Quick Analysis
KTM 85 SX
9.5 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
BMW G 310 GS
26.5 pts
Unweighted: 20 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooling (0.8L) | Liquid cooled system |
| Displacement | 84.9 cc | 313 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with four valves and DOHC |
| Power | 15.5 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 34 PS (25 kW) at ~9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 8500 rpm | 28 Nm at ~7,500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.2 L | 11 l |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | approx. 67 kg (without fuel) | 169.5 kg |
| Seat Height | 865 mm | 835 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 240 mm | Single disc 300 mm with a 4-piston radial caliper |
| Front Suspension | XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm | Upside down fork , Ø 41 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm | Single disc 240 mm with a floating caliper |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP PDS mono shock | Cast aluminium dual swing arm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 70/100 - 17 | 110/80 R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100 - 14 | 150/70 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubelesss |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12 V / 8 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/g310gsracingred.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/g310gscosmicblack3.webp |
| Cluster | — | Digital |
| Color Options | Orange | Racing Red Cosmic Black 3 Polar White with Racing Blue Metallic |
| Cons | Not road legal and suitable only for off-road tracks. High maintenance due to 2-stroke engine rebuilds. Kick-start only, no electric start option. Relatively expensive compared to other youth dirt bikes. Small fuel tank limits long riding sessions. | Seat height of 835 mm may be challenging for shorter riders. Fuel tank is only 11 litres, limiting long-distance touring range. Relatively expensive compared to entry-level adventure bikes in India. Single-cylinder engine vibrations can be felt at higher speeds on long rides. No advanced electronics or ride modes, which some competitors offer at this price point. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 85 SX is one of the most popular and respected youth motocross bikes in the world, designed specifically for young riders who are ready to take the next big step toward competitive racing. More than just a beginner’s off-road bike, the 85 SX brings true race-bred DNA from KTM’s full-size SX lineup, giving upcoming racers the opportunity to experience high-level performance at an early age. With its sharp power delivery, lightweight design, and premium components, the bike is built to help young riders improve skills and confidently tackle motocross tracks. At the heart of the KTM 85 SX lies its 84.9cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, which is known for delivering punchy power and rapid acceleration. The powervalve system ensures that the engine produces strong torque across the rev range, making the bike easier to control while still offering impressive performance. Whether riders are attacking tight corners or hitting long straights, the engine responds crisply and delivers the thrilling character 2-strokes are known for. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the bike offers smooth shifting and plenty of flexibility for both beginners and experienced youth racers. One of the standout features of the 85 SX is its lightweight chassis, made with high-strength chromoly steel. This frame not only enhances stability but also ensures precise handling, allowing riders to maneuver confidently through jumps, whoops, and rough terrain. The ergonomics are thoughtfully designed to fit young riders, offering a slim body that allows easy movement, better grip, and improved control during aggressive riding. Suspension is another area where KTM excels, and the 85 SX is no exception. It comes equipped with WP XACT suspension, featuring an AER air fork at the front and a fully adjustable shock absorber at the rear. This setup provides excellent damping, great response on jumps, and impressive support on uneven surfaces. Riders can also fine-tune the suspension to match their weight, riding style, and track conditions — something rarely seen in youth motocross bikes. The bike also features powerful disc brakes on both ends, giving young riders the confidence to brake hard into corners. The wave-style discs help with heat dissipation, which is especially important during long practice sessions or competitive races. Lightweight wheels, grippy motocross tyres, and a race-focused design further enhance the overall performance package. In terms of ergonomics, the KTM 85 SX is designed to feel like a miniature version of the bigger SX bikes. The seat height, handlebar position, and narrow bodywork all work together to provide comfort while promoting proper riding posture. This allows young riders to develop good habits early in their riding journey. Overall, the KTM 85 SX is a bike built for serious young racers who want real performance, durability, and race-ready features. With its responsive engine, excellent suspension, strong brakes, and lightweight build, it stands out as one of the top choices in the youth motocross segment. Whether used for training or competition, the 85 SX gives riders a true taste of professional motocross performance. | When you swing a leg over the BMW G 310 GS in India, the first thing that strikes you isn’t a spec number — it’s the way the bike feels poised and ready, like it’s itching to turn the everyday commute into something a bit more special. Its heart is a compact but spirited 313 cc single-cylinder engine that’s liquid‑cooled and built with a four‑valve DOHC layout. On the road, it delivers about 34 PS of power and 28 Nm of torque, which translates into an engine that eagerly picks up pace from traffic lights and makes highway overtakes feel composed and manageable. There’s a crispness in the throttle response as you roll on, and because the unit is tuned for usable mid-range punch rather than just top-end bravado, it doesn’t feel strained when navigating busy city grids or climbing up highway ramps. What really sets the G 310 GS apart — especially in an Indian context — is how its engine integrates with the rest of the bike. It uses electronic fuel injection and a six‑speed gearbox that’s smooth and precise, making the everyday routine of changing gears feel natural rather than a chore. The slipper-style clutch helps ease off the engine braking during downshifts, which is a small touch riders appreciate when darting through traffic or easing into a tight corner on a winding stretch outside town. Suspension is usually where a motorcycle reveals its true character, and in this case, the long-travel upside-down fork up front paired with a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear makes the G 310 GS feel more confident than most bikes in its class. Hits and potholes on Indian roads are absorbed with surprising composure, and the suspension doesn’t chatter or