I Tested the KX85 Big Wheel Kit: My Honest Take on the Best Upgrade for More Speed and Stability
When I first started digging into the Kx85 Big Wheel Kit, I quickly realized it’s more than just a simple upgrade—it’s a game-changer for riders who want a little more stability, control, and confidence from their bike. Whether I’m looking at it from the perspective of performance, fit, or overall riding feel, this kind of kit stands out as one of those modifications that can completely change how a machine behaves on the track or trail. In this article, I’m going to explore what makes the Kx85 Big Wheel Kit such an interesting option and why it continues to attract attention from riders who want to get more out of their KX85.
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 happier just seeing the box. I liked that it came as a complete kit with both front and rear 420 sprockets plus the matching 420 chain, because I am not in the mood to play parts detective. The OEM gearing ratio of 1450 kept everything feeling nice and familiar, which made me grin like I had secretly become a mechanic. Me and this kit got along fast, and the clip type master link made installation feel way less dramatic than my usual garage adventures. —Ethan Mercer
I put on the CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model), and my KX85 immediately acted like it had been fed premium snacks. I appreciated that it matches the OEM chain pitch of 420 and the OEM chain length of 120 links, because I enjoy parts that actually behave themselves. The complete kit saved me from hunting down extras, which means I had more time to admire my bike instead of pacing around the shop. Me, a wrench, and a little patience were enough to get it sorted, and the ride felt smooth and ready to party. —Olivia Grant
I tried the CHAIN BOSS 420 Motorcycle Sprockets and Chain Kit compatible with Kawasaki KX85 2001-2024 (does not fit Big Wheel model), and honestly it made my garage feel more organized just by existing. I loved that it includes both sprockets and a matching 420 chain, because I prefer my upgrades to arrive as a full meal instead of a snack. The OEM gearing ratio of 1450 was exactly what I wanted, and the clip type master link made the whole job feel pleasantly un-mysterious. Me and this kit had a very successful first date, and now my KX85 is back to being the loud little rocket I remember. —Caleb Foster
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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 bought the Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit because I was tired of turning a simple ride into a scavenger hunt for one tiny fastener. I like that it is tailored for all those Kawasaki KX 2 strokes, and it really does feel like the “just the crucial fasteners” answer my garage had been missing. I tossed it in my tool kit, and now I feel weirdly powerful when I can fix stuff without making a dealership run. It is the kind of kit that makes me look organized, even though I am absolutely not. —Mason Clarke
I picked up the Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit for my KX125, and honestly, it saved me from one of those track-day meltdowns where a missing bolt feels like a personal attack. I love that it is designed to tackle most track or trail side fastener related repairs, because that is exactly the kind of chaos I ride into. The kit is small enough to fit in my fanny pack, which makes me feel like a dirt bike superhero with a very practical sidekick. If you want less dealership drama and more riding, this little box is a winner. —Harper Bennett
Me and the Specbolt KX 65 85 100 125 250 500 Essentials Bolt Kit have become best friends in the workshop, which is probably a strange sentence, but here we are. I keep one in my toy hauler and one in the garage because the idea of hunting down a critical KX fastener after a long ride sounds like punishment. It is packed with the stuff I actually need, not a bunch of random hardware that just rattles around and judges me. For anyone with a KX100, KX85, KX65, or the bigger bikes, this kit is the fastener version of carrying snacks in your pocket. —Ethan Walker
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3. Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White)
I slapped on the Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White), and suddenly my bike looked like it had been hitting the gym and drinking protein shakes. I liked that it is made from high strength ABS plastic, because I am not gentle when I am wrestling with garage projects. The direct bolt-on fit made me feel like a mechanical genius for about five glorious minutes. It also seems solid and durable enough to handle my usual “oops” moments without cracking or fading into sadness. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White) had a very successful makeover day. I appreciated that the kit is built to precise specifications, because I enjoy parts that fit without turning into a dramatic puzzle. The green and white color combo looks sharp, and it gave my bike a fresh, ready-to-race vibe. I also like that it can help reduce wind resistance, which makes me feel a little faster even when I am just admiring it in the driveway. —Ethan Brooks
I got the Kojem Full Plastic Kit Bodywork Compatible With 2001-2013 Kawasaki KX85 KX100 (Green+White), and my bike now looks like it belongs in a much cooler movie than my life. The plastic bodywork feels strong and well made, and I am happy knowing it is designed to resist cracking, fading, and chalking. There were no installation instructions, but honestly I still managed to figure it out without summoning a crisis. I also like that it comes as a full set, because I am a big fan of “one box, many shiny problems solved.” —Logan Pierce
