Together with our global team of talented, young test riders, we've developed what can only be described as an incredible 2-stroke motocross bike! From the new frame and WP shock to the improved motor and redesigned bodywork, just about everything is new, making for a seriously fresh MC 85 in 2025. As well as the increased performance, the riding experience is considerably improved too. Slimmer ergonomics and a handlebar bend created specifically for younger racers inspires confidence and makes laps at the track so much more enjoyable. The end result of all the changes is a bike that delivers incredible performance and rideability for such a small motorcycle. And if there's one thing that we can guarantee, it's that kids will absolutely love it!
GRAPHICS
Looking just like our full-size motocross bikes, the MC 85 is finished with the same style graphics. Applied to the all-red, ergonomic bodywork using in-mould technology, they'll never fade, peel, or scratch. So, this little ripper will look legit for quite some time. Topping off the look is the full gripper seat cover (in red, of course!) that features a unique texture for maximum grip for when you're either sat down and hard on the gas or up on the pegs and attacking the track.
BODYWORK
All-new from front to back! The bodywork may have changed massively for 2025 but our classic, bold red color remains. It's slimmer too, especially at the back of the bike, which means riders can move from seated to standing and back again with very little effort. Put simply, the MC 85 now offers a much improved riding experience and it's just a dream to ride. And to make sure the bike best fits the average height of the kids who'll ride it, the seat height is 871mm.
HANDLEBARS
The new, black-anodized aluminum handlebars really stand out, matching the graphics, rims, and silencer perfectly. But they've not been changed for cosmetic reasons. The bar bend has been designed specifically for kids so that they can always ride with maximum comfort and with a perfect technique. For total control and to give the MC 85 a full-size feel, the black ODI grips (as found on our full-sized bikes) are fitted to each model while a big bar pad protects the rider on heavy landings.
AIRBOX
New air ducts on the top side of the airbox deliver more air into the motor for maximum horsepower. Then, when it comes to checking out the Twin Air filter to see how dusty it is, the process remains the same. Simply pop the side panel off using your hands and if a fresh filter is needed, the fail-proof mounting design ensures a secure fitment for complete peace of mind.
FUEL TANK
With a new frame and bodywork comes a new fuel tank. The overall volume remains the same at around 5 liters, which is more than enough for the longest of track sessions. Then there's scaled down fuel cap like you'll find on our full-size bikes to tops things off.
FRAME
Knowing how good the frames are on the full-size GASGAS motocross bikes, our clever engineers set about transferring all the good stuff over to the new steel frame on the MC 85. We're talking straight-line stability, agility in the corners, and just the right amount of flex for maximum comfort. And it's safe to say that the end result is a huge step forward from the outgoing bike. Even the red frame protectors are new. Instead of a smooth finish, they now have a textured surface to help kids grip the bike better with their legs, which in turn helps to reduce fatigue.
SUBFRAME
Made from one piece of light and strong aluminum, the subframe plays an important role in creating slim ergonomics. It's also super compact too, which means it helps centralize mass, and that assists with the overall handling.
TRIPLE CLAMPS
For super smooth performance from the WP forks, the triple clamps align each leg perfectly. The clamps themselves are forged, rather than CNC machined, as this manufacturing process leads to a much more forgiving feel when riding. Put simply, they flex a little more and riders will definitely feel the benefit, especially on rough tracks. The only real change for 2025 is how the front number plate is mounted onto the top clamp. Other than that, the tried and tested triple clamps are as good as they come.
STEERING HEAD
When our engineers went to work on developing a new frame, one of their main focuses was on the bike's overall handling. So, the steering head angle is now half a degree flatter, and the steering stem has been brought back 6mm. With these changes, the MC 85 is now more stable at speed and capable of carving even tighter lines through the turns. Trust us, riders will love how this bike handles!
WP FORKS
To make sure the MC 85 remains perfectly balanced after we fitted a new WP XACT shock for 2025, the pressure inside the WP XACT AER forks has been reduced slightly to 4.8 bar/69.6psi. Something else that's new is that we've added a WP XACT Pro Components cartridge kit to our Technical Accessories range. So, you can now convert the air forks to spring forks at your local GASGAS dealership, if that's what your kid prefers.
WP SHOCK
With a new frame and subframe for 2025, we've equipped the MC 85 with a brand-new WP XACT shock. Shorter in overall length to balance the bike out even more than before to improve traction, handling, and stability, it's safe to say that the new shock is a real game changer. Plus, it's fully adjustable so the preload, compression, and rebound can all be fine-tuned for a personalized set-up. And thanks to our team of test riders, we know full well that the new WP shock is a welcome addition and that kids are gonna love it.
