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KTM · Two-stroke single, premix, chain drive

SX 85

Library entry covers 2003-2025

36 factory 52 guideline

Published source

KTM 85 SX 2020 Owner's Manual (3213998en), chapter 9 Service schedule (PDF pp.33-34)

Factory source. Covers KTM Owner's Manual 2020 85 SX (Art. no. 3213998en), MY2020 only; other years not compared.

88 items for a 2004 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Two-stroke
Engine lubrication: Two-stroke premix (oil in fuel)
Oil filtration: None (no filter)
Valve gear: None (two-stroke porting)
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Single carburetor
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Separate gearbox oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Chain
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, single shock / cantilever
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Spoked, tubed
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

2004 KTM SX 85

On the road: every 150 mi

1 item

Check two-stroke oil tank / carry premix oil

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Running a two-stroke out of oil seizes it. Injection bikes: check the tank. Premix: carry oil and a measure.

On the road: every 300 mi

3 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Lubricate drive chain

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Lube warm, ideally at the end of the riding day so it soaks in overnight. Sooner after rain.

On the road: every 500 mi

1 item

Check coolant level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 600 mi

1 item

Check chain slack and rear wheel alignment

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 1,000 mi or 6 months

1 item

Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 2,000 mi or 12 months

1 item

Replace spark plugs (two-stroke)

Engine

Guideline

Every 3,000 mi or 12 months

11 items

Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean fuel tap filter / sediment bowl

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean drive chain thoroughly (remove and soak, re-lube)

Final drive

Guideline

Non O-ring chains on old machines: remove, clean, soak in hot chain grease or lube, refit with the master link clip closed end leading.
Inspect chain and sprockets for wear (measure stretch)

Final drive

Guideline
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Guideline
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Guideline
Check spoke tension and wheel true

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 3,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Decarbonize exhaust ports, pipes and baffles

Engine

Guideline

Two-strokes coke up the exhaust port and muffler baffles; power falls off gradually.

Every 4,000 mi or 12 months

2 items

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 6,000 mi or 12 months

8 items

Inspect coolant hoses and clamps

Engine

Guideline
Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Clean carburetor float bowl(s), check float level and jets

Fuel and air

Guideline

Ethanol fuel varnishes old carbs quickly in storage.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 10,000 mi or 2 years

2 items

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline
Change gearbox oil

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi or 2 years

3 items

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean and grease rear suspension linkage

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 15,000 mi or 3 years

1 item

Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 16,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Replace spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 18,000 mi

1 item

Replace chain and sprockets (wear based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 20,000 mi or 4 years

2 items

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Guideline

Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.
Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 25,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 30,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 10 h

2 items

Spark plug and plug connector (change)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 10 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Minor engine service: inlet membrane, clutch; under difficult conditions change piston and check cylinder and Z dimension (recommended)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 10 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.

Every 20 h or 12 months

1 item

Rear brake fluid (change; recommended)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 12 months, and marked every 20 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.

Every 20 h

25 items

Antifreeze and coolant level (check)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Final check and test ride

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Gear oil (change)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Idle speed (check)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Rim run-out (check)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours; not marked for every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Safety-relevant screws and nuts (check tightness)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Air filter and air filter box (clean)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Hoses and sleeves: fuel, cooling, bleeder, drainage (check for cracks, leaks, routing)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Chain, sprockets and chain guide (check); chain tension (check)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Moving parts such as hand levers and chain (grease and check)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Fork bearing and heim joint play (check)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 20 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Steering head bearing play (check)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours; not marked for every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Frame and swingarm (check)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Brake discs (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours; not marked for every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Brake lines for damage and leakage (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Foot brake cylinder sealing cup (change)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Foot brake lever and hand brake lever free travel (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Front and rear brake linings (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Rear and front brake fluid levels; hydraulic clutch fluid level (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Spoke tension (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Tire condition and pressure (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Wheel bearing play and wheel hubs (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Cables: damage and routing (check)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours, then every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Intermediate engine service: change piston, check cylinder, Z dimension and exhaust control (recommended)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 20 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Throttle cables: condition, routing and setting (check)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 20 hours and after every race. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.

Every 40 h or 12 months

1 item

Carburetor components (check and adjust; recommended)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 40 hours or every 12 months. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.

Every 40 h

4 items

Main muffler glass fiber yarn filling (change)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 40 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Major engine service with engine removal: change connecting rod, conrod bearing, crank pin and all engine bearings; check transmission and shift mechanism (recommended)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 40 hours. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Fork (service)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 10 hours (recommended), then every 40 hours (required). Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Shock absorber (service)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): once after 20 hours (recommended), then every 40 hours (required). Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 12 months

3 items

Hydraulic clutch fluid (change; recommended)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 12 months. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Steering head bearing (grease; recommended)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 12 months. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.
Front brake fluid (change; recommended)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Service schedule, chapter 9 (manual pp.31-32, PDF pp.33-34): every 12 months. Columns as printed: once after 10 operating hours (open circle) or every 10 operating hours (filled), every 20 operating hours, every 40 operating hours, after every race; recommended work adds every 12 months. Different intervals may apply depending on country and operating conditions.

Every 2 years

4 items

Replace coolant

Engine

Guideline
Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Guideline

Every 4 years

3 items

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Guideline

Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.
Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Guideline
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Guideline

Every 6 years

2 items

Replace inner tubes and rim tape with tires

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.