Difference between KX 65?

[JonathonH]

I am planning on purchasing a KX 65 for my son. He currently has a PW 80 but I feel he is ready for a clutch and the power of the KX. Unfortunately I am unable to buy a new KX so I will be purchasing a used one. Is there any differences in the KX model years as far as engine, suspension, transmission or reliability? I noticed for some aftermarket parts they seem to fit up to a 2002 model. Are the 2003 models different? I want to get the best bike I can so we can ride it until he is ready for the 80/85 cc bikes so is there any year KX that is better or any year I should stay away from?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks from a new member!

 

[Martin Cole]

I'm not aware of any changes from 2000 through to now. It's been the same on the KX85 - it hasn't altered since it was introduced at the same time. If you are buying used - try to get one that's just been rebuilt (properly). Aside from the engine and gearbox, make sure the forks are in good condition and there is no wear in the suspension linkage or swing arm. Fork repairs are best left to specialists but the suspension parts are easy enough to renew.
The KX 65 is generally very reliable and not too difficult for learners to get to grips with quite quickly. A highly tuned model is not ideal for a first timer - go for a stock model - it will be more than adequate for a while.
MC

 

[headbanger]

The pipe changed in 2003, not sure of any other changes. My son started on his RM65
(same bike) this spring and is doing well.

 

[FruDaddy]

The pipe changed in 2003, not sure of any other changes. My son started on his RM65
(same bike) this spring and is doing well.

The piston was changed sometime between 02 and 06. As far as the pipe, the 06 pipe can easily be put onto an 02, perhaps the pipe and piston changes were related. Other than that, the 06 introduced a gripper seat. I don't know of any other changes. My son has both an 02 and an 06.

 

[SteveinSpringHill]

How old is your son and what size? The power delivery is much easier to get used to on an 85 plus way better suspension. If he physically fits on an 85 I'd think about this bike.


Steve

 

[gwcrim]

My boy went from a PW80 that he was manhandling to a KX85. I had to lower the heck out of the KX for him to fit. It has worked extremely well so far.

As for KX65s, try to buy the newest one possible. I recall stories of the steering neck breaking off older ones.

 

[JonathonH]

Thanks everyone for the helpful information!!!

Martin Cole you mentioned to make sure the suspension is in good condition. How would I do this? Would I just check for play in the forks and the Swingarm?

SteveinSpring Hill: My son is 9 years old but he is a very small 9 year old. He is only 55 Lbs and a little over 4 feet. I do not feel he is anywhere near ready for a 85 due to his experience level. Since he is so small and not very experienced I think it will be best for him to learn on a smaller bike and then we will step up to the 85. You mentioned the power delivery is easier on the 85 than the 65. Is this mainly in the power band or all the way through the RPM's? I just do not think he will be comfortable on the 85. He is already worried about learning to drive with a clutch.

Thanks again everyone who replied. It sounds like other than a piston and a pipe change there is not much difference in the model years.

I am new to the 2-stroke machines so how often does the top end need rebuilt? When the top end is rebuilt what is actually being rebuilt?

Thanks again,

JonathonH

 

[SteveinSpringHill]

My boy is in the same boat as yours (size wise) but Jake is ready for an 85 he just doesn't fit yet. The 85 has a power valve which softens the hit, but a flywheel weight would help on the 65.

Look closely at the general up keep and cleanliness of the bike, that may reflect how well the suspension was taken care of.

And as I have mentioned before a good thing for these little guys is to get proper instruction for riding these little beasts. Body position and form help a lot when the power hits.

Steve

 

[FruDaddy]

Going from a PW80 to the KX65, will be a big jump, the 85 would definitely be way too big for him. Be forewarned, it may take a few months for him to get used to the power delivery. The 65 has virtually no bottom end, and when the power come on, it comes on fast. An MX school would be a good idea soon after moving him up. Don't get scared about the 65, once he gets used to the bike, he will love it. I just want you to know what to expect.

 

[pdhj1990]

Jonathan,

I recently purchased a 2001 KX65 for my 9 yr old son. Prior to the KX65, he rode an 04 Honda CRF70.

When I purchased the KX65, it came with an automatic clutch. This helped my son get used to the powerband which is a bit overwelming for a 9 yr old.

After the first few weeks, I had the dealer remove the automatic clutch. Although it took some getting used too, my son did OK with the regular clutch. However, when he failed to switch from 3rd to 4th gear, the lower end of the piston rod froze up. Now, the shop is rebuilding the bottom end - cost $500.

My only regret, is I didn't keep it on the bike a little longer. Lesson learned. Now, I'm going to sell the auto clutch in hopes of recouping a fraction of the $500 repair.

Best of luck with your son's new bike :)

Paul

 

[JGrossijr]

Agree with FruDaddy. PW80 experience at 9yrs.old and 55lbs = KX65. It is a big adjustment. Don't be surprised if he wants the PW back at first. 5 or 6 rides later he will have no interest in the PW.

 

[JonathonH]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am planning on looking at a 2002 KX 65 hopefully this week if it is not sold before I get a chance to see it. It is a concern to me and my son about the power difference between the bikes and learning a new clutch. But we are keeping the PW 80 and I have already told my son he does not have to ride the KX on the track until he feels comfortable and he will learn how to ride it home first. Which will probably be next year due to the cold Michigan winters.

 

[82'yz100]

with a little practice he will be throwing that bike all around.because my fisrt bike was a xr80 98' and i bought a 99'cr80 i was smoking some 125s with that beast.

 

[dirtbikingdad]

TTR90 to KX65

We recently went on a trip and the TTR showed how tough it was, but also how limiting it was. The bike did great on all the hills (Loretta's GNCC trails) and overall. The only problem was ground clearance... and suspension. After bending the shifter multiple times and pretty much relocating a peg 45 degrees back, it was evident he was ready to move up. He also handled the 17 mile loop with ease and was getting thumbs up on hills where he made it and others (grown ups) didn't. Yes, I was a proud papa! :laugh:

Anyway, we (I) started looking for 60's and 65's. The 60's which I could still find new I felt were not something that he could grow into and it was a 2003... this would not have helped me when I sold it. Therefore, I have decided that the 65 is the way to go for me and he r-e-a-l-l-y wants a KX. While I have found a RM, same bike, I was so surprised of the power the bike had. I immediately looked for ways to tame the beast when I got it. Flywheel weight, multiple base gaskets, pipes, and adjustable suspension make it something he can grow into. By the way, he can just touch the ground with one foot right now. By making the longer suspension links, like I did for my older sons KDX, it will be a perfect fit. The KTM, I looked at, was not so easy to adjust due to the lack of the linkage. This forum and the search feature are awesome. Thats how I found this thread! :nod: