Yamaha YZ65 specifications
Yamaha · Youth motocross
Dirt Bike Magazine says the YZ65's motor is like a resized Yamaha YZ125, with a mechanical power valve, a manual clutch and a six-speed gearbox, and that the manual clutch is cable-actuated. Its young test riders said it felt wider and taller than the bikes they were used to. It notes that most young riders spend only a year or two racing a 65, and hand-me-downs satisfy the demand for play bikes.
Yamaha YZ65
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 65cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted |
| Displacement | 65cc |
| Bore x stroke | 43.5x43.6 mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.1~9.6:1 |
| Front suspension travel | 8.5 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 10.6 in |
| Front brake | Hydraulic disc, 198mm |
| Front tire | 60/100-14 Maxxis® Maxxcross SI |
| Rear tire | 80/100-12 Maxxis® Maxxcross SI |
| Seat height | 29.7 in |
| Wet weight | 134 lb |
| Wheelbase | 44.9 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 26.4° |
| Trail | 2.5 in |
| Fuel capacity | 0.9 gal |
| Ground clearance | 10.4 in |
| Length x width x height | 63.6x29.9x39.4 in |
| Starting MSRP | $4,499 |
| Class | Youth motocross |
| Fuel system | Astemo®Keihin PWK28 carburetor |
| Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Front suspension | KYB® inverted fork; fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable |
| Rear brake | Hydraulic disc, 190mm |
| Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
| Destination charge | $320 |
Total Motorcycle calls it a high-tech youth race bike and the ideal introduction to motocross. It lists a potent 65cc liquid-cooled engine with Yamaha's race-developed YPVS, a light semi-double cradle steel frame with an aluminum subframe, a lightweight aluminum swingarm with a link-less design that reduces routine maintenance, and gear ratios specially chosen to help the rider achieve lower lap times.
Fit and what to check on a used one
A 29.7 in seat is tall for a small child. The way to check fit is to sit them on it and see how far their feet reach. The bike is 134 lb wet, which is heavy for a young rider to pick up.
Ask for service records on a used YZ65 and compare them with its manual. A short period of ownership can still include substantial race use. Inspect the top-end service history and suspension condition rather than inferring wear from the owner’s age.
Against the KTM 65 SX
The YZ65 costs $4,499, $1,400 under KTM's 65 SX at $5,899. The Yamaha weighs 134 lb wet, so it is not directly comparable to KTM's 54.3 kg dry claim. Both have six-speed gearboxes and manual clutches and are used for the junior 65 class.
The YZ65 is a manual-clutch youth motocross machine. Check the intended competition class, control reach and the rider’s training before choosing between it and the larger YZ85.
YZ65 against the KTM 65 SX and KX65
KTM's 65 SX and Kawasaki's KX65 are built for the same junior classes.
Yamaha YZ65 — specification referenceYamaha · Youth motocross
The YZ65 is Yamaha's junior race bike, a liquid-cooled two-stroke with a six-speed gearbox and a manual clutch. Dirt Bike Magazine says the resized YZ125-style motor is only raced for a year or two, and Yamaha asks $4,499 before destination.
2027 Yamaha YZ65 questions
Is the Yamaha YZ65 easy to ride?
Dirt Bike Magazine's young testers said it felt wider and taller than what they were used to, and it has a manual clutch with a six-speed gearbox.
Is the Yamaha YZ65 liquid-cooled?
Yes. Total Motorcycle lists a liquid-cooled 65cc engine with Yamaha's YPVS power valve.
How long do kids race a 65?
Dirt Bike Magazine says most young riders only spend a year or two racing a 65, and hand-me-downs satisfy the demand for play bikes.
A 29.7 in seat is tall for a small child. The way to check fit is to sit them on it and see how far their feet reach. The bike is 134 lb wet, which is heavy for a young rider to pick up.
Because a 65 is raced for only a year or two, many used bikes are for sale with light use, but a two-stroke top end still wants a look at the piston, the reeds and the coolant. The link-less swingarm Total Motorcycle mentions removes one common maintenance item that a used bike would otherwise hide.
The YZ65 suits a junior who is ready to race and has ridden a small bike with a clutch. Because Dirt Bike Magazine notes that most riders only race a 65 for a year or two, the resale price matters, and a used YZ65 is often cheaper than new.
Other models in this reference: Yamaha YZ85, Yamaha YZ450F.