Racer X Tested: CR85cc

Honda said enough to two-strokes in 2007 and has not looked back. While most of us bigger guys seem to really enjoy that four-stroke power, there is not a lot of options for kids nowadays. Kids can really benefit from riding a two-stroke, and we all know the cost benefits when it comes to maintenance. Honda had a great 85cc bike from 03-07, with the 06-07 being the best. You can still find great deals on some low mileage CR85's out there. We found this very clean one on craigslist for under $700. With just a little TLC, and not too much money, it is ready to hit the track.
The key in finding a good used bike is trying to find one that was just trail ridden, like this one, and never raced. If it still has the stock top-end on it, even better.
Since this bike was not abused, it just needed a new top-end, a good cleaning, and it was ready to go. Since this bike is ending up with Jay Clark's kid, in this case, he felt it best to add on some good performance and go fast parts.
What we got is a great, low-cost, entry level racer that would be great on the local level for most riders.
A Vertex Piston and V-Force reed cage are the extent of the engine mods. A FMF pipe and shortly silencer help the bike to really bark.
The suspension was freshened up with some new Pivot Works bearings and seals.
Vertex Pistons www.vertexpistons.com 515-270-2302
Pro Replica Piston kit (ring, pin and clips)
Cometic Gasket www.cometic.com 800-752-9850
Top End engine gasket kit
FMF Racing www.fmfracing.com 310-631-4363
Fatty chrome exhaust
Shorty Silencer
MotoTassinari www.mototassinari.com 603.298.6646
V-Force Reed Cage
CV4 www.cv4.net 800-874-1223
Formed Silicone Coolant hoses in red

Pivot Works www.pivotworks.com 515-402-8000
Steering stem bearing kit
Fork Rebuild kit
Shock rebuild kit
Motosport Outlet www.motosport.com 888-676-8853
All mod parts are available directly from motosport.com at even more
Uni Filter www.unifilter.com 714-535-6933
Two-Stage air filter
Renthal www.renthal.com 877-736-8425
Front and rear sprocket
R1 Works Chain
Mini Bars
Dual compound grips
Dunlop Tire www.dunlopmotorcycle.com 800-845-8378
MX 51 front
MX 51 rear
MX Plastics www.mxplastic.com 800-843-8244
All new Plastic kit
DeCal Works www.decalmx.com 815-784-4000
Semi-Custom Graphics kit
Pre printed number plates backgrounds
Moto Seat www.motoseat.com 951-258-5229
Custom Cool seat cover
Works Connection www.worksconnection.com 1-800-349-1475
Elite Clutch Perch
Radiator Brace
Stand
Silkolene www.silkoleneusa.com 817-581-8616
Lubricants and Oil
ThreeBond www.threebond.com 513-779-7300
TB-1211 Sealant used no exhaust flange and exhaust pipe
TB-1501C Grip lock

[@still_life8124]

Yep this was my first 2-stroke back when I was 11. Was awesome fun ! Loved my 03 cr85

[@laserborn9612]

Why do so many people say that you should look for a bike that has never been raced? In my mind all you want is a bike that has been raced alot because that usually means that the people that raced it will have taken care of the bike,(changing oil, cleaning airbox/filter) compared to someone who has just ridden in trails and around a farm area, and because they have just ridden it casually they are less likely to change oil at the right intervals or even done anything to the engine. So i would rather say: "Buy a bike that has been raced!"

[@jasontimbers5907]

Yeah, but racers would wear out the bearings, chain, engine a lot faster than casually riding around the farm

[@laserborn9612]

Jason Timbers yeah, but they would also take better care of it, so they would likely do all the maintenance that is needed to keep the bike safe. And, I do not know of a single person who has sold their bike without sending it on service where the check all that. But then again i just buy bikes that have been sold via my local dealer.

[@hreindustries]

Becuase then it is worn down and used harder before

[@laserborn9612]

m1ke2001 Yeah of course but again, who would check their air filter, clean their chain and clean the brakes after every casual ride around a trail?

[@laserborn9612]

Little update: I recently bought a CRF150RB and the previous owners(a relatively professional rider) replaced everything before selling, the frame had gone about 150 hours but the parts that actually matter had been replaced and or checked(front/rear/steering bearings, piston components, clutch, cables, suspension and so on and so forth), which not everyone does when selling but the components have a much better chance of being taken well care of. Others opinion: forum.dirtrider.com/discussion/8752610/buying-a-raced-bike/p1

[@NeXis178]

Honestley I would rather have a raced bike over one that has been trail ridden, usally racers take care of there bikes.

