YZ85

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.