Quick Analysis
KTM 85 SX
10.0 pts
Unweighted: 4 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R
25.0 pts
Unweighted: 17 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooling (0.8L) | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 84.9 cc | 889 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 15.5 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 104.6 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 8500 rpm | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.2 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 22.2 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | approx. 67 kg (without fuel) | 215 kg |
| Seat Height | 865 mm | 880 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 240 mm | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm | Disc 260 mm |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP PDS mono shock | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 70/100 - 17 | 90/90 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100 - 14 | 150/70 - 18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Cluster | — | Electric starter |
| Color Options | Orange | ORANGE |
| 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. | High Seat Height: With a tall seat (~880 mm), the bike can be challenging for shorter riders to manage, especially off-road. Wind Buffeting / Aerodynamics Issues: Some riders report significant wind turbulence and buffeting due to the screen design. Complex Electronics Overload: With so many electronic systems, new riders may be overwhelmed, and there may be occasional software glitches. Reddit users report issues like random throttle shut-offs. Reliability Concerns: There are reported cases of camshaft issues, throttle body problems, and other mechanical issues on the 890 platform. Maintenance Cost: As a premium mid-weight adventure bike, maintenance (especially for suspension, electronics, and engine) can be expensive. Limited Wind Protection: The stock screen offers minimal protection compared to more road-biased adventure bikes, making high-speed touring less comfortable. Weight: Though relatively light for its capabilities, it's still on the heavier side for serious off-road maneuvering, which some may find limiting. |
| 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. | The KTM 890 Adventure R is KTM’s assertive take on a mid-weight, rally-capable adventure bike that balances spirited performance with genuine off-road capability. At its heart is an 889cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 104.6 PS and 100 Nm of torque, delivering a strong and flexible ride both on highways and rough terrain. This powerplant is tuned for quick throttle response and ample mid-range, making the bike ideal for riders who want to explore off-road tracks or punch through tight elevation changes in the hills. Its 20-litre fuel tank gives it a very commendable range, making it well-suited for long-distance adventure rides. On the chassis side, the Adventure R stands out with a high 880 mm seat height and an impressive 263 mm of ground clearance, emphasizing its off-road lineage. The suspension setup is especially thoughtful: WP XPLOR USD forks at the front and a WP XPLOR PDS monoshock at the back provide a long travel, plush yet controlled ride capable of absorbing harsh terrain while maintaining composure during spirited cornering. Brakes are up to the task too, with large discs and Bosch 9.1 MP ABS offering various modes including cornering and an off-road ABS configuration. Electronics are where the 890 Adventure R shines. It features multiple ride modes like Street, Rally, and Off-road, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), Quickshifter+, Launch Control, and cornering ABS. For touring convenience, it also offers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses radar to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead — a rare feature in this class. The 5-inch TFT display is clear, adjustable, and easy to read, offering a wealth of information such as ride mode status, fuel range, and navigation when paired with KTM’s Connect app. Comfort is balanced with the bike’s adventure nature: the raised handlebars, ergonomic footpegs, and broad windscreen give a comfortable riding posture for long journeys. That said, the tall seat and firm suspension may be challenging for shorter riders or those who predominantly ride on city streets. Despite its rugged build, the ride is refined enough that it feels just as at home on tarmac as it does off-road. The steel frame is strong without being overly heavy, contributing to the bike’s agility and stability. In summary, the KTM 890 Adventure R is a highly capable, rally-inspired adventure motorcycle that delivers on performance, electronics, and real-world off-road usability. It’s designed for adventurers who want serious capability without jumping up to 1200cc territory — providing a blend of horsepower, versatility, and technological sophistication that’s rare at this mid-weight level. |
| 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 specification of the 890 Adventure R? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power and torque does it make? A: The engine produces around 104.6 PS at 8,000 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and range? A: The 890 Adventure R comes with a 20-litre fuel tank. With its fuel consumption, it offers an estimated riding range of up to 444 km per full tank according to some sources. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does the bike use? A: It features 320 mm front disc and 260 mm rear disc brakes. It uses Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering ABS and also has a special off-road ABS mode. Q: What suspension setup is used on the 890 Adventure R? A: The bike is equipped with WP XPLOR USD 48 mm front forks and a WP XPLOR PDS rear monoshock. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 880 mm. The bike has very high ground clearance of 263 mm, which is excellent for off-road riding. Q: What’s the kerb (wet) weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight of the 890 Adventure R is around 215 kg. Q: What type of instrument cluster is used? A: It uses a 5-inch TFT display that shows rider information, trip data, gear position, and more. Q: Is the bike good for both on-road touring and off-road? A: Yes. With its high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and off-road ABS mode, it is very capable off-road. At the same time, its powerful engine and large tank make it suitable for long-distance touring. Q: What is the fuel efficiency / mileage of the 890 Adventure R? A: It is claimed to deliver around 22.2 km/l. Q: What common issues do owners report? A: Some owners mention speed wobble at high speeds (80 km/h+) under acceleration. Others report reliability concerns such as cylinder start issues, valve cover leaks, and electronic glitches (e.g., throttle or dash problems). |
| Price Variants | | 669000 | | 1580000 |
| 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. | High Power & Torque: The 889cc parallel-twin engine provides a strong, torquey character that works very well on and off road. Advanced Electronics: Features like multiple ride modes (Rally, Off-road, Street, Rain), cornering ABS, MTC traction control, and Quickshifter+ make the bike very versatile and safe. Capable Off-Road Performance: With long-travel WP XPLOR 48 mm USD forks and a high ground clearance (263 mm), the R is tuned for serious off-road riding. Excellent Suspension: The suspension is fully adjustable, offering great control whether you're on rugged trails or cruising highways. Good Fuel Efficiency for Touring: Owners report good fuel consumption (around 4.4 L/100km in some tests), which makes it practical for long-distance rides. Strong Build Quality: The steel frame, durable engine design, and rugged components make it reliable for adventure applications. Rally-Ready Ergonomics: Features like rally pegs, skid plate, and a 5-inch TFT display with GPS make it a true adventure machine out of the box. |
| Starter | Kickstarter | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6 Speed Manual |