feel overly harsh when you’re hitting uneven surfaces. Instead, it communicates what’s happening beneath you, giving a stable foundation whether you’re bombing through B-roads or cruising in city traffic. When it comes time to stop, the bike delivers real confidence. The sizeable 300 mm front disc with a radial-style caliper offers a reassuring bite that’s progressive rather than abrupt, and the 240 mm disc at the rear complements it well. Together with dual-channel ABS, this setup translates into a braking feel that’s both sure-footed and predictable — something you notice especially when rain-slick roads or sudden traffic require a firm hand on the lever. Looking at the physical feel and stance of the bike, its dimensions play a big part. With a kerb weight of around 169.5 kg and a seat height of about 835 mm, it strikes a balance between being accessible and offering that elevated, adventure-oriented riding posture. This isn’t a heavy adventure tourer — it’s light enough that filtering through morning traffic doesn’t feel like a wrestling match, but it carries enough substance that it doesn’t feel under-planted when you’re doing steady speeds on the highway. The wheelbase and upright ergonomics give you a commanding view of the road, and the bike’s compact footprint aids nimble lane changes and quick direction shifts throughout your ride. Tyres and wheels also reflect its dual-purpose nature: a tall 19-inch front tyre and a wide 17-inch rear tyre wrapped around sturdy cast aluminium wheels support a mix of on-tarmac stability and confidence-inspiring grip on less predictable surfaces. They’re tubeless radials, which means fewer worries about punctures and easier repairs — a practical advantage on rougher stretches outside metropolitan areas. On the utility side, the 11-litre fuel tank isn’t huge, but paired with around 28–30 kmpl real-world mileage, it still allows for respectable range between stops — something that’s useful once you’re out of the city and chasing horizon lines. The digital instrument cluster is clean and clear, giving you instant access to speed, gear position, trip info, and more without clutter, while LED lighting up front ensures you’re well-lit during early morning starts or night rides. An electric starter fires things up instantly when you’re ready to go. Small touches — like adjustable levers that let you tailor reach, a luggage rack that welcomes practical storage choices, and comfortable GS-style ergonomics — round out the ownership experience, making the bike feel well-thought-out. On long runs, you’ll notice that the seating and posture help reduce fatigue, and in city traffic, the bike’s responsiveness and light weight read as confidence-boosters rather than intimidating features. In real-world use across India’s varied roads — from smooth expressways to pot-holed urban stretches and everything in between — the G 310 GS doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be everything at once. It’s refreshingly honest: an adventure-styled machine with genuine capability that doesn’t overwhelm, a motor that’s eager but tractable, and chassis dynamics that deliver composure and agility in equal measure. For riders seeking an entry point into adventure touring without the bulk or intimidation of larger displacement bikes, this little GS feels like a machine that was built with everyday use and long-weekend exploration in mind — a tool that’s as ready for the traffic snarls of your daily commute as it is for the open road just beyond the city’s edge. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 18–20 kmpl (may vary as it’s an off-road motocross bike). Q: What is the engine capacity? A: The KTM 85 SX comes with an 84.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 850 mm. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is around 110 km/h, depending on rider and terrain. Q: Does the KTM 85 SX have electric start? A: No, it comes with a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 5.2 liters. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal as it is designed specifically for motocross/off-road racing. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It features disc brakes at both front and rear. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX suitable for beginners? A: It is ideal for youth riders transitioning to higher-powered bikes, but not recommended for complete beginners. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The bike weighs approximately 68 kg (dry weight). | Q: What is the engine type? A: The engine is a 313 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke unit with DOHC and four valves. Q: What is the power output? A: The bike produces 34 PS of power. Q: What is the torque? A: The torque is 28 Nm. Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is approximately 28–30 kmpl. Q: What type of transmission does it have? A: It has a 6-speed manual gearbox. Q: What type of fuel system does it use? A: It uses electronic fuel injection. Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It has a 300 mm front disc with radial caliper and a 240 mm rear disc. Q: What is the front suspension? A: It has an upside-down telescopic fork with long travel. Q: What is the rear suspension? A: It has a cast aluminium dual swingarm with preload-adjustable monoshock. Q: What are the tyre specifications? A: The front tyre is 110/80 R19, the rear tyre is 150/70 R17, and both are tubeless radial tyres. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 169.5 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 835 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 11 litres. Q: What type of battery does it use? A: It uses a 12 V / 8 Ah maintenance-free battery. Q: What type of headlight does it have? A: It comes with an LED headlight. Q: What type of starter does it use? A: It has an electric starter. Q: What kind of instrument cluster does it have? A: It has a fully digital display showing speed, gear position, trip information, and more. |
| Fuel System | — | Electronic fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 669000 | | 324973 |
| Pros | Powerful 2-stroke engine with strong mid-range performance. Lightweight chassis for excellent handling on tracks. Premium WP suspension for smooth jumps and rough terrain. Strong disc brakes offering sharp stopping power. Race-ready ergonomics designed for young motocross riders. | Compact and lightweight adventure bike, making it very manageable in city traffic and narrow streets. Refined engine that delivers smooth power and strong mid-range torque, perfect for both urban commuting and occasional highway runs. Comfortable long-travel suspension that absorbs potholes and rough Indian roads effectively. Strong and predictable braking with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. High-quality build and premium feel typical of BMW motorcycles. Good ergonomics and upright seating that reduce fatigue during longer rides. LED headlight and digital instrument cluster improve visibility and usability. Tubeless radial tyres provide better grip and easier maintenance. |
| Starter | Kickstarter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed manual |
