We rip around on the 2022 Yamaha YZ85.
Words and Photography By Ryan Nitzen
The mini riding and racing world is alive and well, and manufacturers like Yamaha are taking notice. The YZ85 has been a staple in the minibike scene since, well, practically since the beginning of time. It’s the bike that catapulted careers for champs like Josh Hill and Chase Sexton and continues to be a platform for riders and racers alike. For 2022, the YZ85 received a shopping list of new enhancements, many of which mirror those of the larger YZ125 and YZ250 two-stroke models.
VIDEO | 2022 Yamaha YZ85 First Ride
The 2022 model levels up the 85cc YZ-inger for the first time since 2019. That year, the bike got a ground-up redesign with new forks, swingarm and a power-valve-equipped engine. Fast forward just a few years and the YZ, once again, sees several revisions, this time mainly in the styling department.
There’s a flatter, more neutral seat design in the cockpit that flows into a narrower dual-shrouded fuel tank. There is still one radiator, but the two shrouds give the YZ a symmetrical design that feels like the larger 125 or 250 YZs. The air intake has also been reworked in the same manner as the larger Yamaha two strokes, with two direct ports routed from the back of the seat. Tweaks to the frame were designed for strength and stability, while a new removable subframe reduced overall weight. The rear-brake pedal assembly is also new for the YZ85 but nearly identical to the one you’ll see on the bigger YZs. Finally, a large wheel option, the YZ85LW, has been added to the lineup. The LW has a slightly longer swingarm and rolls on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels for taller riders or those looking to make an easier transition to big bikes.
Since our staff has all outgrown the minibike size and weight recommendations, we enlisted help from Hudson Zeber, an up-and-comer in the So Cal racing scene. He’s 14 years old, five-foot-six, and right around 130 pounds. While Hudson is on the verge of outgrowing his personal Husqvarna 85, AMA Supermini rules technically allow him to race in the class for a few more years. This is also where the LW finds its niche. For a taller rider like ours, the larger wheels are a perfect fit as he gets ready to make the jump to a bigger YZ125. The Yamaha team invited us to Glen Helen to get our first laps on the standard YZ85 and YZ85LW.
The first thing that stands out with the new YZ’s is the striking bodywork. In this day and age, it feels like everyone is after this global brand cohesion, and Yamaha indeed executed on that front. The YZ65, 85, 125 and 250 two-stroke models now look nearly identical, which is super cool for a young kid growing through the ranks. Or imagine if Dad’s 250 looked just like Junior’s 85. Kids have it good these days.
After hopping aboard the YZ85, Hudson immediately noticed the dual shrouds and flatter seat design. While this is relatively like the Husky he currently rides, he did mention that his friend’s older ’07 YZ85 always felt “a little weird” with only one shroud and the exposed fuel tank. This more-symmetrical cockpit looks and feels comfortable right away.
For the rest of the day, all we heard was the unmistakable scream of an 85cc two-stroke from the track. Young Hudson wound out the YZ and railed the outsides, carrying momentum in every turn. The re-routing of air on the YZ85 through and under the seat is said to improve overall throttle response just like it did on the bigger YZ125 and YZ250. The YZ85 engine is also equipped with a power-valve system and a six-speed transmission for those who want to really open the little bike up. Overall, the power is snappy, has good carry-through, and certainly enough oomph to haul 135-pounds around with ease.
After our morning session, we jumped to the bigger YZ85LW. Larger wheels and a longer swingarm made this bike instantly more comfortable for our taller test rider. The forks are, in fact, the same on both bikes, with the LW having the forks further down in the clamps to better accommodate the larger wheel size. Both 85s also come equipped with two bar mount positions to better suit taller or growing riders. It’s also worth noting the LW comes with the same 85cc engine as the standard model.
The bigger of the two YZ85s was our team’s preferred choice. Charging down the hills at Glen Helen felt easier with the bigger wheels as they rolled better over chop and braking bumps. The suspension was also a big talking point as the forks felt noticeably supple over small bumps and on corner entry. Compared to the air fork on Hudson’s personal TC 85, he said he instantly felt more comfortable on the spring-loaded Yamaha.
Many factors go into buying a new bike, especially a new one for the little rider in your life. Budget, riding style and rider size are all reasonable considerations (as is contingency, if you’re going racing) when starting the search for your next set of wheels. Both models of the YZ85 are spec’d with an MSRP under $5000 with only a $200 difference between the standard and the LW. The pair of YZ’s are powered by the same motor, but the LW is undoubtedly the choice for those competing in the Supermini class, which allows bigger wheels and up to 112cc’s of displacement. Yes, kids have it good these days, and whether yours is the next best thing in the racing world or just enjoys riding with the family, the newest generation YZ85 is sure to be on their wish list.CN
2022 Yamaha YZ85 / YZ85LW Specifications
| MSRP: | $4799 /$4999 |
| Engine Type: | 2-stroke, single-cylinder, YPVS, reed-valve-inducted |
| Cooling System: | Liquid |
| Displacement: | 85cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 47.5 x 47.8mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 8.2 – 9.6:1 |
| Starting System: | Kickstart |
| Fueling: | Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK28 carburetor |
| Transmission: | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Front Suspension: | Inverted fork; fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension: | Single shock; fully adjustable |
| Front-Wheel Travel: | 10.8 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel: | 11.1 in / 11.3 |
| Front Wheel: | 17 in. / 19 in. |
| Rear Wheel: | 14 in. / 16 in. |
| Front Tire: | Dunlop Geomax MX3SF |
| Rear Tire: | Dunlop Geomax MX3S |
| Front Brake: | Hydraulic disc, 220mm |
| Rear Brake: | Hydraulic disc, 190mm |
| Wheelbase: | 49.4 in / 50.6 in. |
| Rake: | 26.3° / 26° |
| Seat Height: | 33.1 in. / 34.8 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 12.6 in. / 14.2 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1.3 gal. |
| Weight (curb, claimed): | 161 lbs. / 165 lbs. |
| Color: | Team Yamaha Blue |
Click here to read the 2022 Yamaha YZ85 & YZ85LW Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
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