As with all of the 2004 RM motocross bikes, the class-dominating RM85 and its big wheel brother (RM85L) have all-new Champion Yellow No. 2 graphics.

The RM85L big-wheel version is suitable for taller riders, with 19 and 16-inch front and rear wheels versus the standard version's 17 and 14-inch front and rear wheels.

The RM85's high-revving, 48x46.8mm, 84.7cc reed-valve engine, already completely redesigned, makes more than enough power and torque to be competitive, with dual one-piece oval-shaped exhaust-port valves for improved low-rpm power. It now features a 50-mm extended silencer for longer service intervals.

Changes to the rear shock absorber of the RM85 include a new setting which allows for a stronger damping force at low piston speed and a reshaped cushion rubber, while a new piston ring, new SS25 rear shock oil, and a Kashima coating inside the damper case increase the stability of the bike.

The 2004 Suzuki RM85 has new front and rear brake pads for increased stopping power, and heat-treated front and rear brake pad pins.

Wheel durability of the RM85 is enhanced through redesigned front wheel spokes and nipples, and thicker wheel nipples - the RM85 now equipped with harder material front wheel rim already found on the RM85L's 19" front rim.

A triangle-type prop stand eliminates the bolt-on side stand and bracket to reduce weight

Like its bigger brothers, the RM85 has an aluminium-alloy cylinder bore plated with Suzuki's own race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating (SCEM, or Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material). SCEM is lighter, lasts longer and transfers heat better than a conventional cast-iron cylinder liner, allowing closer piston clearance for better sealing and more power.

Big-end bearing thrust-washers add to crankshaft durability and reduce engine vibration, and the Keihin PE28 carburettor not only delivers smooth throttle response but is also designed to be easily rejetted.

The RM85's single-backbone, double-cradle frame is made of high-tensile-strength steel tubing with inverted cartridge front forks and an extruded aluminium-alloy single-shock swingarm.

Front fork compression and rebound damping are adjustable, with 20 compression damping positions and three turns of rebound damping adjustment.

The rear shock is fully adjustable for spring preload with four compression damping positions and 16 rebound damping settings. Front wheel travel is 275mm and rear-wheel travel is 278mm.

While the RM85 and big-wheel RM85L share the same engine and frame, there are detail chassis changes to accommodate the RM85L's larger wheels.

The RM85L has a longer swingarm (512mm versus 482mm), and a longer wheelbase (1280mm versus 1240mm).

The 'K3' big wheel RM85L is due to arrive in September 2003 while the smaller wheel RM85 is due a month later in October.