[@collinsundby6537]

Mathew Woods well a lot of the time racers can’t get the original stock parts if some break and racing is very expensive so if you can get them as stock as possible it will run a lot better and be less of a hassle.

[@collinsundby6537]

SonsyWhale most racers don’t go for extremely high dollar aftermarket parts. I have raced before and I have seen some bad parts people have chucked on their bikes. Sure it will work for a little while but you probably don’t want to have to get a new part for your bike right after you buy it.

[@officialsl1m309]

Im a racer and tbh we just hold the bikes wide open youre better of with a new bike or one that you know about like a friend's old bike

[@officialsl1m309]

@@collinsundby6537 thats not true most racers spen alot of money and time to get their bikes how they like them so no one is going to use cheap parts i have hgs pipe race tech suspension and vertex top end also got high end race reads

[@sawyercarlston5105]

Yes but the people who race them ride them harder

[@kimmadsen4893]

i'm 17 and i think this bike still goes fast enough, and i've also tried a 250 2 stroke, but this is fast enough

[@OJcperformance]

but not tall enough

[@noahwheeler9669]

Tyler Langill that's why there's a big wheel

[@kimmadsen4893]

Im not the tallest guy tho

[@tomsharpe8181]

Noah Wheeler I'm about 5'2-5'3 and I have a big wheel yz85 which fits fine, if a little small

[@josephsedillo8319]

Im in my 20s i have 06 cr85 and its fast enough to keep up with most bikes out there. Make it a supper mini

[@nicholiwheeless]

Props to the kid. Excellent form. Liked watching him in the woops.

[@PickedFirst4Kickball]

first 2 stroke I ever owned was a kx85. great bike braj. that was a major turning point for me. all I would recommend is an fmf pipe, and an aftermarket suspension. in a straight race, the quatros won't touch you

[@vicoprelogar8916]

I ride a ktm 65 (I'm 4'7 80 pounds) and I love the bike but I hate being the one little kid at the track because he's not tall enough for an 80/85. All my friends are 5'0+ and j need somethings like this. If I lower the suspension, can I fit?

[@6thGearSmacked]

I just bought a 01 CR125 for real cheap, 4 strokes are so expensive all around. Its so much cheaper to get a 2 stroke, easy to maintain too.

[@skopetekzg7756]

That kid was ripping that 85 awesome riding !!!

[@jasonstewart4990]

im 9 and 4' 3" do you think I can fit a maico 700?

[@julenarrate2729]

yes, great starter bike

[@spedler61]

H E L L N O.

[@kx250braap]

Yes perfect fit just make sure to run the purple power band otherwise you will do a double instead of a single backflip by accident

[@potatoe0.540]

Dont look nine shorty

[@7pines77]

Well, you’re 12 now and still shouldn’t consider a 700 yet. Best of luck 👍

[@MotoBuilds]

I'm a saggy ol granny, hips about to collapse, I'm 3'6" what bike should I get?

[@treesapproductions9531]

honda crf 12cc

[@Nthegr-sc1it]

Treesap Productions aka my weed eater

[@tidepods3182]

Cr500

[@brickstreetbakery]

Laid

[@boinman6799]

Cr500 definitely

[@loganhawkins8085]

That sounds really good for a used bike and with all the new plastic and sticker kit

[@theaussiehunter1411]

They are a weapon I got one they are not a beginner or novice bike the suspension is amazing on them

[@michaelholden8667]

Great looking bike nice the way you fixed it up its awesome sounds great great looking bike keep the great work up Mike holden said that out of North Carolina

[@cameronsk2952]

We're did u get the numbers and fork gaurd graphics ? Thanks )sick bike !!!!!

[@hreindustries]

How do you get the yellow dunlop letters on the tire? My mx52's never have yellow lettering for my crf150 :(

[@beastheist8696]

I love my 2005 cr85rb 🥰 beautiful

[@gabrielgrdesic181]

How high is the ''chair'' (sorry i dont know how to say that) from the ground?

[@Wozney]

I know this is a late reply, but I totally agree with you. I'm looking to get into racing and the prices of bikes here in Canada are crazy! It'd almost be better to drive over the border, buy a bike, and come back.

