In 2023, Yamaha updated the YZ85 mini-motocross motorcycle. There are two variants of this Motorcross motorcycle, and its price ranges from $4,799 to $5,299. The 85cc two-stroke engine is liquid-cooled and has reed valve induction. There are fully adjustable front and rear suspensions on the Yamaha YZ85, as well as a 6-speed transmission.
Whether you’re interested in your first dirt bike, racing motocross, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered!
To help you save time and money, I will show you what kind of dirt bike the YZ 85 is, why it may or may not be suitable for you, and how to go about purchasing one.
Overview of Yamaha YZ85
Yamaha’s YZ85 is the most well-known mini race bike in the world of competitive motocross. Featuring prominent specifications in a small package, this bike boasts multiple enhancements to achieve super performance in its overall package.
A mini race bike is a great choice for young champions to undergo improved technologies. YZ85 exceeds riders’ expectations in terms of experience.
There is a perfect balance between modernity and tradition in the iconic bike. It has a refined engine that makes it fun and enjoyable to drive. In comparison to other mini models with fast speeds, the Yamaha YZ85 is an adequate bike to experience.
| Price | $4,799 |
| Engine | 1-Cylinder, 2-stroke |
| Displacement | 85cc |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Bore x Stroke | 47.5mm x 47.8mm |
| Seat Height | 33.1 inches |
| Curb Weight | 171 lb |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.3 gallon |
What are the Specifications of the Yamaha YZ85?
ENGINE
- Type: Single-cylinder two-stroke
- Displacement: 85cc
- Bore x stroke: 47.5 x 47.8mm
- Compression ratio: 8.2-9.6:1
- Intake: Case-induction reed valve
- Fueling: Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK28 flat-slide carburetor
- Exhaust: Powervalve and expansion chamber
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Multiplate wet
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB inverted 36mm fork; 10.8 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable KYB shock; 11.3 inches
- Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX3S
- Front tire: 70/100 x 17
- Rear tire: 90/100 x 14
- Front brake: 220mm wave rotor
- Rear brake: 190mm wave rotor
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 49.4 inches
- Rake: 26.3 degrees
- Trail: 3.5 inches
- Seat height: 33.1 inches
- Ground clearance: 12.6 inches
- Fuel capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Curb weight: 161 pounds
- Color: Team Yamaha Blue
What are the Top Features of the Yamaha YZ85?
1. Potent YPVS™ Two-Stroke Engine
A liquid-cooled 85cc engine powers the Yamaha YZ85 motorcycle. With Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVSTM) technology, this two-stroke engine delivers broad power across the rev range without reducing peak power at high rpm.
2. Tuned Crankcase & Intake
For seamless throttle response, the Yamaha YZ85 crankcase design uses a spacer-style reed valve intake, which is inhaled through a 28mm Hitachi Astemo Keihin flat-slide carburettor.
3. Tuned Expansion Chamber
Exhaust expansion chambers designed specifically for YPVSTM engines optimize gas flow and enhance power delivery, especially in the low and middle rev ranges.
4. Durable Transmission
With oversized gears, the Yamaha YZ85 transmission enhances engagement and smooths shifts. The cores and louvres of a lightweight radiator are large. For maximum cooling efficiency, the Yamaha YZ85 water pump uses a cast aluminium impeller instead of a resin impeller.
5. Advanced Intake Design & High-Flow Airbox
Air is drawn into the intake tract more efficiently and straighter with the Yamaha YZ85 advanced intake design. Easy maintenance and high-flow airbox provide outstanding air filter performance.
6. Optimized Chassis Design
As a result of the YZ85’s rigid chassis, its handling stability and strength are optimized for demanding junior racers. The aluminium swingarm provides a precise balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity, and the lightweight, high-strength aluminum rear subframe reduces weight.
