The real fun begins when play time is over. Yamaha YZ85 remains the mini of choice for young riders who are ready to get serious about motocross.

2002 - 2008 Yamaha YZ85

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2002 - 2008 Yamaha YZ85
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled, 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Yamaha launched the first YZ85 in 2001 as a 2002 model with the purpose of completing the YZ range of motocross machines. Their purpose was soon achieved as the bike quickly became one of the most popular “big” toys between riders who begin experiencing their first bumps and corners.

History


The tradition of Yamaha dirt bikes began way back in 1851 with the birth of Torakusu Yamaha, who founded the Nippon Gakki Company in 1888. Although the company only produced musical instruments, after the Second World War, the company President Gen-ichi Kawakami decided to make use of a production line and tooling that had previously been used to produce aircraft propellers to produce what was the forerunner of the Yamaha dirt bikes produced today. But from propellers to real dirt bikes it was a long way and after the company then separated from Nippon Gakki Co. and became Yamaha Motor Company, the real story began and the first dirt bikes like the YZ250 (1975) and YZ400F (1998) started to exit the production line and being shipped around the world.

The model that we are referring to is not that old, being first produced in 2002 but I made this brief history to understand where Yamaha’s legacy comes from.

Yamaha YZ85 was first produced in 2002 and it continued being produced without important changes. The bike changed decals and that’s pretty much all concerning its evolution.

Competition


Although the bike is very powerful developing more horses than expected, the other Japanese manufacturers didn’t stay behind as they know how important is for a rider to maintain a certain line during its riding years and they have to be impressed right from the start. In order to obtain a certain clientele, Honda produces CR85R (probably the biggest competitor for Yamaha), Suzuki entered the scene with its RM85 (a cheaper motorcycle with much to offer) and Kawasaki presented us KX85 (an even cheaper bike with as much to offer as the Suzuki).

Exterior


Yamaha provided the YZ85 with a very sleek design featuring beautiful motocross lines which give the bike’s aggressive look. But the most important thing when designing a motorcycle is functionality, maneuverability and rider comfort so Yamaha oriented on widening the handlebars and flatting the fuel tank which together with the radiator shrouds, side panels and rear fender provide rider with leverage freedom of movement and weight transfer.

Test Drive


Heading towards the motocross circuit I was thinking that I’m about to have a lot of fun with this great, small motorcycle and that I am going to push it to the max easily. Don’t get me wrong! That’s exactly what I did but I am wondering if the little fellows won’t do the same because it surprises right from the start as it was designed with the more experienced, more aggressive rider in mind.

The straight-cylinder motor which doesn’t feature a power valve produces a hart-hitting powerband that gets up and goes when kept on the pipe. Low-end power doesn’t surprises too much but once the rpm begins to rise, however, things start to happen in hurry and the YZ85 delivers a mid-range punch without match in its class. I have to admit that I was excited about the bike’s aggressive powerband (and I know that the riders of this bike will be too) but I have to say that it can become a little difficult to handle for them. On top, the engine pulls hard in each gear and is most at home being revved to the max. Clutch action is battery smooth and a slick-shifting rider can really keep this bike purring.

Suspension action on both ends of the Yamaha YZ85 is fabulous. Also designed with faster riders in mind, the inverted front fork and single rear shock feel a little firm for smaller or slower riders, but fast or more aggressive riders will love them.

The Yamaha is also a quick handler, and can carve through the inside of any corner, no matter how tight. Like the rest of the bikes in its class, the mini YZ is stable at speed and very predictable over jumps. This is a very important issue because the riders are supposed to anticipate how the bike is about to act and to take the necessary measures. This helps them to gain confidence and accumulate experience.

Price


This mini racer is being offered for a MSRP of $3,249 so that the parents won’t have a heavy argument against buying the motorcycle that will guide their children’s first step into championship-winnings.

Conclusion


Play time is over! The YZ85 is just like Yamaha’s big-time two-stroke MXers, only for the younger riders. It’s not playing!

SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission


Type: 85cc, liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted
Bore x Stroke: 47.5 x 47.8mm
Compression Ratio: 8.2:1
Carburetion: PWK28 x 1
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: Constant-mesh 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain Drive

Chassis and Dimensions


Suspension/Front: Inverted fork; fully adjustable, 10.8-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Single shock; fully adjustable, 11.1-in travel
Brakes/Front: Hydraulic single disc brake, 220mm
Brakes/Rear: Hydraulic single disc brake, 190mm
Tires/Front: 70/100-17-40M
Tires/Rear: 90/100-14-49M
Length: 71.7 in
Width: 31.9 in
Height: 45.7 in
Seat Height: 34 in
Wheelbase: 49.5 in
Ground Clearance: 13.8 in
Dry Weight: 146 lb
Fuel Capacity: 1.3 gal

Other


Color: Blue
Warranty: 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)

Technical Features