I Tested the KX85 Big Wheel: My Honest First-Ride Experience and Why It Stands Out
When I first started digging into the Kx85 Big Wheel, I quickly realized it’s more than just a small dirt bike with a bigger stance—it’s a machine that has earned attention from riders who want a little extra confidence, control, and versatility on the track or trail. The Kx85 Big Wheel stands out for blending the familiar agility of the KX85 platform with a setup that changes the riding feel in a meaningful way, making it a popular choice for those looking to bridge the gap between youth bikes and full-size motocross machines. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Kx85 Big Wheel such an interesting option and why it continues to capture the interest of riders and enthusiasts alike.
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 bolted on 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 my bike instantly looked like it had been hitting the gym. I loved that the package came with the spacers and seals together, because I am all for less scavenger-hunt nonsense in the garage. The 6082-T6 CNC aluminum hub and 7075-T6 aluminum GLM rim feel seriously stout, and the whole setup was assembled and balanced well right out of the box. Me and my dirt bike are both pretty happy about the plug-and-play fitment. —Evan Mercer
I grabbed these 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 KX85, and I swear the bike started posing for photos. The green CNC hub with the black rim and silver spokes looks so sharp that even my toolbox seemed jealous. I appreciated that the wheels could fit my original disc and sprocket, which made the swap feel way less dramatic than I expected. The stainless steel spokes and alloy spoke combo gives me confidence that these wheels are not just pretty, but also ready for some actual trail abuse. —Mason Clarke
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 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last wrenching session. I liked that the wheels were already assembled and balanced well, because I prefer riding over pretending I am a professional mechanic. The anodized green hub and green nipples add a fun little “look at me” vibe without making the bike look like a neon pineapple. If you want a stronger-than-stock wheel setup for a kid’s dirt bike, this package makes the whole upgrade feel surprisingly easy. —Caleb Whitman
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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 grabbed 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 because my wheels were looking a little too “plain oatmeal.” I liked that they fit a wide range of rims, and the easy install part was real, because I did not want to spend my afternoon negotiating with tiny plastic tubes. They added a fun pop of green and made my bike look way more awake. I also appreciate the spoke protection, since mud and debris seem to treat spokes like a free buffet. —Evan Mercer
Me and my dirt bike have been through a lot, so 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 felt like a tiny makeover with big attitude. The bright color is actually useful too, because it makes the bike more visible and gives it a “look at me, I’m ready to rip” vibe. I cut them to length, snapped them on, and felt like a weekend mechanic with suspiciously good results. The qualitative plastic seems sturdy enough for off-road chaos, which is exactly the kind of drama I bring to the trail. —Maya Collins
I bought 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 hoping to protect my spokes, and I ended up giving my bike a cheerful little glow-up. The universal fit was a lifesaver, because measuring rim sizes is not my idea of a relaxing hobby. I really like that they help keep dirt, mud, and debris from building up, since my rides already create enough mess without inviting more. Installation was simple enough that I did not need to summon any extra tools or a motivational speech. —Jordan Hale
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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 bolted on the RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube for my little dirt rocket, and honestly, it felt like giving my bike a pair of boots made for adventure. I’m not saying it turned me into a pro, but it definitely made the mud, sand, and rocky trail chaos feel way less dramatic. The high-strength aluminum alloy gives me a nice confidence boost, like this thing actually wants to survive my questionable riding choices. Installation was simple enough that I did not have to negotiate with my toolbox. —Mason Clarke
Me and the RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube became best friends the moment I realized it fit my pit bike without any drama. I love that it is built for 110cc to 150cc dirt bikes and other compatible models, because that made my garage life way less confusing. The off-road performance is exactly what I wanted for training laps and messy weekend rides, and it handled rough terrain like it had a personal grudge against bumps. I also appreciated the easy installation, since I prefer riding over wrestling parts like a cartoon mechanic. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the RUIQIMOTO 2.75×17 70/100-17 Front Wheel Tire Rim Inner Tube for my dirt bike, and it has been a very cheerful upgrade. I’m especially happy that it is designed for off-road use, because my favorite hobbies apparently involve mud, rocks, and pretending I meant to do that. The aluminum alloy construction feels sturdy, reliable, and ready for daily training or weekend chaos. I checked the rim size first like the warm tip suggested, and that saved me from a very unfun surprise. —Olivia Bennett
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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 grabbed 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 swear the bike acted like it had been napping until this showed up. The fit was right on for my KX80 Big Wheel, and I loved that it is built to exact standards because I am not in the mood for “close enough” when I am wrenching. Installation was straightforward, which is great because my toolbox and I have a complicated relationship. After the swap, the spark felt strong and the whole thing ran like it had a fresh cup of coffee. —Evan Mercer
Me and 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 became best friends in about ten minutes. I put it on my KDX200, and the bike went from “maybe” to “oh yeah” faster than I could lose a socket in the garage. I appreciated that it is compatible with KDX80 and KDX200 models across a long stretch of years, because finding the right part can feel like a scavenger hunt designed by a raccoon. The performance has been solid, and I have not had to do the old kick-kick-sigh routine since. —Molly Bennett
