2014 Kawasaki KX85 and KX100

The mini-moto segment is clearly on the rebound, led most recently by these two competition-oriented Kawasaki two-strokes: the KX85 and KX100.

If you think two-stroke technology has peaked, think again. Kawasaki says it has squeezed 20 percent more power out of the $4349 KX85 and placed an emphasis on low-end to midrange output. Besides a new integrated power valve and a revised combustion chamber, the engine benefits from a redesigned head gasket and crankshaft.

An updated steel perimeter chassis carries KYB suspension, with a 36mm compression-adjustable fork and a fully adjustable shock. Petal-type brake discs front and rear round out chassis highlights, while new styling and bodywork serve as icing on the cake.

The $4599 KX100 also gets a long list of updates, most significant being the more powerful new 99cc (4mm bigger bore than the KX85) two-stroke engine. As with the KX85, the suspension, brakes and bodywork have all been updated.