DoubleClick

DoubleClick

DoubleClick

DoubleClick

DoubleClick

DoubleClick

2010 85cc MX Comparison – Dirt Rider Magazine

By: Chris Denison

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

<strong>Robbie Wageman</strong><br/>nAbility: Expert<br/>nClaim to Fame: His dad, Russ, was a super fast Indian Dunes local pro back in the day./></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><strong>Robbie Wageman</strong><br/>nAbility: Expert<br/>nClaim to Fame: His dad, Russ, was a super fast Indian Dunes local pro back in the day.</p>
</div>
<p>Of all the things that one remembers from growing up, the list of favorite “firsts” seems to only get sweeter with age. Thinking back to your first race win will surely make the kid in you beam with pride. Recalling a first double jump can still summon an army of stomach butterflies that rivals those that come out on race day. And remembering that first time you laid eyes on your first 85cc MX bike is a memory that most riders would rank right up there with first girlfriend, first kiss and first time that your folks let you borrow the family station wagon to go to the drive-in movies (incidentally, this was also probably the last time they let you do this!). The point is, finally gaining possession of a two-stroke mini is a defining checkpoint in any young man or woman’s life, and the occasion should not be taken lightly.But which bike is right for Junior? As you know, the motorcycles available to kids are as varied as the rug rats that ride them, and you want to find something that is fast but also reliable, durable and cooler than anything else in the neighborhood (this is way important to the average preteen or teen). With this in mind, we conducted the following three-bike shootout to help you learn the ins and outs of each motorcycle. Whether you’re a supportive parent ready to take your little one to the next level or a hungry kid who’s ready for more speed and bigger trophies, the following shootout will provide all the insight you need into the gateway category for the rest of the sport.<strong>How We Tested</strong><br/><br />
Let’s just get this right out on the table: If you said that the only updates to these bikes since our last mini shootout were the graphics and the MSRPs, you wouldn’t be half wrong. The manufacturers that haven’t yet discontinued their 85cc machines don’t seem to pay much attention to the little bikes by way of revisions aside from bold, new graphics and bold, new prices. In truth, it would have been less work for us to simply reprint an old Mini Rider shootout and save ourselves the hassle of having to herd a pack of 10-year-olds as they splash through puddles and bump into each other. Ninety percent of readers wouldn’t have noticed a difference, but that’s just not the way Dirt Rider does things. So with several trucks packed with Lunchables, mixed gas and hyper test riders, we devoted an entire day to setup with each of the 85s and their respective manufacturer’s technicians, just like we do with our big bike tests. Then, we cut our test kiddos loose on Racetown 395′s stadium track to jump, scoot, blast and wobble as they saw fit, all the while compiling opinions, photos and notes on the three machines. To finish things off, we ran each of the small bikes through our gamut of radar tests to see how they looked on paper. While the end results of our 2010 shootout were right on par with the way these bikes stacked up in previous years-proof that the stock 85cc class hasn’t changed radically since our last shootout-this most recent comparison verified that our testing was current and, most importantly, consistent.<strong>Where’d The Orange And Red Bikes Go?</strong><br/><br />
If you find yourself wondering where the KTM and Honda are in this pack, don’t sweat it-both manufacturers are still pumping out minis, albeit in different capacities. KTM still makes an 85 SX (not included in this test for logistical reasons) as well as a 105 SX, which we’re currently testing for an upcoming big-wheel mini comparison with the Kawasaki KX100 and the Honda CRF150R. So if the smaller machines aren’t your cup of chocolate milk, simply stay tuned in the coming months for the big-wheel test.<strong>The Testers<br/>
<div><a href=

