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FIRST LOOK: 2018 Yamaha YZ65 | News

Yamaha has unveiled the all-new YZ65 youth motocross bike to complete the manufacturers 2018 model lineup.

Featuring an all-new engine, chassis, suspension, bodywork and more, the YZ65 is designed to provide young riders with top-notch performance and reliability while racing towards the victorYZone.

All-New Engine

The 2018 YZ65 utilizes a new 64.8cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine that features a case reed-valve intake and a mechanical Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS). Designed for performance and ease of use, the new YZ’s engine also provides confidence to go the distance thanks to Yamaha’s unparalleled durability and reliability.

—Race-Developed Intake
Proven reed-valve induction improves acceleration and throttle response across the entire powerband, with a carefully tuned Keihin® carburetor to meter fuel flow.

—Yamaha Power Valve System
Patented YPVS™ combines crisp bottom-end torque with potent midrange and free-revving top-end, making the most of the compact engine and lightweight chassis.

—Close-Ratio Transmission
Six-speed, close-ratio transmission optimizes gear ratios for maximum performance, giving riders the right gear for every race condition.

—Digital Ignition
Digital CDI system delivers precise spark and monitors engine speed to
ensure optimal timing for excellent response.

—Efficient Cooling System
Compact radiator features optimized hose routing to deliver maximum
cooling efficiency even in the toughest racing conditions.

All-New Chassis and Optimized Ergonomics

The newly-designed semi-double-cradle steel frame, removable aluminum subframe and aluminum swing-arm of the YZ65 provide a nimble feel and confident handling. The ergonomics feature a flat, comfortable seat and four-position adjustable aluminum tapered handlebars to provide comfort and ease of movement for a wide range of young rider sizes. Continuing in the YZ design language of horizontal lines, the styling of the body, color and graphics are like those of Yamaha’s flagship YZ450F.

Compact Steel Frame
The YZ65 offers light, neutral handling built on an all-new steel cradle
frame. Designed around the rigidity balance required for the 65cc class,
this new frame delivers excellent grip feeling even across bumpy track
surfaces, jump landings and whoop sections.

Lightweight Subframe
Removable aluminum rear subframe is constructed of square-section
tubing for reduced weight and convenient maintenance, just like on
the full-size motocross bikes.

Easily Tuned KYB® Coil Spring Suspension
Up front, a 36mm KYB® coil spring fork offers unmatched compliance with settings based on Yamaha’s extensive testing experience. Out back, a new link-less shock design is light and compact to suit the needs of 65cc-class riders, and controls a new swingarm with YZ125- style chain adjusters. Both front and rear suspension systems are tunable for both rebound and compression damping.

Dual Wave-Type Disc Brakes
Wave-style brake rotors are lighter than conventional rotors and have that full size YZ family style.

Maxxis® Tires
Maxxcross SI® tires offer good grip across of a variety of track conditions, utilizing 60/100-14 front and 80/100-12 rear tire sizes.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Adjustable Ergonomics
The YZ65 is highly tunable to fit riders of various sizes, with a 4- position adjustable aluminum taper handlebar clamp, adjustable position clutch and front brake levers, grippy foot pegs, and long seat design to help riders move across the bike.

Aggressive YZ Family Styling
The YZ65 may be the smallest member of the family, but it packs in the same aggressive styling as the larger YZ and YZ-F siblings, even down to the slick blue Excel® wheels.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine Type 65cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reeed-valve inducted
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
Suspension / Front 36mm KYB® coil spring, adjustable compression
and rebound damping; 8.5-in travel
Suspension / Rear Single shock, adjustable compression and
rebound damping; 10.6-in travel
Brakes / Front 198mm hydraulic disc
Brakes / Rear 190mm hydraulic disc
Tires / Front 60/100-14 Maxxis® Maxxcross SI®
Tires / Rear 80/100-12 Maxxis® Maxxcross SI®
Seat Height 74.93cm
Wheelbase 114cm
Rake (Caster Angle) 26.4°
Trail 6.35cm
Maximum Ground Clearance 26.6cm
Fuel Capacity 3.4L
Wet Weight 60.7kg
Weight Without Fuel 58kg Calculated weight without fuel