[@milliefairley1763]

I have a cr 80 unsure what year, i think around 2002 or something. I was wondering if the plastics would fit from a cr 85 as i cannot find anything for a cr 80. Any reply would be good

[@crossmaniafr5814]

Millie Fairley yes you can do it you have to change the petrol tank

[@D.Ashlaw117]

I payed $1400 for my 2005 cr85rb. All it needed was a rear hub which was $300 but I found a whole new rim with everything for $200 all I had to do was bolt it on the bike. Stock plastics still looked new. And its never been rebuilt and It runs better than my friends 2013 yz125. Its had the hell rode out of it by the previous owner who bought it new

[@pawpawdave1]

Ok so I've got a pimped bike just like this one and I was curious on how much I could get out of it? I've got about 1600 in the bike you guys think I could get 2k for it?

[@blox.brayden6179]

Dirtbike Dave yeah

[@craze9778]

It depends on what frame engine size what brand how big it is fast torque and if it’s air cooled or water cooled if u at least have a Honda 85 or a Honda 80 then I think u could get 2500$

[@Metalmaister]

@@craze9778 wtf😂

[@PickedFirst4Kickball]

I watched a few of your videos dude. that's a rad bike

[@hunternorton5529]

Honda needs to make the 85cc in 2020

[@calebcyr9187]

for all the ppl in the chat wondering bout sizes and weights, im 5'8 and weight 160 and this bike can still pulls me around, i have the big wheel version and my friend has the small wheel version, maybe his bike is shot or something but we both agree mine is more powerfully, (slightly) but ya this pulls me around, i think once u start creaping around or above 180 pounds and above 5'8 get a 125 for sure but if u weight less than 180 and are shorter than 5'8ish than u will still have fun on this bike, its peppy, not top end, mine tacks out at 60 but it can get there relatively fast.

[@578_]

+caleb cyr when I was 5' 8" 160lbs I was on a 250f, you girls need to grow some balls and get a bigger bike unless you guys are like circus clowns that ride really small bikes and do little wheelies and shit, and you must be high as shit thinkin a 85 will do 60mph wit a guy 160lbs on it, prolly does about 40mph top speed with you on it,,

[@codybrown5640]

How much did it cost to put all these parts on the bike?

[@HybridEdits]

me neither. I just sold my 06 DRZ 125 for a 99" RM 125. And its a HELL of a difference. So MUCH more power and snap.

[@tmoore6931]

I own a 2001 cr80rb and i love this bike soo much a lot like the bike in the video

[@liamsrad6658]

that sound OMG!

[@Mr.AllAlone]

What size front an rear wheels did you use???

[@reclaimingtherepublic8916]

CR85's are now collector items...

[@beastheist8696]

What are your smoking

[@sawyertilley1026]

what no

[@evansteinert]

I got one

[@kaedancav7448]

I'm (5"4) and ride a 100 4 stroke I'm wanting to get a two stroke what should I get?

[@ajsracing2455]

Great bike I race a cr85r and it’s awesome

[@eindein5031]

My Dream bike

[@Crewzabikelife]

i am in love with 2 stroke sound,i dont know why

[@Adam-vy4ux]

because they sound amazing with someone that knows how to ride one...... i love them too!!!!

[@djelliott7036]

Im 17 and 6'1 and was thinking about getting a bike when I get paid I've ridden before but I wouldn't say I'm really experienced should I get a 85 2 stroke or 125 4 stroke? I'd be using the bike for trail riding

[@theleviathan451]

Yo I'm 6'2 and tried to ride an 85 and my knees were almost to the bar and standing up I had to slouch to hang on, I'd go with a 125 man

[@warmpankake962]

Those are both extremely small for ur height.

[@djelliott7036]

+Emmett Gyhra I might get a 200cc blaster bored over to a 250cc and it's got a wide back axle instead of the bikes

[@warmpankake962]

okay

[@landonu12]

just got an 06 rm 250 :D long live 2 strokes!!!

[@masonwolstenholm9995]

Mine has been raced and it runs great

[@storm5013]

You will grow out of the size, and power of the TTR-125 quite fast and may be wanting a more powerful bike, but it is very reliable and requires barely any maintenance (It is also very good on gas). The CR85 will be a bit taller and will have loads more power, and will be much more fun, but it does require more maintenance since it is a liquid cooled race bike. The CR85 should fit you just about perfect at your height and If I were you, and the bike you are looking at is nice, I would get it.