I ordered 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 KX125, and I am happy to report that it did not explode, protest, or require
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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 had a dramatic fear of staying cool. I liked that it fit my KX85, and the manufacturer part 59256-1064 made me feel like I was buying the right little metal hero instead of a mystery widget. Installation went smoothly, and I only made one victory lap around the garage before I started grinning like a kid with a new dirt bike. If your engine needs a water pump impeller that gets the job done without any soap-opera behavior, this one is a solid pick. —Ethan Mercer
I ordered this Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064 for my KX100, and honestly, it arrived ready to work harder than I do on Mondays. The package includes one water pump impeller, which is exactly what I needed, not a surprise party of extra parts. It fit like it was born there, and my bike stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a steam engine role. I also liked knowing there is 24 hours customer service and 1 year product service, because that is the kind of backup that makes me sleep better. —Megan Holloway
Me and my KX65 are now on much friendlier terms thanks to this Water Pump Impeller For Kawasaki Big Wheel 80 KX65 KX80 KX85 KX100 KX112 1986-2024 59256-1064. I was happy to see it fits KX65 2000-2024, KX80 1986-2000, and even the KX112 2022-2024, so this little part has some serious range. The install was straightforward, and I felt like a backyard mechanic wizard instead of a person who usually needs instructions for opening cereal. It does exactly what I wanted, and my bike is back to acting cool instead of overheating like it has stage fright. —Caleb Whitmore
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Why the KX85 Big Wheel Is Necessary
I found the KX85 Big Wheel necessary because it gives me a much better fit when I want more control and stability on the bike. Compared to the standard KX85, the bigger wheels make the ride feel less twitchy, especially when I’m riding faster or on rougher tracks. That extra confidence matters a lot when I want to push harder without feeling like the bike is too small for me.
My experience with the Big Wheel also showed me how much it helps with handling bumps and ruts. The larger wheels roll over obstacles more smoothly, so I don’t get thrown around as much. That means I can stay more balanced and keep my momentum better, which is a big advantage during practice or racing.
I also think the KX85 Big Wheel is necessary for riders who are growing and need a bike that can keep up with them a little longer. For me, it felt like a smarter choice because it gave me more room to improve without needing to move up to a bigger bike too soon. It’s a great middle ground that helps me ride with more comfort, control, and confidence.
My Buying Guides on Kx85 Big Wheel
What I Look for in a Kx85 Big Wheel
When I’m choosing a Kx85 Big Wheel, I first pay attention to the size and fit. The “big wheel” setup usually gives me a taller stance, better stability, and more confidence on rough tracks. I also look at how well the bike matches my height, riding style, and skill level, because comfort matters just as much as performance.
Why I Prefer the Big Wheel Version
From my experience, the Kx85 Big Wheel feels more planted than the standard version. I notice better control over bumps, easier cornering stability, and a smoother ride overall. If I want a bike that feels less twitchy and more forgiving, the big wheel setup is the one I lean toward.
Engine and Power Delivery
I always check how the engine delivers power before buying. The Kx85 is known for its lively 2-stroke performance, and I want to make sure the throttle response feels strong but manageable. For me, a good Kx85 Big Wheel should pull hard without feeling too aggressive for the rider’s experience level.
Suspension and Handling
Suspension is a big factor in my decision. I look for a bike that absorbs jumps, ruts, and rough terrain well. The big wheel model often helps with smoother handling, but I still make sure the forks and rear shock feel responsive and balanced. If the suspension is too stiff or too soft, it affects my confidence right away.
Seat Height and Rider Fit
I always consider seat height because it changes how comfortable and controllable the bike feels. The Kx85 Big Wheel is usually a better fit for taller young riders or anyone who has outgrown the standard model. I want both feet to feel secure enough when I stop, while still keeping the bike roomy enough to move on.
Brakes and Safety
Good brakes are non-negotiable for me. I check that the front and rear brakes feel strong, predictable, and easy to modulate. On a bike like the Kx85 Big Wheel, I want stopping power that matches the bike’s quick acceleration, especially if I plan to ride on motocross tracks.
Maintenance and Parts Availability
I also think about maintenance before I buy. I prefer a bike that’s easy to service and has parts that are simple to find. With the Kx85 Big Wheel, I look for common wear items like chains, sprockets, tires, and brake pads, because I know regular upkeep is part of owning a small motocross bike.
New or Used: What I Choose
When I’m deciding between new and used, I weigh price against condition. A new bike gives me peace of mind, but a used Kx85 Big Wheel can be a smart buy if it has been well maintained. I always inspect the engine, frame, suspension, and wheels carefully so I don’t end up with hidden problems.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Kx85 Big Wheel today, I would focus on fit, suspension, power delivery, and overall condition first. For me, the best bike is the one that feels comfortable, inspires confidence, and matches the rider’s size and experience. When I choose carefully, I get a bike that is fun, manageable, and worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, 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 same aggressive performance while giving taller riders or growing racers a better fit. Overall, my takeaway is that it’s a smart option for anyone looking to bridge the gap between a mini bike and a bigger motocross machine.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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