Keeping the 2025 KTM 85 SX tracking is a set of Black Excel-branded rims and CNC machined hubs fitted with MAXXIS MAXXCROSS MX-ST tires. Not only does this combination deliver outstanding performance on a variety of terrain, but the pattern design and rubber compound deliver exceptional straight-line stability and excellent traction. As always, the KTM 85 SX is available for order with two rims sizes -19/16 and 17/14.
PRECISE, LAP AFTER LAP
Radiators
The 2025 KTM 85 SX features new state-of-the-art radiators produced by Pankl, inspired by the full-size SX concept. These feature the same design, albeit shortened to fit the 85cc needs and size, and work to ensure the engine is running at optimal temperatures when being ripped around the track, lap after lap.
BREATH IN DEEP
Airbox and Filter
A new airbox concept has been designed with precisely positioned inlet ducts to prevent air deformation, ensuring maximum airflow and filter protection. The Twin Air filter can be easily accessed without tools by removing the left side panel.
2025 KTM 85 SX 17/14 – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See dealer for pricing in USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for pricing in CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £6399 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Primary drive 20:64
Transmission 6-speed
Secondary gear ratio 13:46
Starter Kickstarter
Stroke 48.95mm
Bore 47mm
Clutch Wet, multi-disc clutch, Formula hydraulics
Displacement 84.9cm³
Design 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine
Fuel-mixture generation Keihin PWK 28
Chassis
Weight (without fuel) 68kg
Tank capacity (approx.) 5.4l
Wheelbase 1.282mm
Front brake disc diameter 240mm
Rear brake disc diameter 220mm
Front brake Disc brake
Rear brake Disc brake
Chain 428, Non-sealed
Frame design Central-tube frame with double-cradle
Front suspension XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm
Ground clearance 308mm
Handlebar Tapered aluminum Ø 28/22 mm
Rear suspension XACT WP PDS mono shock
Seat height 845 mm
Silencer Aluminium
Steering head angle 63.5°
Rear subframe design Aluminum-reinforced polyamide
Suspension travel (front) 278mm
Suspension travel (rear) 289mm
Tyre dimensions (front/rear) 70/100; 90/100
Wheels 1.40 x 17″; 1.60 x 14″
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