SWINGARM
If you guessed the MC 85 would have a new swingarm for 2025, you're correct! It is, however, still made from one piece of die-cast aluminum, but an improved casting process shaves off 300g. Because of the shorter WP shock and how its mounted, the swingarm now sits flatter than before and this helps youngsters to move more freely on the bike because the ergonomics are much improved. Also, a 20mm rear axle contributes to the refined flex characteristics of the new chassis while clear chain adjustment markings make setting chain tension easier than ever.
MOTOR
Hang with us, there's a lot going on with the MC 85 motor for 2025! It may look familiar, but there are plenty of important revisions that really change how this little ripper performs on track. Together, a new cylinder head, spark plug, and ignition boost power and torque in the low to mid-range while updated jetting settings and a new exhaust make sure the bike still sings when up high in the rev range. The motor is now positioned in the frame a little differently as it's rotated backwards three degrees from the same mounting point at the swingarm. That might not sound a lot, but this really helps distribute the weight of the motor to balance the bike out and creates a much more engaging ride. Finally, thanks in large part to the new components and a revised manufacturing process, the motor is 120g lighter than the old generation.
MOTOR
Making sure performance and reliability is never in doubt, the MC 85 is equipped with two different motor maps. The standard one is designed to work best on almost every kind of circuit, but when conditions get heavy or sandy, simply unplugging a connector under the fuel tank activates a richer map. To make this adjustment easier, we've introduced a handlebar-mounted Map Select Switch that's now available as a Technical Accessory. Once installed, it's then just a case of pressing a button on the bars to flip between the two maps to suit any track, quickly and easily.
CYLINDER & PISTON
The cylinder is designed around the innovative power valve system, which controls both the exhaust valve and the sub exhaust port for significantly enhanced power, torque and controllability. As a result, the MC 85 delivers significant mid-range performance reducing the need to use the clutch in loamy or sandy conditions.
TRANSMISSION
Ensuring riders can keep in the sweet spot of the power at all times, the MC 85 features a lightweight 6-speed transmission. Additionally, and similar to the ‘no dirt’ foot peg design, a self-cleaning gear selector prevents the build-up of dirt for complete control in all conditions.
CRANKSHAFT
Allowing the MC 85 motor to both rev free and deliver unsurpassed torque and reliability, the crankshaft is precisely balanced for minimal vibration and oscillating mass.
CRANKCASES
Our crankcases are manufactured using a high pressure die-cast production process, which keeps wall thickness to a minimum while retaining strength and durability. The compact design of the crankcases position the internal shaft arrangements as close as possible to the bike's center of gravity, further helping the bike's seriously impressive handling characteristics.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
A new bike is nothing without a new exhaust, right? And for 2025, what you'll find on the MC 85 is as good, if not better, than any aftermarket pipe out there. The expansion chamber is made with an all-new geometry to amplify the new motor's performance. It really does squeeze out maximum power as all welding seams on the inside have been removed, ensuring a completely unrestricted exhaust flow. And just take a look at that black anodized silencer!
CLUTCH
The MC 85 clutch is reliable and robust, ensuring that when the chequered flag is in site squeezing every last drop of power out of the MC 85's motor is super easy to do. Allowing riders to keep the revs high, the bike features a super lightweight hydraulic system by FORMULA, which removes the need for adjustment and delivers a consistent biting point. Internally the MC 85 has a diaphragm spring clutch, which is characterised by its single diaphragm steel pressure plate instead of traditional coil springs.
BRAKES
A redesigned rear brake master cylinder eliminates the old, minor problem of riders feeling it with their boot while riding. For 2025, that little annoyance is long gone. Otherwise, as the brakes were so good before, they're unchanged from the old model besides the new rear caliper bracket that's been brought in to fit the new swingarm.
RADIATOR
As scaled down versions of what's found on our full-size dirt bikes, the PANKL radiators are certainly up to the job of keeping the 85cc motor cool in all conditions. The coolant itself is channeled through the crankcases to really keep the bike running at the perfect temperature for both maximum performance and the very best reliability. Each radiator is housed inside protectors, that are also used to mount them onto the frame, for a super strong and durable fitment.
WHEELS & TIRES
It's safe to say that the black anodized EXCEL rims really pop against the red bodywork. Beyond the cool factor though, the rear wheel hub has been updated to fit inside the new swingarm and also features new bearing seals taken from our full-size dirt bikes. The front wheel is carried over from the old generation. Just like before, both wheels (front 19"/rear 16") are wrapped with MAXXIS MAXXCROSS MX-ST rubber as the tread pattern and compound combine to deliver outstanding traction and stability on the widest variety of circuits.
FOOTPEGS
To give kids the control they need, the all-new footpegs are considerably bigger for 2025 for maximum grip. They're also lighter despite being larger, thanks to an updated die-casting process. And, they're designed to prevent mud from building up. A new mounting style brings the pegs closer to the center of the bike, which means they're less likely to catch on the edges of deep ruts.
