Yamaha YZ65 2018 First Test
Cycle News Staff | April 20, 2018
Yamaha YZ65 2018 First Test – It came out of the blue, so to speak, when Yamaha announced the arrival of the YZ65 in February. Yamaha had kept this one under wraps until then, but the bike’s debut makes you wonder why the Blue Company hadn’t developed this motorcycle a long, long time ago. After all, its PW50 is famously known as the go-to motorcycle for the youngest of young riders, the bike that so many kids got their first taste of riding two wheels that wasn’t powered by their own two legs. Problem was when they grew up the next step in Yamaha’s lineup was the YZ80—now YZ85—a step way bigger than most kids could safely make. With the YZ65, that step isn’t so big anymore, which means parents won’t be forced to switch brands at that point in little Johnny’s riding, or racing, career. Now, they can remain true to Blue if they so chose.
Yamaha YZ65 2018 First Test
Cycle News recently got its first taste of the new YZ65 in action at Competitive Edge Motocross Park in California, where our young tester riders— eight-year old Grayson Townsend and his 10-year-old brother Gunnar Townsend—got the chance to spin a few laps on the YZ65 for the first time. Grayson and Gunnar might be young but they are experienced riders—and racers—and, based on their initial opinions, the new YZ65 is a clear winner. We’ll cut to the chase: they both felt that the YZ65 was in the same league as their regular KTM 65 SX and Husqvarna TC 65s. We’ll save a full-on comparison for later, but, for now, we can tell you that both boys were impressed with the new Yamaha. (PHOTOS: JUSTIN DAWES)
The YZ65 arrives as a late 2018 model and should be appearing on showroom floors…well, now–with an MSRP of $4599–which is in plenty of time for Loretta Lynn’s.
Yamaha designed the engine to produce a broad spread of power with lots of torque. Our young testers said that the YZ65 is “fast” and “comes on strong.” Kids don’t lie. If the Yamaha was “slow,” believe us, they would’ve said so.
Yamaha YZ65 2018 First Test
The engine features the company’s mechanical Yamaha Power-Valve System (YPVS) to help make it easier to manage power delivery, so you’re not constantly banging on the YZ’s shift lever and its six-speed transmission. Yamaha wanted to make the YZ’s engine powerful and competitive but also manageable.
Our test riders felt right at home on the YZ65, which had no problems soaking up the big jumps. They did, however, feel the suspension was a tad on the stiff side for their 65 and 80 pounds. “But Dad can easily fix that,” they said. Dad’s are good that way.
Grayson and Gunner liked how the Yamaha railed the turns, saying it felt planted and would go wherever it was pointed.
Grayson probably summed up the Yamaha’s brakes best: “It’s good that the brakes are strong ‘cause this bike is fast.”
Yamaha YZ65 2018 First Test
Our riders found the cockpit to be roomy and easy to move around on. The seat is very flat and comfortable.
When it comes to the handlebars, there is plenty of adjustment, which is a good thing when it comes to growing rider. The handlebar mounts are reversible.
Our two test riders commented that the tank area felt a little wide but nothing that caused any issue with riding to their full potential.
Yamaha kept things simple with the YZ65’s 36mm KYB forks—they are fitted with coil springs and are full adjustable, including compression and rebound damping.
Yamaha YZ65 2018 First Test
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| SPECIFICATIONS |
2018 Yamaha YZ65 ($4599) |
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| ENGINE TYPE: |
65cc liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, reed-valve inducted (YPVS), single |
| BORE X STROKE: |
43.5mm x 43.6mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: |
8.1-9.1:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: |
Keihin PWK28 carburetor |
| TRANSMISSION: |
6-speed, multiplate wet clutch |
| FINAL DRIVE: |
420 chain |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: |
36mm KYB coil-spring, adj. compression & rebound damping |
| REAR SUSPENSION: |
Single shock, adj. compression & rebound damping |
| FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: |
8.5 in. |
| REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: |
10.6 in. |
| FRONT BRAKE: |
198mm hydraulic wave-type disc, single |
| REAR BRAKE: |
190mm hydraulic wave-type disc, single |
| FRONT TIRE: |
60/100-14 in. Maxxis Maxxcross SI |
| REAR TIRE: |
80/100-12 in. Maxxis Maxxcross SI |
| SEAT HEIGHT: |
29.5 in. |
| WHEELBASE: |
45.0 in. |
| RAKE / TRAIL: |
26.4° / 2.5 in. |
| GROUND CLEARANCE: |
10.5 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: |
0.9 gal. |
Test Rider: Gunnar Townsend
Test Rider: Grayson Townsend
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