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