VERTEX piston kit for KAWASAKI KX 85 from 2001 to 2025

VERTEX offers this piston kit for KAWASAKI KX 85 from 2001 to 2025. The piston slides in the cylinder and takes the force of the air-fuel combustion, passing it to the connecting rod and crankshaft.

Why choose a cast piston?

A cast piston is made by pouring liquid aluminium into a mould: it is what most manufacturers fit as standard, especially on two-strokes.

• High-silicon alloy: it expands little, is fitted with tight clearance and stays quiet when cold.
• Good wear resistance of the skirt and ring grooves.
• Lower price than a forged piston, for OEM quality in normal use.
• Limit: less tolerant of overheating and highly tuned engines.

Why choose VERTEX?

Vertex has made its pistons in Italy since 1953 and has supplied KTM’s original pistons since 1996: molybdenum-disulphide coated skirt and Japanese rings. Its two-stroke pistons are cast from an 18 % silicon alloy.

When should you replace the piston on your KAWASAKI KX 85 I 17/14?

Harder starting, loss of power, blue smoke, oil consumption or a knock when cold: these are the signs of a tired top end.

No manufacturer hour figure for this model. Cross-Mania guideline: compression check every 15 h in hard use and every 30 h for leisure.

Specifications and fitting tips

• Contents: Cast Replica Piston, 1 x Compression Ring, Wrist Pin, Circlips
• Displacement: 85 cm³
• Cylinder bore: 48.50 mm
• Piston diameter: 48.45 mm
• Piston material: Aluminium alloy, Cast
• Skirt coating: Molybdenum disulphide
• Piston heat-treated with T-5 hardening and tempering cycle

Cross-Mania tip: Measure the cylinder bore before ordering: the piston must match your cylinder size. Follow the manufacturer's break-in procedure and replace the top-end gaskets at the same time.

Also needed with this part

• Top-end gasket kit : CENTAURO 85 L · PROX
• Spark plug : NGK
• 2-stroke oil : LIQUI MOLY 1 L 3065 · LIQUI MOLY 1 L 3063
• Air filter : TWIN AIR 151009 · TWIN AIR 151009DC

Compatibility

Check the exact model and year of your bike in the list below before ordering.

Fits:
KAWASAKI KX 85 2025
KAWASAKI KX 85 2024
KAWASAKI KX 85 2023
KAWASAKI KX 85 2022
KAWASAKI KX 85 2021
KAWASAKI KX 85 2020
KAWASAKI KX 85 2019
KAWASAKI KX 85 2018
KAWASAKI KX 85 2017
KAWASAKI KX 85 2016
KAWASAKI KX 85 2015
KAWASAKI KX 85 2014
KAWASAKI KX 85 2013
KAWASAKI KX 85 2012
KAWASAKI KX 85 2011
KAWASAKI KX 85 2010
KAWASAKI KX 85 2009
KAWASAKI KX 85 2008
KAWASAKI KX 85 2007
KAWASAKI KX 85 2006
KAWASAKI KX 85 2005
KAWASAKI KX 85 2004
KAWASAKI KX 85 2003
KAWASAKI KX 85 2002
KAWASAKI KX 85 2001