Yamaha Yz85

Yamaha YZ85

NEW FOR '02

Christmas comes early

IF SANTA CLAUS CAME FROM the Land of the Rising Sun instead of the North Pole and drove a big blue box

van instead of a miniature sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer, every kid would be getting a Yamaha YZ85 for Christmas. An all-new YZ85, that is. Yamaha didn't let the smallest member of the YZ family miss out on the ongoing motocross boom. With competition minicycle sales up 85 percent in the last five years, it's no wonder the minibike games are on.

Technology in the 80cc class usually lags a few years behind that of the bigger bikes, but with the YZ85, Yamaha

caught right up. In one sweeping modelyear change, the little YZ received a cartridge-type fork, involute-spline transmission, Hatslide carburetor, two-piece clutch cover, removable subframe and a host of engine changes headed by a 2cc increase in displacement. The looks came along for the ride as well, with

the plastic, seat and gas tank all of new “big-YZ” design.

Being a 180-pound, overgrown minibike rider at heart, I was anxious to ride the YZ85. The first thing that struck me was the solid feel and stout nature of this small machine. Typically, minis have a loose and flexy feel, especially when compared to their bigger siblings and even more so when ridden by adults. Not so for this Yamaha: The engineers’ march to increase durability is evident here.

The second thing I noticed was that this mini rips! It has the power-to-weight ratio of a 250-or at least it would with a normal-sized mini rider on board. Even more amazing is the wide powerband, which was achieved without the aid of a powervalve. The 85 torques through the bottom and comes alive in the midrange, where the mice are let out of their cage and it really goes. Overall, the character of the motor is very race-oriented.

Ditto the suspension. Most surprising is the improvement in the fork. Damping is now consistent throughout the entire range of travel, and noticeable valving slowing the stroke cushions bottoming. The rear is set-up to be equally compliant, making for a ride that is aimed at larger, heavier and/or really fast mini riders.

Handling is as good as on any mini, with a very planted feel to the front wheel. It’s easy to move around on the bike, too, thanks to the Hatter layout of the seat and tank and roomier top triple-clamp and handlebar. And stability is great, especially for a small-wheeled bike going through bigbike bumps and ruts.

Like all MX bikes these days, the YZ85 is heading in the expert-level direction. This mini was made to win trophies and get kids hooked on blue bikes for the duration of their motocross careers. With the impending boom of Pee-Wee and 60cc riders ready to move up to the minor leagues of motocross, the YZ85 is ready and waiting. Contact YamaClaus for yours today.—Jimmy Lewis