Quick Analysis
KTM 85 SX
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH NEW SPEED TWIN 900
24.0 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooling (0.8L) | Liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| Displacement | 84.9 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 8 valve, SOHC, 270° firing order |
| Power | 15.5 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 65 PS / 64 bhp (47.8 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 8500 rpm | 80 Nm @ 3,800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.2 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 24 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | approx. 67 kg (without fuel) | 216 |
| Seat Height | 865 mm | 780 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 240 mm | Single Ø 320mm floating disc, Triumph branded four-piston radial caliper, OCABS |
| Front Suspension | XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm | NEW Ø 43mm upside-down Marzocchi forks, 120 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm | Single Ø 255mm fixed disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, OCABS |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP PDS mono shock | NEW Twin Marzocchi RSUs with external reservoirs and adjustable preload, 116 mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 70/100 - 17 | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100 - 14 | 150/70 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/speedtwin900phantomblackaurumgold.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/speedtwin900aluminiumsilvercarnivalredjetblack.webp |
| Cluster | — | LCD multi-function instrument Colour TFT screen |
| Color Options | Orange | Phantom Black/Aurum Gold | #131413,#666666,#7d674b Pure White/Maui Blue/Tangerine Orange | #f2f1f0,#cf5a00,#0081de Aluminium Silver/Carnival Red/Jet Black | #9a9c9c,#99222a,#212121 |
| 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. | Relatively high weight: At about 216 kg (kerb), it’s heavier than some rivals, which can affect maneuverability in tight city riding. Limited feature set compared to some modern competitors: For example, some feel the number of riding modes is minimal (just Road/Rain) and advanced electronics are fewer. Relatively small fuel tank / moderate range for touring: Some users feel the fuel capacity and/or efficiency are less suited for longer non-stop rides compared with more touring-oriented bikes. Premium maintenance & service network considerations: As a premium brand model, ownership costs (service, parts) and dealer coverage may lag compared to mass-market bikes. |
| 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 Triumph Speed Twin 900 stands out as one of the most refined modern-classic motorcycles in the mid-capacity segment, offering a blend of heritage styling and contemporary engineering that appeals to both new and experienced riders. It carries the spirit of classic British roadsters with its sculpted fuel tank, chunky tires, brushed metal finishes and minimalist retro profile, yet underneath the nostalgic design lies a machine engineered for today’s road conditions and riding expectations. The bike delivers a smooth and engaging riding experience thanks to its torquey 900cc parallel-twin engine, which is tuned more for usable everyday power than aggressive top-end performance. This makes it particularly enjoyable in urban riding and relaxed highway cruising, where riders value effortless acceleration, refined throttle response and predictable handling. Its low-end and mid-range pull gives it a lively feel without overwhelming newer riders, and its dual-channel ABS and traction control offer confidence-building safety features. One of the most appreciated aspects of the Speed Twin 900 is its ergonomics and comfort. The upright seating posture, wide handlebars and well-cushioned seat create a natural and relaxed stance, which suits long rides as well as daily commutes. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort rather than aggressive sportiness, absorbing bumps well and offering a planted feel on most road surfaces. Build quality is another strong point, as Triumph has earned a reputation for premium fit, finish and attention to detail. Every component—from grips and switches to paint and metalwork—feels thoughtfully executed, lending the bike a premium persona that is hard to overlook. While it leans heavily on retro charm, it still integrates essential modern touches like a digital-analogue instrument cluster, ride-by-wire with selectable riding modes and quality braking components, ensuring a balance between nostalgia and practicality. However, the Speed Twin 900 is not without limitations. Riders looking for a feature-rich, tech-loaded motorcycle may find its electronics and display rather minimal compared to more aggressively modern machines in the price bracket. Its weight, too, can be felt at low speeds or in tight parking situations, though once in motion the bike hides it well. Additionally, being a premium brand offering, long-term ownership requires consideration of servicing costs, parts pricing and the availability of authorized support networks—something that varies significantly between regions. Yet for most riders drawn to its charm, these concerns are part of the ownership commitment that comes with a high-quality classic motorcycle brand. In essence, the Triumph Speed Twin 900 is built for those who want a stylish, refined, torquey roadster with genuine old-school appeal but modern day rideability and reliability. It does not chase extreme performance numbers or futuristic gadgetry; instead, it focuses on delivering a pure, enjoyable and comfortable riding experience rooted in timeless motorcycling character. It’s a motorcycle one buys not merely for commuting or weekend escapes, but for the emotional connection it builds—every ride reminding you why simple, soulful machines still have a place in a world full of high-tech options. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | 4.5, 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 capacity of the Speed Twin 900? A: It has a 900 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine with 8-valves and a 270° firing order. Q: How much power and torque does the Speed Twin 900 produce? A: It delivers about 65 PS (64 bhp) at 7,500 rpm and 80 Nm of torque at approximately 3,800 rpm. Q: What is the seat height of the Speed Twin 900? A: The seat height is 780 mm in the latest version. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Speed Twin 900? A: It has a kerb (or wet) weight of about 216 kg. Q: What riding modes and electronic aids does the Speed Twin 900 come with? A: It offers two riding modes – Road and Rain – plus optimized cornering ABS and traction control. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and approximate fuel consumption of the Speed Twin 900? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, and real-world mileage is around ~24–25 km/l under mixed riding conditions. Q: Is the Speed Twin 900 suitable for both commuting and weekend rides? A: Yes — its upright ergonomics, manageable seat height, and smooth engine make it well-suited for everyday use, while its performance and premium build make it fun for weekend escapes. Q: What is the starting price of the Speed Twin 900 in India? A: In India, the ex-showroom price starts at around ₹ 9.7 lakh for the standard variant. |
| Fuel System | — | Multipoint fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 669000 | Aluminium Silver/Carnival Red/Jet Black | 971300 Pure White / Maui Blue / Tangerine Orange | 1021300 Phantom Black / Aurum Gold | 1021300 |
| 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. | Excellent engine character: The 900 cc parallel-twin delivers a strong, flat torque curve, making the bike very usable in both city and highway conditions. Premium build, finish & styling: Reviewers frequently highlight the high quality of fit/finish, classic-modern aesthetics and “nice bike” appeal. Comfortable ergonomics for varied use: The seating position is upright and the bike is described as easy to ride day-to-day, making it suitable for both commuting and light touring. Strong braking & handling feel: Many riders mention it handles corners and braking confidently, with good feedback. |
| Starter | Kickstarter | Self |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 5 speed |
