For demanding junior racers, the YZ85 LW’s chassis is optimized for strength, rigidity and overall handling stability. The aluminum swingarm offers refined balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity, and the removable rear subframe constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum reduces weight.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Yamaha YZ85LW: READY TO WIN.
Introducing the new 2025 Yamaha YZ85LW…
Always go big! The YZ85 power and fun, combined with a large wheel package, allowing riders to bridge the gap to the next class. Featuring the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS), fully-adjustable suspension, six-speed transmission and adjustable ergonomics, the YZ85LW is ready to win races straight off the dealership floor.
2025 Yamaha YZ85LW Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Features a larger 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel
- A longer swingarm accommodates the larger rear wheel and increases handling stability
- Improved rider ergonomics with a narrower tank, flatter seat and slimmer, symmetrical shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
- Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for broad, tractable
- Potent, easy-to-service two-stroke engine
- Smooth-shifting, six-speed, close-ratio transmission
- Compact, semi-double-cradle, single-backbone steel frame
- Race-ready, fully adjustable suspension
- Aggressive YZ styling
- Features a larger 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel
- Perfect for the advanced 85cc rider looking for a more “big-bike” feel
- Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for broad, tractable power
- Potent, easy-to-service two-stroke engine
- Smooth-shifting, six-speed, close-ratio transmission
- Compact, semi-double-cradle, single-backbone steel frame
- Race-ready, fully adjustable suspension
- Aggressive YZ styling
- Adjustable rider ergonomics
The YZ85 Large Wheel (LW) model raises the bar for off-road capability with a larger 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel clad in high performance 70/100/19 front and 90/100/16 rear Dunlop® MX3S tires. Perfect for the advanced 85cc rider looking for a more “big-bike” feel.
The 85cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine features the Yamaha Power Valve System for broad power across the rev range without losing peak power at high rpm—improving rideability and reducing the need for frequent shifting.
For demanding junior racers, the YZ85 LW’s chassis is optimized for strength, rigidity and overall handling stability. The aluminum swingarm offers refined balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity, and the removable rear subframe constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum reduces weight.
2025 Yamaha YZ85LW Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
- Lightweight, compact, 85 cc, liquid-cooled, crankcase reed-valve inducted, 2-stroke single.
- New Air Intake Design
- Updated intake design allows for a straighter, more efficient draw of air into the intake tract.
- Tuned Expansion Chamber
- Carefully matched to suit the YPVS™-equipped engine, the exhaust expansion chamber optimizes gas flow for enhanced power delivery, especially in the low- and mid-range.
- Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS).
- Mechanical power valve system delivers effective exhaust timing throughout the entire rev range
- Provides excellent power and torque characteristics
- Boosts compression ratio and power output
- Delivers responsive acceleration just as the rider intends
- Slit-shaped valve on the side of the exhaust port operates in response to engine rpm
- In low-to-mid-rpm range when exhaust timing is slower, valve moves to cover the top part of the exhaust port
- In high rpm range when quick exhaust timing is needed, valve recedes and exhaust port is fully uncovered
- Shifting is reduced due to broad powerband
- The crankcase design features a spacer-style reed valve intake for improved air/fuel flow
- Which inhales through a 28mm Hitachi Astemo® Keihin flat-slide carburetor for seamless throttle response.
- Lightweight, forged piston.
- less reciprocating mass and less friction for a faster revving engine
- excellent durability
- CDI ignition system.
- provides a hot, precise spark for fast sure starts
- provides optimal timing for quicker, stronger response at all rpms
- maintenance-free
- Smooth-shifting, six-speed transmission.
- involute design increases the surface area contact between the gears
- special involute splines on main and drive shafts provide maximum engagement/hook-up for each gear for smoother, more positive shifts
- gear ratios are well matched to engine output
- Gear dimensions optimized for YPVS engine performance
- Heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch.
- smooth positive shifting
- Quick-remove, clutch sub-cover.
- fast, easy clutch access
- Lightweight radiator with high-capacity cores and special louvers to direct the air through the rad.
- maximum cooling efficiency
- Large-capacity airbox with washable, dual-stage, foam filter.
- excellent filtering qualities
reduced expenses
- excellent filtering qualities
- Lightweight exhaust system.
- expansion chamber designed to match the output of YPVS engine
- aluminium silencer is re-packable to maintain optimum performance and reduced noise levels
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- The new YZ85 has been enhanced in several key chassis areas to optimize strength, rigidity and overall handling stability including the main frame, swingarm and rear wheel axle.