7. Large-Diameter Brakes
The big wave-style brake discs offer an improved self-cleaning ability and a cooler running temperature. There are two 190mm discs in the rear and two 220mm discs in the front, providing strong, precise stopping power. There is also a sub-reservoir built into the rear brake master cylinder to increase control and linearity.
8. Lightweight Wheels
The 17-inch front rim and the 14-inch rear rim are lightweight and reduce unsprung weight for optimum suspension performance.
9. High-Performance Tires
The Dunlop® MX3S provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
What is the YZ85 Top Speed?
It was in the mid-1950s that Yamaha released its first dirt bike, which would later become known for its motorcycles and musical instruments. Many people now consider Yamaha to have the fastest machines, although this hasn’t always been the case. The YZ250F and YZ450F are Yamaha’s big bikes, especially in the motocross racing world.
The excitement and popularity of Yamaha’s larger bikes spread to its smaller models, like the YZ85 and TTR 110. How does this affect the top speed of the YZ85?
The YZ85 top speed is about 60-65 mph. In comparison, the YZ 125 top speed, the cousin of the YZ85, is about 5-10 mph slower. Additionally, it’s about the same as the top speed of the CRF150R.
What Factors Affect the Top Speed of YZ85?
Riders of dirt bikes are naturally curious about their bikes’ speed. The top speed of a car, truck, snowmobile, or any other machine is one of the most important details for all motorheads. Boats, too.
Since dirt bikes have quite a few different variances, calculating their true top speed can be tricky at times.
1. Engine Work and Aftermarket Parts
Although some might not realize it, engine work and aftermarket parts will affect the YZ85’s top speed. Most things, probably. It’s not comparable to the top speed of a stock YZ85 if you have engine work (especially a big bore kit) and a pipe.
YZ85 that hasn’t had any modifications will have a significantly lower top speed than YZ85 that has. In general, the more you work on a bike, the greater the speed difference will be. In addition to gearing and riding conditions, there are other factors involved.
2. Gearing
Gearing is the second most important factor in determining the YZ85’s top speed. In general, gearing refers to how large (or how small) the sprockets are at both the front and rear.
According to the gearing diagram on the side of the bike, the front sprocket is 14 teeth and the rear sprocket is 47 teeth.
When riding, riders usually select different gearing based on the situation. Riders who race supercross (which most YZ85s don’t do, but for illustration purposes…) would typically desire more acceleration (also known as more bottom end). They would either use a smaller front sprocket or a larger rear sprocket to accomplish this. The gear ratio is low in this case.
If The rider may need more top speed (known as top end) if they are racing motocross, which is very common for a YZ85. In other words, the rider would adjust the gear ratio by switching to a larger front or smaller rear sprocket.
Depending on the terrain, riding in the woods can require a completely different gearing combination than supercross or motocross.
Some might not think this matters, but it affects the top speed of the YZ85 (or any dirt bike, for that matter). It can increase or decrease the YZ85’s top speed by more than five to ten mph depending on the gear changes made.
Additionally, changing the front sprocket has a greater effect on the top speed and bottom end of the YZ85 than changing the rear sprocket. An increase or decrease in the front sprocket will not result in an equal increase or decrease in the rear sprocket. A one-tooth change in the front sprocket is equivalent to three or four teeth in the rear.
3. Rider
With a heavier rider, the YZ85 will have a slower top speed because the bike has to work harder, even though the engine and bike are the same. A heavier rider generally results in a lower top speed for the YZ85.
Furthermore, experienced riders can make the YZ85 go faster than beginners. When a rider knows how to use a clutch smoothly and quickly, they can hit a higher top speed.
Think about Haiden Deegan when he was 85 days old versus a kid who received a YZ85 as his first dirt bike for Christmas.
4. Riding Conditions
Additionally, riding conditions, including location and surface, can affect the top speed of the YZ85.
At high altitudes, dirt bikes generally have a lower power output than at sea level. You can expect your YZ85 to have a lower top speed if you ride it in the mountains rather than at sea level.
