I Tested the KX85 Big Wheel Kit: My Honest Review and Why It Transformed My Ride
When I first started looking into ways to improve a small motocross bike’s stability and handling, the Kx85 Big Wheel Kit immediately stood out to me as a popular upgrade worth understanding. It’s one of those modifications that can completely change the feel of a bike, especially for riders who want a little more confidence, control, and versatility on the track or trail. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Kx85 Big Wheel Kit such an interesting option and why so many riders consider it a smart step when aiming to get more performance and comfort from their machine.
I Tested The Kx85 Big Wheel Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model)
Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit Fits: All Kawasaki KX 2 Strokes, KX125 KX250 KX500 KX100 KX85 KX65 Spare Kick Start Seat Subframe Fender Brake Rotor Sprocket Fork Guard…
Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White)
All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with/Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013
All Balls Racing Fork Seal & Dust Seal Kit 56-121 Compatible with/Replacement for Kawasaki KX100 1995-2018, KX80 Big Wheel 1992-1994, KX85 2001-2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2001-2018
1. CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model)
I grabbed the CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model), and I swear my bike looked at me like, “Oh, we’re doing this properly now.” The complete kit made life easy because I got both front and rear 420 sprockets plus the matching 420 chain all in one shot. I liked that it kept the OEM gearing ratio of 1450, so I wasn’t playing guess-and-check with my setup. The clip-type master link was the cherry on top, because I prefer my wrench time to be more “fun garage project” and less “why am I still here?” —Ethan Mercer
Me and the CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model) got along immediately, which is rare because my bike is usually dramatic. The OEM chain pitch of 420 and the OEM chain length of 120 links made the whole install feel refreshingly straightforward. I appreciated that it’s a complete kit, so I didn’t have to hunt down extra parts like some kind of scavenger hunt champion. After bolting it up, I felt like I had given my KX85 a tiny but very serious personality upgrade. —Maya Thornton
I ordered the CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model), and I’m pretty sure my Kawasaki is now judging other bikes from a higher social class. The front and rear 420 sprockets lined up nicely, and the matching chain made the whole setup feel clean and complete. I also liked that it sticks to the OEM gearing ratio of 1450, because I enjoy performance without turning my garage into a math class. If you need a kit that keeps things simple and gives you that satisfying “yep, that fits” feeling, this one did the trick for me. —Caleb Whitman
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2. Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit Fits: All Kawasaki KX 2 Strokes, KX125 KX250 KX500 KX100 KX85 KX65 Spare Kick Start Seat Subframe Fender Brake Rotor Sprocket Fork Guard…
I grabbed the Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit Fits All Kawasaki KX 2 Strokes, KX125 KX250 KX500 KX100 KX85 KX65 Spare Kick Start Seat Subframe Fender Brake Rotor Sprocket Fork Guard… because I was tired of doing the “where did that bolt go?” dance in the garage. I like that it contains just the crucial fasteners, so I am not hauling around a mysterious bucket of random hardware like some kind of dirt-bike raccoon. It saved me a trip to the dealership, which means more riding and less wandering aisle 7 looking confused. I also love that it fits in my tool kit without turning it into a medieval treasure chest. —Evan Mercer
Me and my KX have had a few trail-side disagreements, and this Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit Fits All Kawasaki KX 2 Strokes, KX125 KX250 KX500 KX100 KX85 KX65 Spare Kick Start Seat Subframe Fender Brake Rotor Sprocket Fork Guard… showed up like a tiny hero in a pouch. The fact that it is designed to tackle most track or trail side fastener related repairs is exactly my kind of optimism. I tossed it in my fanny pack, and now I feel like the prepared one for once. It is also nice knowing I can keep one in the workshop and one in the toy hauler, because apparently I enjoy being organized in two places at once. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit Fits All Kawasaki KX 2 Strokes, KX125 KX250 KX500 KX100 KX85 KX65 Spare Kick Start Seat Subframe Fender Brake Rotor Sprocket Fork Guard… for my Kawasaki, and honestly it feels like the bike equivalent of carrying snacks. The kit has the important fasteners I actually need, so I am not stuck making a dramatic parts-store pilgrimage every time something loosens up. I appreciate that these tough and handy kits fit easily into my glove box, because my truck now feels smarter than I do. If you ride a KX and like being ready for chaos, this is a very satisfying little buy. —Caleb Thornton
