The YZ85 is the latest gem in the long line of Yamaha’s legenday 2-stroke motocross bikes. The latest YZ85 comes with the same advanced race-bred technology that goes into the company’s adult motocross machines, and for 2027 the package is further improved with engine and chassis updates to boost its competitiveness as well as increase usability and reliability while lowering running costs.
Winning made easier
There’s a reason why many of today’s pro riders started their careers on the YZ85 – the model has always had what it takes to launch careers. Now the YZ85 has been improved even further with a wider powerband thanks to intake updates, new carburettor settings and refined Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for smoother, predictable and useable power delivery across the rev range.
Power and handling alone are not enough, you also need durability and reliability. New materials for the cylinder head and the clutch as well as upgrades to the water pump, transmission and exhaust all make the YZ85 more reliable. With the added ease of use gained through the quick action throttle, new flywheel weight and engine updates, the YZ85 offers an outstanding racing package.
Features
Improved controllability
The 85cc liquid cooled engine has a more direct ride feel as the intake system gains Moto Tassinari’s VForce4R reed valve system. The exhaust system’s Yamaha Power Valve (YPVS) settings have also been revised. The resulting larger powerband improves rideability across the entire rev range and reduces clutch and gearshift frequency to make operation easier for younger riders.
Sharp acceleration
The clutch’s friction materials were changed and a judder spring added. This delivers an excellent feeling of control during starts and acceleration. Additionally, the engine’s improved usability leads to higher speeds when exiting corners. This makes young riders feel they have gotten faster, increasing their motivation to ride.
Increased reliability
New materials for the cylinder head and clutch, revisions to the transmission and water pump, and a new exhaust pipe spring all contribute to better reliability and subsequently reduce running costs.
Boost in competitiveness
Updates to the engine and chassis as well as the new quick-action throttle and revised transmission ratios have boosted the bike’s competitiveness in racing, with a wider powerband, faster corner exits, improved rideability and an overall easier ride feel.
Slim bodywork
The YZ85 is equipped with dynamic slimline bodywork inspired by the YZ125. Uniform and narrow radiator shrouds give an aggressive and balanced look that underlines the YZ85’s winning heritage. New bodywork fastening bolts reduce weight, increase air intake and make maintenance easier.
Flat seat and ergonomic fuel tank
A flat seat with new skin and ergonomic fuel tank allow for easy front/rear weight shifting for optimum control. The seat design accommodates a single bolt seat fixing, making routine maintenance easy and quick.
Revised frame
The new shape and thickness of engine brackets accommodate the new power characteristics, optimize rigidity and further improve reliability. A detachable aluminium rear subframe helps to keep the YZ85’s weight to a minimum and also contributes towards the bike’s lightweight agility by centralizing mass.
Aluminium swingarm
The YZ85 is equipped with an aluminium swingarm featuring a finely tuned rigidity balance that contributes towards chassis stability and helps to achieve high levels of rear wheel traction. New swingarm brackets optimize rigidity and add to reliability.
High-efficiency air intake system
The air filter intake mouth is now larger, allowing more air to flow through and increase power output at high rpm. The water drainage hole is also larger, improving response at low rpm. The air intake system incorporates side panels with large rear facing vents that are specifically designed to give a straight airflow into the engine’s airbox for high levels of intake efficiency and improved engine performance.
Fully adjustable 36mm KYB upside down front forks
Featuring specially machined one-piece tapered outer tubes to match the rigidity balance of the frame – and equipped with 36mm inner tubes – the upside down KYB front forks provide optimised damping settings. Combined with the fully adjustable low friction cartridge design, the YZ85 has the most sophisticated front fork design ever used on a youth YZ motocross bike.
Link-type Monocross rear suspension
Like the front forks, the Monocross rear suspension is directly descended from the advanced technology used on Yamaha’s factory race bikes. The aluminum swingarm activates the progressive link-type Monocross suspension to give 287mm of rear wheel travel, that can handle everything from washboard sections through to hard landings.
Self-cleaning wave discs
For powerful and controllable braking the YZ85 features self-cleaning wave type discs – with a 220mm front and 190mm rear. And for linear rear braking and plenty of feel there’s a one-piece rear master cylinder with a built-in sub-reservoir.
