Yamaha YZ85 specifications
Yamaha · Youth motocross
Total Motorcycle lists the Yamaha Power Valve System, a high-capacity radiator, a durable six-speed transmission, fully adjustable KYB suspension, large-diameter disc brakes and 17-inch front and 14-inch rear rims with Dunlop MX3S tires. Motocross Hideout describes a lightweight chassis, firm suspension and a high-revving engine that rewards riders who keep the rpm high, which is a pointer to the skill it needs.
Yamaha YZ85
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Engine | 85cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted |
| Displacement | 85cc |
| Bore x stroke | 47.5x47.8 mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.2~10.3:1 |
| Front suspension travel | 10.8 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 11.1 in |
| Front brake | Hydraulic disc, 220mm |
| Front tire | 70/100-17 Dunlop® Geomax MX3SF |
| Rear tire | 90/100-14 Dunlop® Geomax MX3S |
| Seat height | 33.1 in |
| Wet weight | 161 lb |
| Wheelbase | 49.4 in |
| Rake (caster angle) | 26.3° |
| Trail | 3.2 in |
| Fuel capacity | 1.3 gal |
| Ground clearance | 12.6 in |
| Length x width x height | 71.7x29.9x44.7 in |
| Starting MSRP | $5,199 |
| 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 |
Fit, adjustability and what a parent should check
Full adjustability is the practical difference on a race mini: the fork and shock can be set stiffer or softer as a child grows. So the bike is not out of date after one season. A 33.1 in seat is tall for a child of 85cc-class age.
The way to check fit is to sit them on it with the sag taken up and see whether they reach the ground on tiptoe. At 161 lb wet it is heavy for the rider, so pick-ups after a fall matter. Before buying used, look at the top end, the power-valve action and the wear on the tires, because an 85 is often raced hard for a single season.
Against the YZ65 and the KTM 85 SX
The YZ85 suits a junior racer who has outgrown a 65 and wants a proven, fully adjustable two-stroke without paying the premium for a factory-derived one. Riders who need an easy first bike will find a smaller trail bike easier.
YZ85 against the KTM 85 SX and KX85
KTM's 85 SX and Kawasaki's KX85 compete for the same young racers.
Yamaha YZ85 — specification referenceMotocross Action handed the 2025 bike to an 11-year-old Expert-class test rider and concluded that if the rider is not at elite national level yet, or even if he is, the YZ85 "offers 90 percent of the performance at 70 percent of the price". The reviewer says the over-rev was excellent, the power curve easy to use for an 85cc engine, and the bike a playful, powerful and reliable mini to learn motocross fundamentals on.
Yamaha · Youth motocross
The YZ85 is Yamaha's junior motocross two-stroke, and MXA says it gives 90 percent of the performance at 70 percent of the price of a top-end mini. It is a playful, powerful bike with a power valve, and Yamaha asks $5,199 before destination.
2027 Yamaha YZ85 questions
Is the Yamaha YZ85 a good beginner bike?
MXA calls it a playful, powerful, reliable mini for learning motocross fundamentals. While Motocross Hideout says it is a high-revving engine that rewards riders who keep the rpm high.
What suspension does the Yamaha YZ85 have?
Total Motorcycle lists fully adjustable KYB suspension. Yamaha lists 10.8 in of fork travel and 11.1 in of shock travel.
Does the Yamaha YZ85 have a power valve?
Yes. Total Motorcycle lists the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) to widen the spread of power on the 85cc two-stroke.
The YZ85 costs $700 more than the YZ65 ($5,199 against $4,499) and weighs 27 lb more. KTM's 85 SX 17/14 costs $6,949 before destination, $1,750 more than the Yamaha, which is the price gap MXA is describing when it says the Yamaha is good value.
Other models in this reference: Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha YZ65, Yamaha YZF-R3.