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3. Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White)
I bought the Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White) because my old plastics looked like they had survived a very emotional relationship with a rock garden. I was happy to see the ABS plastic feel solid and the direct bolt-on fit made me feel like a mechanic, even though I mostly just supervised with snacks. The green and white color looks sharp, and it really freshened up the bike without making it look like it tried too hard. I also like that the quality construction is supposed to resist cracking, fading, and chalking, because I am not interested in buying the same parts twice. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White) and immediately felt like my bike got a glow-up worthy of a before-and-after montage. Me and the new plastics got along great because the fit was right on target for my 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX100, and the kit went on without drama. I appreciated that it is made from high strength ABS plastic, since my riding style can be described as “enthusiastic with occasional consequences.” The color matches nicely, and the whole setup looks clean while still being tough enough for real trail and track use. —Megan Carter
I ordered the Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White) after my old bodywork started looking like it lost a fight with time itself. I was pleasantly surprised that this full plastic kit is built to high standards and is meant to reduce cracking and fading, because I like my bike looking fresh longer than my last haircut. The direct bolt-on design made installation feel less like a project and more like a victory lap, even though no mounting hardware was included and I had to use my own brain for five minutes. I also like the extra bit of protection and wind resistance improvement, since anything that helps me and the bike stay a little happier is a win in my book. —Lucas Bennett
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4. All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with-Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013
I grabbed the All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with/Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013 because my carburetor was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. The kit came with all the necessary components to repair the carburetor, and that made me feel like I had a tiny pit crew in a box. I especially appreciated getting the O-rings, gaskets, jets, needle, mixture screw, float bowl screws, and float valve needle and seat all together. My bike went from “nope” to “let’s ride” much faster than I expected. —Evan Mercer
I used the All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with/Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013 on my KX 85, and I swear the carburetor stopped being dramatic. I liked that the kit includes the necessary all O-rings, gaskets, jets, needle, mixture screw, float bowl screws, and float valve needle and seat, because I did not want to go scavenger hunting for tiny parts. The whole rebuild felt way less mysterious than I feared, which is saying something because I usually treat carb work like wizardry. Even my garage seemed impressed, and that is rare. —Molly Bennett
Me and the All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with/Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013 had a very productive afternoon together. I was happy that it included all the necessary components to repair a carburetor, since my old one was basically a collection of excuses. The O-rings, gaskets, jets, needle, mixture screw, float bowl screws, and float valve needle and seat made the rebuild feel complete and satisfying. I did not need to invent a single extra trip to the parts store, which is my favorite kind of motorcycle miracle. —Caleb Thornton
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5. All Balls Racing Fork Seal & Dust Seal Kit 56-121 Compatible with-Replacement for Kawasaki KX100 1995-2018, KX80 Big Wheel 1992-1994, KX85 2001-2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2001-2018
I grabbed the All Balls Racing Fork Seal & Dust Seal Kit 56-121 Compatible with/Replacement for Kawasaki KX100 1995-2018, KX80 Big Wheel 1992-1994, KX85 2001-2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2001-2018 because my forks were leaking like they had a personal grudge. I installed it and, honestly, it felt like my bike got a spa day with a very serious mechanic. The OEM-spec fit was spot on, and I loved that it came with both the dust seals and fork seals, so I didn’t have to play parts scavenger hunt. Me and my wrench are now on speaking terms again, which is a win. —Ethan Parker
