DIRTBIKE

146 | APRIL 2016 http://www.adbmag.com.au

THEBACKEND |2015 KX85 V 1983 KX80 KIDS’ COMPARO

to move around on, but I couldn’t move on
to the front of the seat because of the shape.
The seat wasn’t slippery, despite looking it,
it is just weird because the bike felt smaller
through my legs and then gradually got
bigger. The seat was really fat. It felt like you
were sitting on a couch. The seat was really
nice, it was really soft.
ADB: So you didn’t like the way the seat met
thetank? What was it like riding a bike that
has a steel petrol tank?
CB: Thereis certainly a big difference
between the two bikes, where the tank meets
the seat. The 2015 KX85 seems quite long,
whereas the old tank and seat feels really
short. The 1983 KX80 prevents you from
feeling like you’ve got full grip with your
knees. And there’s no way you’re going to get
to ride the petrol cap on the 1983 KX80 or
at least get close to the front of the bike in
corners. You’re about 10cm off.
ADB: So what about the dated ergonomics?
CB: The levers just felt like stock ones. They
were a little longer, which meant you had
more room for your hands. I liked the levers.

12

34

1983 KX80

TRICK STUFF

The bike was largely stock, but it did require a

considerable amount of restoration. Aaron Meyer, from

Meyer Racing, did the work and did a very impressive job.

The bike was faultless all day, and ran like a new one.

THANKS TO

• Kawasaki Australia
  (for parts it had in stock)


• Pirelli Extra X tyres


• RK chain


• Motul Oils


• Bolt Motorcycle Hardware


• F1 Moto


• ProX Racing


• Wossner Pistons


• Winderosa Gaskets


• Werribee Sandblasting


• Smashmasters Geelong
  (for the paint job)