[@lolalhipnotic69]

hi i have a old 1986 cr 80 im trying to see what motor can fit the frame do you no of any motors compatible

[@Brockt1198]

+Alfred Coleman a 1986 cr80 motor will fit

[@Madfishfingerboards]

Honda is the best in my opinion i dont talk shit about others cuz ive only ridden honda never once at100% had a problem but for now honda for life

[@KenyonPayne]

That thing sounds so mean for a stock bike! lots of rpm, I love my 08 yz 125 :)

[@goldcanon21]

Also How Much Did it cost to run this setup on the honda?

[@hh1h_334]

Shop near me is selling a 4600 mile 04 CR85 Expert asking 2500........

[@jpaul5387]

I wish you could still get them for 700 bucks lol a 2003 cr85 is a 1500 at the bare minimum usually from the 100s I've been looking at on Facebook marketplace the last 8 months. Paid 1600 for an 03 and it was rebuilt and suspension rebuilt with receipts all in the month I bought it

[@gangsterkid2232]

That bike is sick, BRAAAP

[@joaotereso6466]

What premix is best for this bike?

[@kydn4858]

I’m 5’7 what’s a good starter bike for me?

[@hawthams5935]

I think i would rather get a bike that has been raced because you know its been maintained well

[@sylvesterwilliams8080]

Sounds beautiful

[@kylerosa3208]

Bike sounds perfect

[@yarkdizzy4488]

Kid was rippin'

[@WhosXem]

Sick bike lads!

[@Wozney]

Yeah I guess. But from my experiences on Craigslist, they don't always have the bikes you're looking for or whatever.

[@Gunsmokezion]

I’m thinking about getting one I’m about to be 11 and I’m 4,10 you guys think it’ll be a good bike for me?

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

Too big

[@conster4441]

im in the same spot im planing on going 125. because my freind has an 85 to teach me on. if you know any one who has an 85 lean on it first. if u get a 85 make sure its a big wheel that way it will fit you better

[@Madfishfingerboards]

holy shit this things amazing i got one yesterday and my god... then i woke up

[@LogicModding2003]

is this a good bike for me im 5 foot and ive been riding for 2 years but my bike right know is broken

[@michaelholden8667]

I have a 2014 yz 85 turned in to a 112cc super mini modified too the max best of the best bike was 4 thousand dollars used but like new than put 5 thousand dollars in motor not including new oversize radiator racing reeds Hinson racing clutches Mika racing sprockets front and rear Mika racing handle bars all new plastic color radiator hoses red fmf complete muffler system over size foot pegs talon hubs racing rims and Dunlop mx geomax 52 tires too much too list just got the 2019 yz 85cc new motor with power valve fastest yz made and it's stock gonna leave it that way over 12 thousand dollars in the super mini gonna keep it so awesome there's not another one like it luv the new one it won't but 4500 dollars off the show room floor last week I got it get one of them you will luv it awesome bike very very fast

[@paranormal7248]

$4500 for an 80?!?! Geez mx keeps getting more expensive 😭😭😭

[@michaelholden8667]

You are telling me it is 4500 I mutually agree with you it's a bad ass bike keep that bike don't sell it be better T9 It's bad ass like the video sat there are hard to find keep it there hard to find talk with you later my friend Mike holden said that

[@michaelholden8667]

That's right it's all good talk with you later take care

[@472max]

dude I sold all my 2013 ktms this year for 2000 each.i had 4 they got a cr 85 2007 for 700 that pretty real. a 2010 yz 85 goes for 1000

[@masonhorn7942]

Was this a big wheel cr85

[@dirtbikerider2007]

looking at a 2007 cr85rb I'm wondering if they are good and long lasting bikes plz reply

[@TheAdoreZodiac]

yeah

[@simonxbroman]

was it worth?

[@joshuaharris9853]

Haha ya i have the same bike and they are incredibly durable! I recommend getting one

[@quinm6785]

most Hondas are very durable

[@dashiesorenge5189]

Expansion chamber wasn't bolted on??

[@kevinfoley7644]

This kid could hit the corners harder but other wise he is not bad

[@jonny1721]

How much are the vforce reeds i might be getting one and racing

[@MrPigroaster]

Is this any good for a big guy?

