Want to face a barrage of begging and pleading from any pre-teen motorcycle fan? Just show them pictures of the new 2018 Yamaha YZ65. With styling similar to larger Yamaha off-road bikes like the YZF450F and higher levels of performance, it’s going to be lusted after by any child wanting to get properly into youth motocross.
Given that Yamaha has been winning MX world championships in every class in 1973, it’s obvious that they know what will make the best starting point for young riders.
The 2018 Yamaha YZ65 features a new 65cc two-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a race-developed crankcase read valve system. That means an immediate throttle response across the powerband, which is great for newer riders, and gets complimented by a Digital CDI system that delivers a precise spark.
The engine also gets the mechanical Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) familiar to road riders since the RD350, and helping to keep the power delivery nice and smooth. The young stars of tomorrow will have to get used to the slick six-speed gearbox, but riders and parents will appreciate the fact the bike has been designed to be both durable and reliable. That includes a high-capacity but compact radiator, for example, to have the most efficient cooling in tough conditions.
The miniature motocrosser also gets a new semi-double cradle frame with a detachable aluminium subframe and lightweight aluminium swingarm. That should give light and stable handling to cope with the power of the engine, and allow riders to put the YZ65 exactly where they want it.
The 2018 Yamaha YZ65 also comes with high specification 36-mm KYB upside down front forks, and a KYB Monocross unit at the back. That means a link-less design for less maintenance and to also prevent bottoming out when riding. Under the suspension are a 60/100 14″ Maxxis Maxxcross SI front tyre and an 80/100 12″ Maxxis Maxxcross SI rear. The brake rotors are wave-style to reduce weight over the conventional versions and also make them better at self-cleaning while you ride.
It may be an entry-level motocross bike and a logical step from the Yamaha PW50. But the 2018 Yamaha YZ65 both looks and acts the part. There’s the optimised intake and exhaust design, tapered handlebars with an aluminium crown, an ergonomic seat design to be able to shift weight around easily and lightweight aluminium Yamaha Blue wheel rims among the other features.
So alongside the adjustable suspension, the four-position handlebars can be set up for a range of sizes. Handy for growing young men and women to be able to stick with the bike for a while. The seat height is 755mm, with an overall bike height at 1,000mm. And it’s 760mm wide.
With oil and a full 3.5 litre fuel tank, it weights around 61kg, which shouldn’t be tricky to shift around a track, especially with the 1,140mm wheelbase.
If only we were young, talented, and lucky enough to have either reasonably rich, or very supportive parents. The 2018 Yamaha YZ65 will arrive in Yamaha dealers from June 2018. The exact price isn’t confirmed, but you’ll also be able to get Yamaha tools, service parts, and performance parts. plus riding gear, casual clothing and kit bags etc. So young riders can feel like they’ve almost got factory support from the start…
The engine and frame look awesome. And judging by the specs, pics and video, it’d be enough to keep us more than entertained if we were small enough to squeeze onto it.
2018 Yamaha YZ65 Video:
2018 Yamaha YZ65 Gallery:
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