Quick Analysis
KTM 65 SX
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Suzuki GSX‑8R
33.5 pts
Unweighted: 28 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 64.9 cc | 776 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 4-stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 8-valve |
| Power | 11.2 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 82 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6,800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 L | 14 litres |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 23 km/l |
| Top Speed (km/h) | — | 230 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 62 kg | 205 kg |
| Seat Height | 730 mm | 810 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 198 mm | Dual 310 mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers |
| Front Suspension | XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm | Showa SFF-BP 43 mm upside-down fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc 180 mm | Single 240 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP mono shock | Showa link-type mono-shock, preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 60/100 - 14 | 120/70 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100 - 12 | 180/55 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Radial, Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Cast aluminium alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED (projector-style, vertically stacked) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12 V, 8 Ah (Maintenance-free) |
| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/241004_GSX_8R_WebsiteAdapts_colorSection_650x428px-09.jpg |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/All-New-Suzuki-GSX-8R-Revealed-To-Be-A-Brilliant-Badass-3.jpg |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/detail_ph04.jpg |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/suzuki-gsx-8r-rear-view5.avif |
| Cluster | — | 5-inch full-colour TFT display (Bluetooth-enabled, multiple ride modes, traction control, gear indicator) |
| Color Options | Orange | Metallic Triton Blue | #0052A5 Metallic Matt Sword Silver | #B0B5B9 Metallic Matt Black No 2 | #1E1E1E |
| Connectivity Features | — | Bluetooth, ride modes, traction control, TFT display |
| Cons | High maintenance: being a 2-stroke race bike, it needs frequent servicing and top-end rebuilds. Costly parts: replacement parts (especially race-specific ones) can be expensive. Kick-start only — no electric starter, which may be difficult for smaller/younger riders. Limited fuel capacity: small fuel tank means more frequent refuels. Size limitations: while great for its class, more advanced or heavier riders may outgrow it soon. Not road legal — strictly made for off-road/motocross use. | Lacks the high-rev punch of inline-4 sportbikes. Slightly heavy at around 205 kg. Brakes could offer sharper feedback. Seat comfort isn’t ideal for very long rides. Wind protection is limited for high-speed touring. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 65 SX is one of the most iconic and trusted youth motocross bikes in the world, built for young riders who are ready to step into competitive racing. Designed as a bridge between mini dirt bikes and full-size motocross machines, the 65 SX gives young racers the taste of real racing performance with features inspired directly from KTM’s bigger SX lineup. For many aspiring riders, this bike marks the beginning of a serious motocross journey. At the core of the KTM 65 SX is its 64.9 cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, designed to deliver smooth yet powerful performance. The engine is known for its sharp throttle response and punchy powerband, which helps riders tackle jumps, corners, and straights with ease. With its race-tuned powervalve system, the bike offers strong torque and acceleration across the rev range, making it highly competitive on the track. The 6-speed gearbox paired with a hydraulic clutch further enhances control, allowing young riders to shift smoothly and confidently during intense racing situations. One of the major highlights of the 65 SX is its lightweight chassis, which gives the bike excellent agility. Weighing just around 53 kg, it allows young riders to maneuver easily, even in technical sections. The frame is built using high-strength chromoly steel, offering a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility. This helps maintain stability during high-speed riding while still giving enough flex to absorb rough terrain. Suspension plays a huge role in motocross, and KTM has equipped the 65 SX with premium WP XACT suspension. At the front, it features a 35 mm AER air fork, which allows easy adjustment based on the rider’s weight and riding conditions. At the rear, a fully adjustable WP monoshock ensures consistent damping performance. This suspension setup works beautifully on jumps, whoops, and rutted tracks, making the bike feel planted and confidence-inspiring. Braking is equally impressive, with hydraulic disc brakes on both ends providing sharp stopping power. This is especially important for young racers learning advanced braking techniques such as trail braking and hard corner entries. The wave-style discs also help manage heat buildup during longer motos. The ergonomics of the KTM 65 SX are carefully designed to suit growing riders. The seat height, footpegs, and handlebar position give young riders a natural and balanced stance, allowing them to ride longer with less fatigue. The slim bodywork also makes it easier for riders to shift their weight when cornering or navigating obstacles. Another advantage is its “grow-with-the-rider” setup. Many components, including the handlebar and suspension, can be adjusted, making the bike suitable for a range of ages and sizes. This is one of the reasons why parents and young racers prefer the 65 SX — it adapts as the rider’s skills and physical size improve. Overall, the KTM 65 SX is a race-ready machine built to deliver high performance, reliability, and confidence to young riders entering the world of competitive motocross. With its strong engine, agile handling, premium suspension, and race-focused design, it remains one of the best choices for aspiring motocross champions. | The GSX-8R brings together Suzuki’s sportbike pedigree with practical everyday usability. At its heart lies a 776 