KTM announce the heavily updated 2025 KTM SX 85 – the scaled-down orange off-road model sees a list of improvements to chassis, suspension and engine performance on the big and small wheel options.

Filling the gap between the mini-bikes and the full-size 125 and 250 models, KTM’s 85 SX remains a super-popular machine for riders progressing from small to big bikes not just in motocross but for juniors in enduro too.  

For 2025 KTM is boasting the 85 SX is “developed to be as close to a scaled-down version of a full-size KTM machine as possible”. It’s a model which has international testing in Europe, North America and Australia to be sure of a wide range of riders giving feedback.

Meaningful 2025 updates

A completely new frame, subframe and swingarm are all updated over the previous generation with new engine positions, steering head angle, rear shock length and mounting, plus shorter suspension travel. Based on the full-sized KTM SX frame concept, the chromoly steel frame boasts the same character for longitudinal flex and torsional rigidity parameters for rider feedback, energy absorption, and straight-line stability.

The one-piece polyamide glass fibre reinforced aluminium subframe, claims to reduce overall weight and house integrated the electronics. A gravity die-cast one-piece aluminium swingarm brings strength with minimal weight to that chassis.

The shape and design maximise rigidity and an improved casting process reduces the weight by 300 grams. Plus, it now gets a 20mm rear axle to  match the chassis flex characteristics and larger-sized KTM models.

The new frame has a new a steering head at 63.5 degrees – half a degree flatter than the previous generation and resulting in a wider steering angle of 35 degrees, 2 degrees more than its predecessor – and is moved rearwards by 6mm. KTM say this helps in cornering stability and for a more planted feel in high-speed acceleration, further supported by

The engine position has also been tweaked, with a 3-degree rotation upwards to produce a more direct connection point with the swingarm. This has allowed for the most effective weight distribution when hitting jumps.

Suspension updates

Suspension updates include an all-new, fully-adjustable WP XACT monoshock mirroring the latest technology found in the full-size motocross range. Linked directly to the swingarm in a PDS format, the WP XACT monoshock has a different mounting point to the previous generations, allowing for a more compact rear shock design with a shorter stroke. This provides improved rider feedback and stability over larger jumps and rough tracks they say.

A notable update over the previous generation is a lower suspension travel of 289mm compared to 305mm on the previous model.

This is significant, they say, because it dramatically aids in controlling rebound and compression in the rear shock which in turn gives a more planted feel, better traction and overall handling.

Up front, the 2025 KTM 85 SX maintains the championship-proven and lightweight 43 mm WP XACT USD AER fork. Compared to the previous generation, the air pressure is tuned to 4.8 bar from the previous 5.0 bar for a smoother ride and suspension compliance.

Engine updates

An updated engine has improved power in the low and mid-rpm range and increased torque for performance thanks to a new cylinder head and spark plug, ignition, exhaust, shift drum, and updated carburettor settings.

Changes on the new generation KTM 85 SX extend to the overall looks with slimmer bodywork mimicking the full-sized SX range a helps with better contact with riders’ boots when standing up. New footpegs help too, plus a larger radiator and improved triple clamps round out the changes.

The new 2025 KTM 85 SX will be available in KTM Dealers from August.

More information: www.KTM.com