First look: 2026 Kawasaki KX 85 & KX112 – Small Bikes Get Big Chassis Upgrades

Kawasaki upgrade suspension, brakes and rider adjustability on 2026 KX85 and KX112 Youth motocross/off-road range.

Kawasaki engineers say they have “adopted a clean sheet approach” to the ever-popular KX85 and KX112 two-stroke models.

The trusted two-stroke engines are unchanged for 2026 but Kawasaki are boasting new components and upgrades including larger diameter Kashima coated forks, new rear shock, new rider ergonomics with new handlebar and footpegs plus upgraded front brakes on the standard and big wheel Youth motocross/off-road model range.

Kashima coated forks

The big news at the front end is the new larger forks for 2026. The low friction, Kashima coated assembly with a larger diameter, 43mm stanchion tube bringing more stiffness. Previously fitted with a compression damping adjuster, the new forks have a rebound damping adjuster for more precise suspension set-up.

New, larger 240mm front brake disc/rotos is paired with the same caliper body and master cylinder used on the KX250 for stronger braking, better durability, and improved controllability, Kawasaki say.

The rear brake disc also grows to 220mm plus they say they’ve reduced pedal play for a more precise braking feel and control. New Dunlop Geomax MX34 tyres are also standard for improved traction, brake grip and cornering grip and better front-end feel.

Shock and linkage upgrades

At the rear, a new shock is fully adjustable and features a larger rod diameter, increased from 12.5mm to 14mm, plus the cylinder length has been extended from 380mm to 390mm resulting in “firmer damping and bottoming resistance”.

On the KX112 and KX85 L (big wheel), a new linkage delivers 305mm of wheel travel which puts it on par with that of Kawasaki’s full-size KX models.

The Kawasaki perimeter frame is also upgraded with a 25mm longer steering head tube which they explain increases front-end rigidity and “delivers greater overall composure”. Handlebars, steering stem and rear sprocket are now aluminium and lighter than previous models.

Adjustable triple clamps

For riders who vary so much in size, even in one year of racing, adjustable ergonomics is a plus. Kawasaki have added a new upper triple clamp with two sets of handlebar mount slots and reversible handlebar mounts on the ’26 KX 85 and 112 models to give riders a 30mm range of adjustment in four positions: 10mm forward, STD, 10mm back and 20mm back.

These are complemented by two height choices using collars (STD, +5 mm) offering riders a total of ERGO-FIT positions to choose from, enabling a more personalised riding set-up.

A new front fender and front number board plus fork shroud update the 2026 model design. ODI Lock-On Grips mounted on new Renthal fat bars upgrade the quality and feel as do new flatter footpegs which have been widened to 48mm from 40mm with more teeth for better grip.

Black wheel rims and green alumite finish suspension adjusters add to the overall “factory racer” look for the junior KXs next to their bigger capcity siblings.

The 2026 KX85 and KX112 are due in dealers soon, prices not known at time of writing.

More information: www.kawasaki.com