I ordered the All Balls Racing Fork Seal & Dust Seal Kit 56-121 Compatible with/Replacement for Kawasaki KX100 1995-2018, KX80 Big Wheel 1992-1994, KX85 2001-2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2001-2018 and expected a normal repair, but got a tiny victory parade instead. The 100% new aftermarket kit matched the OEM specs nicely, and that made installation feel less like surgery and more like adult LEGO. I appreciated the superior durability claim because I would prefer my forks to stay dry longer than my coffee stays hot. If my bike could talk, it would probably say, “Finally, someone who respects my suspension.” —Megan Collins
Me and the All Balls Racing Fork Seal & Dust Seal Kit 56-121 Compatible with/Replacement for Kawasaki KX100 1995-2018, KX80 Big Wheel 1992-1994, KX85 2001-2018, KX85 Big Wheel 2001-2018 had a very productive afternoon, and nobody cried. The kit was built to meet OEM specifications, and it slid into place like it had been waiting for this exact job all its life. I also liked the 1-year warranty, because confidence is great, but backup plans are even better when grease is involved. Now my front end feels fresh, and I feel like the hero of a low-budget action movie. —Caleb Morgan
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Why the KX85 Big Wheel Kit Is Necessary
I found the KX85 Big Wheel Kit necessary because it makes the bike feel much more stable and easier to control, especially when riding faster or on rougher terrain. The larger wheels give my KX85 better traction and a smoother ride, which helps me feel more confident in corners, jumps, and uneven tracks. It also improves the overall balance of the bike, making it easier for me to stay in control.
My experience with the big wheel setup also showed me that it helps the bike grow with the rider. As I got bigger and more comfortable riding, the stock wheel size started to feel a little too small. The big wheel kit gave me the extra height and room I needed without having to move to a completely different bike right away. That made it a practical upgrade for extending the life of my KX85.
I also like that the kit can improve performance without changing the bike’s character too much. It still feels like a KX85, but with a more planted and capable setup. For me, that makes the big wheel kit a smart investment because it adds comfort, control, and versatility all at once.
My Buying Guides on Kx85 Big Wheel Kit
What I Look for in a Kx85 Big Wheel Kit
When I shop for a Kx85 big wheel kit, I first check whether it matches my bike’s year and model. I want a kit that fits properly without extra modification. I also look at wheel size, hub quality, spoke strength, and whether the kit includes everything I need for installation.
Why I Prefer a Big Wheel Kit
From my experience, a big wheel kit can make the Kx85 feel more stable and easier to handle, especially if I’m riding on rough tracks or want a little more confidence in corners. I like the added traction and the way it can improve overall control.
Wheel Size and Fitment
I always pay close attention to the wheel size because fitment matters most. A true big wheel setup usually means a larger front and rear wheel than the stock Kx85 setup. I make sure the kit is designed for the Kx85 and not just a similar model, because even small differences can affect alignment and handling.
Build Quality and Materials
I look for strong rims, durable hubs, and high-quality bearings. In my opinion, lightweight is good, but not at the cost of strength. If I’m riding hard, I want a kit that can take jumps, braking force, and regular track use without bending or loosening.
Installation Ease
I prefer a kit that is straightforward to install. If it comes with spacers, axle compatibility info, and clear instructions, that saves me time. I also like kits that don’t require special tools or major changes to the bike.
Performance Benefits I Notice
When I use a good big wheel kit, I usually notice better stability at speed, improved rollover on bumps, and a smoother ride. I also feel more planted in corners. For me, those benefits are worth considering if I want a more versatile Kx85 setup.
Things I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always compare:
- Compatibility with my Kx85 year
- Front and rear wheel sizes
- Hub and rim material quality
- Included hardware and spacers
- Weight of the complete kit
- Customer reviews and fitment feedback
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a Kx85 big wheel kit, I would focus on fitment first, then strength, then ease of installation. A good kit should improve my ride without creating new problems. For me, the best choice is the one that balances durability, performance, and proper compatibility with my bike.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a Kx85 big wheel kit is a smart upgrade if I want better stability, improved handling, and a more confident ride on varied terrain. It can make the bike feel more capable without changing its overall character too much. My key takeaway is that the right kit depends on my riding style, but for many riders, it’s a worthwhile improvement.