You’re also much higher above sea level if you’re riding in Colorado even if you aren’t in the mountains. It will result in a lower top speed for your YZ85.
Bikes with small engines (smaller ccs) are also more susceptible to elevation changes than larger bikes. Elevation has a greater impact on the top speed of a YZ85 than it does on a CRF450, for instance.
Would you prefer to ride in the woods, on a motocross track, or a paved road? There may be a limit to your top speed if you’re in the woods. When racing motocross, you can only go so fast while staying safe (and slow can be fast sometimes).
In addition to elevation and location, the surface on which the YZ85 is ridden also affects its top speed. If the YZ85 is ridden on flat pavement, its top speed will differ from it if it is driven on tight, sandy motocross courses.
Additional Factors Affect the YZ85 Top Speed
More factors can affect your YZ85 top speed, such as the condition of your bike, the weather, and how you record the data.
It is more efficient and faster for a bike to run when it is regularly maintained. If a YZ85 is maintained consistently, it will be able to reach a higher top speed than one that isn’t.
Temperature and weather can both affect the top speed of your YZ85. Rain will make the pavement wet, and you will probably not be able to drive as fast as you normally do if it rains. A hot or cold day may affect how well the bike runs, which could lower its top speed.
Instead of relying on someone pointing a speed gauge at you as you zoom past, use an onboard GPS device to determine the top speed of the YZ85. As a result, you don’t actually see the bike going any faster or slower; you just see what it looks like on paper.
At the end of the day, most bike owners want to know how fast their bike can go. It’s true that mods and other items impact the YZ85’s top speed potential, but most people just want to know how fast their bike actually is.
As a result, the top speed of a YZ85 is approximately 60 to 65 mph.
How To Increase The Yamaha YZ85’s Top Speed?
While the Yamaha YZ85 is excellent as it is, you can try modifying some components of the vehicle to achieve a much better result. Although these may cost a few hundred dollars, who wouldn’t want to improve their favorite racing bike’s performance?
To make the vehicle a monster worth riding, you can add or change various features based on your style and desire. The following sections discuss some of these changes in more detail. Therefore, keep an eye out if you want to avoid losing this information. Maybe your joyride is about to get some significant improvements:
1. Performance Air Filters
If Your Yamaha YZ85 engine has optimum airflow, so you can experience some magical moments. It is very important to install performance air filters in order to improve the airflow to and from the engine. With its purpose of keeping dirt and dust out of the valves, this filter can help support great airflow and ultimately increase the Yamaha YZ85’s top speed.
2. Gear Ratio Switch
In various scenarios, gear ratio can play an important role in how your vehicle performs. Depending on how you want the performance, you can choose and optimise gear ratios depending on whether you want low-end power or maximum speed. For every engine revolution, the bike can push through more distance thanks to a higher-tooth front sprocket. While this increases the top speed significantly, it also slows acceleration.
3. Better Exhaust Systems
Motor vehicles can achieve higher top speeds with more horsepower. Installing better exhaust systems on the Yamaha YZ85 can accomplish the same thing. By preventing the buildup of hot waste gases in the engine, more air can flow in and out. Most performance exhaust systems can increase horsepower by as much as ten per cent! You might be able to get away with replacing your current system on your bike if top speed is your main concern.
Is the Yamaha YZ85 Reliable?
There are a few factors that determine whether a race bike is reliable or not. How do you maintain your dirt bike and where do you ride?
A lot of sand and mud will get into the components, making them wear out faster. However, if you ride on loamy or hard-pack dirt, everything should last longer.
Nevertheless, if you race motocross at a high level, the engine will need to be rebuilt more often if you ride wide open all the time. It is likely that the top end will lose compression and power after 10-20 hours of hard riding.
Nevertheless, you can get 100+ hours of use out of your YZ 85 top-end before it needs rebuilding. Maintaining it properly is especially important.