- Lightweight 17-inch front and 14-inch rear rims are durable and reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance.
- Rigid, semi-double cradle, single backbone, steel frame.
- blend of light weight and good strength
- minimal flex for razor-sharp, moto-wining handling
- Detachable rear subframe.
- allows easy access for suspension maintenance
- reduces costs in the event of a loop-out (subframe can be purchased separately)
- Lightweight box-section aluminium swingarm.
- composite chain guide and updated chain adjusters provide easier maintenance
- provides excellent rear-wheel control and traction
- Adjustable 36 mm inverted KYB fork with 275 mm (10.8 in) of wheel travel.
- low-friction outer tubes and internals are similar to full-size YZ models
- 20 clicks of both compression and rebound damping
- adjustable design allows suspension settings to match rider weight, rider style and track conditions
- YZ125 / 250-based “big bike” valving and low-friction fork seals
- smooth, compliant stroke for superior suspension performance and handling
- front fork guard redesigned with brake hose outside of fork guard
- Fully adjustable Monocross link rear suspension provides 282 mm (11.1 in) of wheel travel.
- Kayaba piggyback shock reduces shock temperatures during a long moto for fade resistant damping and consistent performance.
- adjustments include “threaded” spring preload, 15 clicks of compression and 20 clicks of rebound damping
- optional shock springs are available through Yamaha Genuine Parts and Accessories
- 220 mm front stainless steel wave front disc with twin-piston caliper.
- delivers strong stopping power with excellent control and great feedback.
- Tapered aluminum handlebar and adjustable crown.
- Tapered handlebar
- “Shorty-style” adjustable front brake lever.
- adjusts to fit various hand sizes
- Clutch lever holder allows for clutch lever reach adjustment.
- adjusts to fit various hand sizes.
- 190 mm stainless steel rear disc brake squeezed by a single piston caliper.
- Excellent stopping power
- caliper is protected by a rugged plastic protector
- Lightweight, blue 19-inch front and 16-inch rear DID rims.
- excellent durability
- reduces unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance
- Dunlop MX3S knobby tires offer exceptional traction
- Modern, aggressive, slim line bodywork.
- slim body design for excellent freedom of movement and rider mobility
DETAILS
- The four-position adjustable handlebar mounts and taper-style handlebar allow the rider to tune the handlebar position to suit their size and preferences.
- New flat seat and narrow fuel tank design, along with smoothly integrated body panels and slimmer shroud width, combine to enable greater freedom of movement for increased control and confidence.
- Sealed tapered steering head bearings for extra durability
- Serrated rear brake pedal and folding shift lever tip
- Wide, cast-alloy serrated footpegs offer good grip
- Stainless steel inner clutch cable for longer life and smooth operation
- Rubber boots on clutch and brake levers to reduce dirt, mud and water entry for durability
- Convenient lifting holes in side cover
- New rugged chain guide helps prevent chain from de-railing and also protects rear sprocket
- E10 friendly fuel system components
2025 Yamaha YZ85LW – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ NA USD
Canada MSRP Price: $6,799 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
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2025 Yamaha YZ85LW – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
ENGINE
ENGINE 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, reed-valve, single
DISPLACEMENT 125 cc
BORE AND STROKE 54.0 x 54.5 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 7.8~10.2:1
FUEL DELIVERY Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S
IGNITION / STARTING CDI / Kick
TRANSMISSION Constant mesh, 6-speed
FINAL DRIVE Chain
CHASSIS
SUSPENSION (FRONT) Fully adjustable 48 mm KYB inverted fork / 300 mm (11.8″) travel
SUSPENSION (REAR) Fully adjustable KYB link Monocross / 315 mm (12.4″) travel
BRAKES (FRONT) 270 mm floating disc / twin piston caliper
BRAKES (REAR) 240 mm disc / single piston caliper
TIRES (FRONT) 80/100-21
TIRES (REAR) 110/100-18
CRITICAL DATA
LENGTH 2,154 mm (84.8″)
WIDTH 825 mm (32.5″)
HEIGHT 1,290 mm (50.8″)
WHEELBASE 1,455 mm (57.3″)
GROUND CLEARANCE 356 mm (14″)
SEAT HEIGHT 970 mm (38.2″)
FUEL CAPACITY 8 litres (1.8 imp. gallons)
WET WEIGHT 96 kg (212 lb)
COLOUR(S) Team Yamaha Blue
2025 Yamaha YZ85LW – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