[@seriousclasher7415]

I’m 5 10 and 180 lbs. what bike should I get?

[@user-hl3pd5pu6j]

Serious Clasher 125

[@patrickfarley9546]

i got a 2008 rm85 with race tech suspion, full fmf, pr2 links, extended swing arm and v force reeds, so i dont know what ur talking about

[@kazz6252]

Do more of the super minis

[@PickedFirst4Kickball]

still riding my 2004 RM250. I have no desire whatsoever to own a 4 stroke

[@chrisrider28]

What track is this and where is it??

[@goldcanon21]

Hey guys I have a 2005 ktm 85sx and was wondering if a fixed up honda such as this one would be any better (faster), Thanks...

[@SamRc3]

still rockin' the 01' YZ 80

[@Skobutny37]

that kid's a beast!

[@crf100]

tm85 is a really good 85 also the older huski 85 are good but if you want a Japanese 85 go with the cr or yz

[@quandale61]

I just got a KTM 65 sx 2 stroke! It can go so fast!

[@TheLegomaster721]

I have one too I started to hit third gear it goes really fast.

[@hturk1904]

+Taylor Anderson. Bu0

[@lamarpollard8173]

How much do you want for that bike

[@JuniorPros118]

im on a 02' CR250. 2 strokes ftw.

[@honda2144]

I have one of these things that I race it's so raw

[@liftedJ33P]

i ride a built 1996 cr250 at my local track and i'm destrying the new 4 strokrd

[@allwaysracing1987]

is it big wheel ?

[@MrSkates360]

thanks but also have been looking at a crf150r or f witch i think will probably be the best for me

[@wibrandonm]

Is it any bigger than the 80cc dirtbike

[@SamChapman_10]

Sick bike!!!

[@wtv_dom2511]

Im 12 and about 5ft tall would bike fit me and if not what bike would

[@pablosoares9111]

I have 15 years and I run in the CRF 230 , I am the Brazil

[@pablosoares9111]

no speak good the English , but ...

[@TheCrossChannel]

Where is this? why don't we have tracks like these in Holland,

[@ethanhill7294]

I'm 5'2 is this a good bike to get or nah

[@RiepkeSmith]

Yes for your hight but u also have to take into consideration several other factors.

[@danielreyes7732]

I'm 5'11 but a beginner Is this a good bike for me?

[@adamcryer5990]

Daniel Reyes 5'11 is too big for an 85

[@TheLegomaster721]

you probably want a 150 big wheel if you that tall and a beginner.

[@danielreyes7732]

Thanks

[@danielreyes7732]

But I weigh about 170 pounds. Can it pull me.

[@rafaelarce-rodriguez9691]

+Daniel Reyes a 65cc has enough power to pull you it just doesn't have that much speed the higher cc the faster the bike

[@goldcanon21]

You guys need to make another 85 video.

[@Lukester292]

I'm literally about to buy this bike that's in the video... the EXACT ONE

[@ALLCOMPTON]

How much did it cost you?

[@Lukester292]

Cruz C the guy wanted $2200, I offered $1900, he took it. I sold it later for $2,200. The bike is worth much more however.

[@ALLCOMPTON]

@@Lukester292 ok cool.. I'm looking to buy my first bike & trying to find a sweet deal on a 85 2 stroke.

[@Lukester292]

Cruz C gotcha. I would shoot for at or below $2k, it’s not really necessary to spend more than that

[@joshbeyblade]

Probably a good bike you'll fit on its

[@maxbruce4220]

What year is it

[@kawie1001]

wow that is a really cool cr85 I was always told they are mean little suckers :)

[@Scrallex]

I feel you brother. I ride an 04 KX125, nothing better than beating up on the spoiled brats on their modded out fourstrokes :)

[@Raymond-os8uo]

I'm 5'4 can i touch the ground with my feets ? Nice ride

[@braydenwentworth8789]

Yeah you could.

[@Raymond-os8uo]

Thanks bro

[@Scrallex]

It's worth $2400 now, but you don't know what it looked like before. They bought it for $700, but stuff like faded plastic and rotted tires can make a bike look like junk and made it worth less.

[@michaelmaher9954]

What size bars and what bend

[@neylenramirez9313]

I'm 5'1 this would be great right

[@TheLegomaster721]

small wheel, probably. get you legs compared to bike because the height from ground to top of seat is 32 inches.

[@motomobber317]

Sounds good