Clean the air filter regularly, change the oil regularly, and use good gas with proper oil mixtures for proper maintenance.
Is the Yamaha YZ85 the Right Dirt Bike For You?
In case you haven’t decided whether or not to buy one, here is a list of the pros and cons of the YZ 85. The following will help you avoid buying the wrong bike and wasting your time and money.
Pros of YZ85
- The bike is great for kids 9-15 years old who have experience riding a race bike
- For such a small bike, it has a lot of horsepower at the top
- The lightweight design makes it easy to handle
- Rebuildable engine design with a simple design
- Newer riders/racers will benefit from the updated engine that offers more low-end midrange power
- Reliability and durability are great
- The majority of parts are easily available and affordable.
Cons of YZ85
- The dirt bike isn’t suitable for beginners
- Low low-end torque makes it difficult to learn clutch work at slow speeds
- This dirt bike has poor suspension and engine characteristics, making it unsuitable for trail riding
- The condition of used bikes can be rough because they haven’t been maintained
What is the Yamaha YZ85 Price and Variants
The new Yamaha motocrosser is only available in one color and two variants. For the standard variant of the Yamaha YZ85, the price in the United States is $4,799, and for the large wheel, it is $4,999. The color scheme is team Yamaha blue. Additional accessories, such as big wheel kits, rear sprockets, and non-sealed chains, are also available from Yamaha.
Over the years, the YZ85 has undergone the following major changes:
- 2002: First year of the YZ85
- 2016: Comes with black wheels/rims
- 2019: New engine with an added power-valve
- 2022: First year of the YZ85 LW (large wheel option)
Warranty
With the YZ85, Yamaha offers a limited warranty of only 30 days. There is a 30-day limited factory warranty on this item. This motorcycle does not have any additional warranty offers.
Competition
The Yamaha YZ85 competes against the Suzuki RM85, Kawasaki KX85, Husqvarna TC 85, and KTM 85 SX. The performance and ergonomics of the YZ85 are slightly better than those of its competitors.
Can You Trail Ride With a Yamaha YZ85?
You can ride it, but it isn’t the best dirt bike for trail riding. CR80, which is an older Honda version of YZ 85, was one of my first dirt bikes with a clutch, and it didn’t do well on trails or in the woods.
You couldn’t keep it in the power band if you let the RPM drop too low, otherwise it wouldn’t accelerate. I had difficulty using the clutch, especially since I was a newer trail rider.
Is the Yamaha YZ85 Good for Beginners?
You shouldn’t start out on this dirt bike as a beginner for a number of reasons. You have to learn how to use the clutch and throttle as the engine is abrupt and peaky.
As it’s tuned for motocross racing and doing jumps, the suspension is also pretty stiff if you’re under 100 lbs. For beginners, the TTR 125 would be a good choice.
Conclusion: Yamaha YZ85 Top Speed
There are a lot of mechanical improvements in the new YZ85. It features a redesigned chassis and a removable rear subframe. Additionally, the aluminum swingarm has been tweaked so that handling characteristics have been improved. There is a wide range of revs available on its punchy two-stroke engine. With the new model, you will be able to ride more ergonomically and brake more effectively. In addition to its many improvements, the Yamaha YZ85 is reasonably priced.
FAQs
How fast does a Yamaha YZ85 go?
There is no doubt that the YZ85 is a fast bike. Our tests showed that it was capable of reaching speeds of up to 85mph.
Is a YZ85 a 6-speed?
Yes! The YZ85’s high compression ratio, coupled with the 6-speed transmission, delivers outstanding acceleration and race-winning power.
What is the seat height of the Yamaha YZ85?
A standard variant of the YZ85 bike has an 885mm seat height.
How much ground clearance does the YZ85 offer?
A 320 mm ground clearance is available for the YZ85.
Is the YZ85 powerful?
It delivers outstanding acceleration and race-winning power thanks to its high compression ratio and 6-speed transmission.