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine featuring a 270° crank and Suzuki’s Cross Balancer shaft — helping deliver smooth, vibration-reduced power with strong mid-range punch. This motor produces around 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quick-shifter (up and down) as standard. Chassis-wise, it uses a steel diamond-style frame, cast aluminium 17″ wheels, and premium suspension: a Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork up front and a Showa link-type mono-shock at the rear (preload adjustable). Kerb weight is around 205 kg and seat height about 810 mm, with a 14-litre fuel tank. In terms of braking and tyres: twin 310 mm front discs with radial-mounted calipers, a single 240 mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS, and Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) ensure capable performance and grip. Feature-wise, it includes a full-colour 5″ TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, three ride modes (Active, Basic, Comfort), four-level traction control, low RPM assist, and Suzuki’s Easy Start system — packaged under the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). Styling is aggressive yet functional: full fairing derived from wind-tunnel development, vertically stacked LED headlamps, exposed seat rails, and aerodynamic detailing. Available in three colour options for the Indian market: Metallic Triton Blue, Metallic Matt Sword Silver, and Metallic Matt Black No.2. Overall, the GSX-8R targets riders looking for more performance than a 650cc class sportbike, but with greater everyday usability than full-on liter-class superbikes. The ergonomics strike a balance — clip-ons and sporty lines, yet a comfortable setup for longer rides. The combination of modern electronics, strong mid-range power, and quality chassis and componentry make it a well-rounded middleweight sportbike for the Indian market. That said, some trade-offs exist: the fuel tank is modest (14 L), the seat height may be tall for shorter riders, and the weight means it isn’t the lightest in its class. Mileage in Indian use is claimed around 23.8 km/l (WMTC), though real-world urban figures may be lower. |
| Drive Modes | — | Active, Basic, Comfort |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | Experts agree that the GSX-8R stands out by offering a rare combination of spirited performance and daily practicality. It shines thanks to its smooth, torquey engine, premium electronics like quick-shifter and multiple ride modes, and high-quality chassis and suspension that deliver confidence on both city roads and twisty highways. While it may not deliver the full high-revving character or ultra-light feel of a dedicated superbike, its strength lies in doing many things well — sportiness, comfort, usability, features — rather than dominating one parameter. For riders looking for a true all-rounder middleweight with strong value, the GSX-8R hits the mark., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage of the KTM 65 SX is around 20–25 kmpl, depending on riding style. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It comes with a 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is approximately 95–100 km/h. Q: Does the KTM 65 SX have electric start? A: No, it features a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is roughly 750 mm, suitable for young riders. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: It has a 3.5-liter fuel tank. Q: Is the KTM 65 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal, as it is built specifically for motocross. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: The bike uses hydraulic disc brakes on both front and rear. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The KTM 65 SX weighs around 53 kg (dry weight). Q: Is the KTM 65 SX good for beginners? A: Yes, it’s ideal for young riders with some basic experience entering competitive motocross. | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 23 kmpl (real-world mixed riding). Q: What is the engine capacity of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The engine displacement is 776 cc. Q: What is the maximum power of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The GSX-8R produces 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm. Q: What is the top speed of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The top speed is approximately 230 km/h. Q: Does the Suzuki GSX-8R have a quick-shifter? A: Yes, it comes with a bi-directional quick-shifter as standard. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The kerb weight is 205 kg. Q: How many ride modes does the GSX-8R have? A: It offers three ride modes — Active, Basic, and Comfort. Q: What is the seat height of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The seat height is 810 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The GSX-8R has a 14-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the price of the Suzuki GSX-8R in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is ₹9.25 lakh. |
| Final Drive Type | — | chain |
| Fuel System | — | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) |
| On-Road Price (Subsidy Adjusted, ₹) | — | 1132094 |
| Price Variants | | 546500 | Standard | 925000 | Single variant (Dual-channel ABS, bi-directional quick-shifter, ride-modes) |
| Pros | Very lightweight chassis (~53 kg) makes it super agile for young riders. Powerful 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine tuned for competitive performance. High-quality WP XACT suspension (air front fork + mono-shock) gives great control over jumps and bumps. Hydraulic clutch & 6-speed gearbox for smooth gear shifts. Adjustable ergonomics: seat height, handlebar, and bodywork can be tuned to grow with the rider. Strong braking with disc brakes front and rear for reliable stopping power. Built with true “race ready” pedigree — shares tech with bigger KTM SX bikes. | Strong mid-range torque from the 776 cc twin engine — great for both city and touring. Modern features like ride modes, traction control, and quick-shifter add premium feel. Comfortable riding posture — sporty yet practical for daily use. Good build quality and attractive design. Meets latest emission standards (OBD-2B compliant). |
| Starter | Kickstarter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed, bi-directional quick-shifter, assist & slipper clutch |
| Vehicle Warranty (Years) | — | 2 |