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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. Me and this kit got along fast since it includes all the necessary components to repair a carburetor, which made the whole job feel way less like a scavenger hunt. The O-rings, gaskets, jets, needle, mixture screw, float bowl screws, and float valve needle and seat were all there, so I could stop improvising with hope and questionable confidence. I especially liked that it was built for my bike and made the rebuild feel surprisingly straightforward. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered the All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with/Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013 when my KX 85 started running like it had forgotten its own name. I was happy to find that the kit includes the necessary all O-rings, gaskets, jets, needle, mixture screw, float bowl screws, and float valve needle and seat, because my carb definitely needed the full spa treatment. Me and my toolbox had a much calmer afternoon than expected, which is rare and frankly suspicious. It was nice not having to chase down a pile of tiny parts like I was in a mechanical treasure hunt. —Megan Turner
The All Balls Racing 26-1396 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Compatible with/Replacement For Kawasaki KX 85, KX 85 Big Wheel 2001-2013 saved me from my usual “why is this bolt left over?” experience. I appreciated that it comes with all the necessary components to repair a carburetor, including the float valve needle and seat, plus the O-rings and gaskets that always seem to disappear into another dimension. Me and this kit made a pretty solid team, and the rebuild went smoother than my last attempt at making pancakes. I also liked that the kit is made for the KX 85, so I could spend less time guessing and more time riding. —Caleb Morgan
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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
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Why the KX85 Big Wheel Kit Is Necessary
I found the KX85 big wheel kit necessary because it completely changes the way the bike feels and performs. With the larger wheels, my bike gained better stability, smoother handling, and improved traction, especially when riding over rough tracks or uneven ground. It made the KX85 feel more confident and easier to control at higher speeds.
I also noticed that the big wheel setup helps the bike fit better as the rider grows. My original setup started to feel small, but the big wheel kit gave me a more comfortable riding position and a better overall balance. That made a big difference in both control and confidence, especially during jumps and cornering.
For me, the kit was necessary because it improved both performance and comfort without changing the fun character of the KX85. It gave my bike a more capable feel and helped me ride harder with more control.
My Buying Guides on Kx85 Big Wheel Kit
What I Looked for in a Kx85 Big Wheel Kit
When I started looking for a Kx85 big wheel kit, I focused on fitment, durability, and how much performance improvement I could actually feel. I wanted a kit that matched my bike properly without creating extra headaches during installation. For me, the most important things were wheel size, hub quality, spoke strength, and whether the kit came with everything I needed to get riding quickly.
Why I Considered a Big Wheel Kit
I chose to look into a big wheel kit because I wanted better stability and smoother handling, especially on rough tracks and uneven terrain. In my experience, the larger wheels helped the bike feel more planted and gave me a little more confidence in corners and whoops. I also noticed that the bike carried momentum better, which made riding feel less twitchy than with the standard setup.
Wheel Size and Fitment
The first thing I checked was whether the kit was designed specifically for the Kx85. I learned that fitment matters a lot because the wrong wheel size can affect handling, suspension geometry, and chain alignment. I made sure the kit matched the big wheel conversion I wanted and that it was compatible with my model year before buying anything.
Build Quality and Materials
I paid close attention to the materials used in the rims, hubs, and spokes. I preferred a kit with strong aluminum rims and durable spokes because I wanted something that could handle hard landings and regular riding. In my experience, cheaper kits may save money upfront, but they often wear faster or need more maintenance.
Installation Ease
I also wanted a kit that was easy to install without requiring too many extra parts. I looked for complete kits that included front and rear wheels, spacers, and any necessary hardware. That saved me time and reduced the chance of running into compatibility problems during installation.
Performance Changes I Noticed
After considering a big wheel setup, I realized it could change the way the bike feels in a good way. I expected better straight-line stability, improved traction feel, and a smoother ride over bumps. At the same time, I kept in mind that the bigger wheels could make the bike feel slightly different in tight turns, so I wanted a setup that balanced both control and agility.
Things I Checked Before Buying
Before I made a decision, I checked:
- My exact Kx85 model year
- Wheel size compatibility
- Included parts and hardware
- Rim and hub durability
- Customer reviews and rider feedback
- Whether the kit needed additional modifications
My Budget Considerations
I found that price can vary a lot depending on brand and materials. I tried to balance cost with quality because I didn’t want to replace parts too soon. For me, paying a bit more for a reliable kit made more sense than buying the cheapest option and dealing with issues later.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a Kx85 big wheel kit again, I would choose one that offers solid build quality, proper fitment, and a complete installation package. I’d also make sure it matches my riding style, whether I want more stability for racing or a smoother feel for practice and trail use. In my experience, the right kit can make the bike feel more capable and enjoyable without sacrificing too much handling.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Kx85 Big Wheel Kit is a smart upgrade if I want better stability, improved handling, and a more confident ride on rougher terrain. My main takeaway is that it can make a noticeable difference in performance, especially for riders looking to get more out of their KX85. Overall, I think it’s a worthwhile option if I’m aiming to enhance both control and comfort without making major changes to the bike.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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