<strong>Robbie Wageman</strong><br/>nAbility: Expert<br/>nClaim to Fame: His dad, Russ, was a super fast Indian Dunes local pro back in the day./></a>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><strong>Robbie Wageman</strong><br/>nAbility: Expert<br/>nClaim to Fame: His dad, Russ, was a super fast Indian Dunes local pro back in the day.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Suzuki RM85</strong><br/><br />
From Travis Pastrana to Eli Tomac, Suzuki’s RM85 has been the bike of choice for a significant number of amateur racers. Though relatively unchanged for a number of years, the RM has always ranked high against its two-stroke peers as far as sheer potential and downright performance, and our mini testers were practically tripping over each other to ride this little machine. With a Keihin carburetor, high-capacity radiator and Showa suspension, the Suzuki means business.<strong>Engine</strong><br/><br />
Our test riders love this motor. With crisp, quick-revving delivery and great overall power, the RM is a favorite in the engine department.When rolling the throttle on, the Suzuki manages to produce torque where other machines just fall flat. Beginners like this because the bike resists stalling, while quicker racers can appreciate the usability of the power. That said, the down-low hit can come off as being too much if there is a lack of traction underneath the rear tire.From the mid to the top, the RM85 gradually accelerates through a long, responsive pull. We had a 10-year-old describe this as “smooth,” which is not a common label thrown at race-oriented two-strokes.Also equipped with a six-speed transmission, the Suzuki bangs through the gears with ease. About the only tranny-related complaint we received was that the clutch lever felt too far out from the bar for our smallest rider.<strong>Chassis</strong><br/><br />
All things considered, the RM85 is a very nimble bike. From the bar to the shroud the bike feels narrow, and this helps give the machine an easy-to-lean feel that works for a wide variety of rider heights.The seat on the RM85 is fairly flat, which makes the cockpit of the motorcycle seem roomier. Smaller riders dug this setup as much as the taller kids.As mentioned, the Suzuki has a semi-dated design, and its frame is the most outmoded in this class. Without the option of a removable subframe, one wrong crash can have disastrous effects on a supporting parent’s bank account.While we’re certainly confident in the Suzuki’s long-term capabilities, we know from experience that these bikes require more attention than the other brands.<strong>Suspension</strong><br/><br />
Both little and big testers alike praised the RM85′s suspension as “good” and “comfortable.” Simply put, it complements the rest of the bike well and provides a stable ride at a variety of speeds.The fork and shock are a tad stiff for lightweight riders, off-road applications and low-speed sections. The upside to this is good bottoming resistance.The RM85′s shock has good rebound control, so kid-sized riders need not be afraid of any unwanted kicking. Similarly, our riders stated that the bike tracks well, particularly in the rough stuff.<strong>Why The Suzuki RM85 Should Win</strong><br/><br />
In stock trim, this motor works exceptionally well.A lightweight character enhances the nimble feel.Solid suspension with good bottoming resistance is very “big bike-like.”<strong>Why It Shouldn’t Win</strong><br/><br />
The dated frame design really needs a removable subframe and larger tubing.Lighter riders may find the bike too stiff.Pure beginners could be scared off by the engine’s potential.<strong>Should I Take A Deal On A Used One?</strong><br/><br />
There are plenty of used RM85s out there. Look for one that hasn’t been cartwheeled too much.Beware of modified monsters that have departed from the stock bike’s all-around good power in search for more overall ponies.As a stock race bike, the RM85 is a strong choice.<TABLE cellpadding="2" cellspacing="3"></p>
<tr>
<td>Dry weight: </td>
<td>155 lb</td>
<td>Peg height:</td>
<td>14.3 in.</td>
<td>Wheelbase:</td>
<td>48.8 in.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seat height: </td>
<td>33.0 in.</td>
<td>Peg-to-seat distance:</td>
<td>18.7 in.</td>
<td>Fuel capacity:</td>
<td>1.3 gal.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="6">Price: $3699</td>
</tr>
<p></TABLE>
<div><a href=

< Prev | A View from Carson’s World: MiniMot …

A View from Carson’s World: Dino Da … | Next >

Follow Us:

DoubleClick

DoubleClick

mantle-WC-Holeshot-Device-014

Works Connection Pro Launch Start Device – A View from Carson’s World

The start is everything when you

mantle-dr-MMSX-2012-Abrigo-Browning-Valade-action-Drew-Ruiz-Photo

Abrigo the Big Winner at the 2012 GEICO MiniMotoSX

Two wins and a second earns him

Linville, Reynolds, Di Francesco & Brown lead Cobra racers @ 41st annual World Mini GPs – Dirt Rider Magazine

The most dominant performance by a motorcycle

Cylinder Works Big Bore Kit and Hot Cams – Dirt Rider Magazine | MiniRider.com

I’ve been living on the Honda 150R

DoubleClick

DoubleClick