stroke SHOOTOUT
JUNE 2014 / MOTOCROSS ACTION 75
ride brand-new bikes for free?
Our selected group of mini cycle
test riders ranged from 10 to 15
years old. They were as short as
4 foot 7 and as tall as 5 foot 4. Skill
levels ranged from local Amateur to
top-tier National Expert. During our
shootout, the four testers were able
to make any changes they wanted
to each bike, just as long as aftermarket modifications weren’t added.
They could spin as many laps as
they wanted. At the end of testing,
they were asked to rate each bike
in a variety of categories and pick
an overall winner. Interestingly, their
results were congruent.
We feel compelled to explain why
the Honda CRF150R and Suzuki
RM85 aren’t included in our 2014
MXA 85cc two-stroke shootout. The
CRF150R, which has been on the
market since 2007, is considered a
Super Mini and isn’t eligible for 85cc
competition at the AMA level. As for
the Suzuki RM85, it is still available
to the public but is sold as a 2012
model, which means that Suzuki has
all but given up hope in the 85cc
two-stroke market. Evidently, their
sole interest is in clearing out their
2012 RM85 inventory.
Without further ado, read on to
find out how the 2014 Kawasaki
KX85, KTM 85SX, Yamaha YZ85
and Husqvarna TC85 fared on the
motocross playground. Note that
the winning steed might not be the
best choice for your particular Ryan
Villopoto Junior, but each bike has
its charms, as well as its warts.
Choose wisely.
