What happens when Kawasaki completely redesigns its mini bike platform? Can a new chassis, updated suspension, bigger ergonomics, and stronger brakes transform the feel of the KX85 and KX112 on the track? And most importantly, do the 2026 models finally deliver the stability and rider comfort younger racers have been asking for? Now, I know I’m not the ideal rider or weight for these bikes, but I do have some 85 testing experience, so I felt right at home...sadly. We also brought out ten-year-old ripper Dillon Chipman to get a kid’s perspective as well.

What's New

New larger 43mm KYB inverted front forks:

• Kashima coating
• Increased rigidity
• New rebound damping adjustability

Rear shock updates include:

• Larger 14mm shock rod (previously 12.5mm)
• Longer shock body (390mm vs 380mm)

KX112 and KX85 Large Wheel models now get:

• Revised rear linkage
• 305mm rear wheel travel

Larger front brake rotor:

• Increased to 240mm
• Uses KX250-style caliper and master cylinder

Larger rear brake rotor:

• Increased to 220mm

New upper triple clamp with:

• Two handlebar mounting positions
• Reversible mounts

Riders now get 4 handlebar positions:

• 10mm forward
• Standard
• 10mm rearward
• 20mm rearward

Two handlebar height settings:

• Standard
• +5mm

Other changes:

• New Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires
• Steering head pipe extended by 25mm
• New lighter aluminum components:
• Handlebars
• Steering stem
• Rear sprocket
• New Renthal Fatbars
• New ODI Lock-On grips
• Wider footpegs:
• Increased from 40mm to 48mm
• Updated bodywork and styling:
• New front fender
• New front number plate
• New fork guards/shrouds
• Black rims 
• Green alumite suspension adjusters
• More spacious rider triangle and riding position

First Impressions

The very first thing you notice about the new KX85 and KX112 is how much bigger they feel between your knees (not wider, but just overall taller in the rider triangle). The old bikes always felt compact, especially for taller riders, but these new models instantly feel roomier and more balanced. Standing on the pegs now feels natural instead of cramped. The taller bar position and wider footpegs create a much more comfortable attack position, especially when standing through rough sections or entering corners aggressively.

The bikes also feel noticeably slimmer despite the larger rider compartment. The second thing that stands out immediately is the stability. Even just rolling around slowly, the front end feels calmer and more predictable. There’s less headshake and a slower-moving chassis feel compared to the previous generation.

Engine character remains familiar between both models. The KX85 still rewards aggressive riding and high-RPM corner speed, while the KX112 delivers smoother low-end torque that makes it easier to ride and provides better RPM recovery. The difference now is that the chassis feels capable of fully handling the power instead of feeling overwhelmed by it. The updated brakes also stand out right away. There’s more initial bite at the lever, but the bigger improvement is modulation. Riders can control braking force more precisely without upsetting the chassis entering corners.

On The Track

The improvements became noticeable very quickly, especially since I’ve spent time riding the older version back during my Yamaha days. The first lap immediately shows how much calmer the front end is. Charging into braking bumps, the fork stays planted and has a calmer, slower-moving character. The old bikes could feel nervous entering rough corners, especially once the track developed more bumps, but the new KYB fork offers better bump absorption with much more control. There’s also noticeably better hold-up from the front suspension. Under hard braking, the fork rides higher in the stroke instead of diving excessively, which keeps the chassis more balanced entering corners. That added balance allows riders to stay aggressive without feeling like the bike wants to knife underneath them.

The biggest improvement overall might actually be the rear suspension. Through acceleration chop and rough jump faces, the rear wheel tracks the ground much better than before. Instead of kicking sideways or swapping unpredictably, the rear end stays connected and drives forward with a much more controlled feel. On jump landings, both bikes feel significantly improved. Even coming up short or landing flat, the suspension absorbs impacts with less harshness while resisting bottoming much better. Kawasaki clearly focused on creating a more forgiving setup for younger riders pushing their limits. The KX112 especially shines in this area. The added torque combined with the improved chassis creates a very planted and confidence-inspiring feel exiting corners. Riders can leave the bike in a taller gear and let the engine pull smoothly without constantly abusing the clutch.

The KX85 still feels more active and aggressive overall, but now it’s easier to ride fast because the chassis remains stable underneath the rider. It carries momentum extremely well through ruts and rewards riders willing to keep the throttle open. Cornering performance on both bikes improved dramatically. The slimmer bodywork and flatter seat profile make it easier to move forward entering turns, helping improve cornering performance even more. One of the biggest surprises was high-speed stability. Through straights and fast rollers, the bikes maintain a planted feeling that simply didn’t exist on the previous generation. The revised steering geometry gives riders more confidence to stay on the gas longer without worrying about the bike dancing underneath them.

The brakes deserve another mention, too. The stronger front brake allows much later braking into corners, while the improved rear brake modulation helps settle the chassis without unexpectedly locking the rear wheel. Together, the updated braking package makes these bikes feel much more premium overall. While these bikes are much improved, they still could use a little engine work to better compete with the KTM 85. Our ten-year-old test rider mentioned the KTM still felt slightly faster and lighter at lean compared to the KX. Even so, he was extremely impressed with how good the KX felt overall.

I love seeing Kawasaki continue investing in two-strokes and youth racing.

Final Word

Kawasaki addressed nearly every complaint riders had about the previous generation. The bikes are now more stable, more comfortable, and significantly more capable in rough conditions. The updated suspension package alone transforms the riding experience, while the larger rider triangle allows these bikes to fit growing racers much better.

The biggest difference now is that both bikes finally have the chassis balance and suspension performance needed to fully support aggressive race-pace riding. The KX112 is the perfect stepping-stone bike for a kid who isn’t quite ready for a full-size machine but is getting too big for a small-wheel 85. A huge shoutout to Kawasaki for finally updating the mini-bike platform for the first time in 12 years. I’m a huge supporter of keeping kids on dirt bikes, and Kawasaki is helping make that happen with the highly improved KX85 and KX112.

I might even need to get a KX112 loaner and spend some more time riding this little ripping machine.