The YZ65 is highly tunable to fit riders of various sizes with a four-position adjustable aluminum handlebar clamp, adjustable clutch and front brake levers, grippy foot pegs, and a long, flat seat design that helps riders move across the bike.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Yamaha YZ65: VICTORY: MOTOCROSS DREAMS START HERE.
Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha YZ65…
Designed for the discriminating mini‑moto racer with dreams of victory. The YZ65 is the perfect first step into the victory zone.
Designed for every mini-moto racer with dreams of winning. The Yamaha YZ65 is the perfect first step into the victory zone that offers youth riders with the same top-notch performance and reliability of bigger YZ models.
The YZ65 is the bike that has the speed, handling and durability you need to succeed in one of the world’s toughest sports. It’s a serious youth motocross race bike and is designed for every young racer with a real desire to win.
The YZ65 has been built to the same high standards as Yamaha’s range of adult race bikes. Its potent 65cc liquid-cooled 6-speed engine features Yamaha’s race developed YPVS for race-winning power – and the light semi-double cradle steel frame with aluminium subframe provides stable handling and high agility.
Adjustable 36mm upside down front forks and link-less Monocross rear suspension give stable handling over rough terrain, and the adjustable handlebar position enables the YZ65 to grow with you. Equipped with wave discs for powerful braking, a long padded seat and high-grip footrests for comfy riding, as well as dynamic new YZ-family graphics and updated Icon Blue bodywork, the YZ65 is ready to take you to the victorYZone!
2026 Yamaha YZ65 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Powerful-feeling 65 cc liquid cooled, single-cylinder 2-stroke engine with Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS)
- Crankcase reed valve
- 6-speed transmission with optimized gear ratios
- Semi-double-cradle steel frame, aluminum subframe
- 36 mm inverted fork with 12 levels of compression and 10 levels of rebound damping for solid front-end feedback
- Monocross rear suspension with 10 levels of adjustment for both rebound and compression damping
Exciting 65cc YPVS Two-Stroke Engine
The compact 65cc two-stroke powerplant features the same advanced technologies found in the race-winning YZ125 and YZ250 motocrossers, including the patented Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) producing crisp bottom-end torque with potent mid-range and free-revving top-end for exhilarating two-stroke power that punches above its weight class, while remaining fun and easy to manage for smaller riders.
High Performance Adjustable Suspension
High performance KYB® suspension includes a 36mm coil spring fork offering excellent compliance with settings based on Yamaha’s extensive racing experience. A linkless shock design is light and compact and works through a swingarm with YZ125-style chain adjusters. Both front and rear suspension is adjustable for both rebound and compression damping.
Advanced Motocross Frame
With a chassis based on an advanced steel cradle frame, the YZ65 offers light, neutral handling. Designed around the rigidity balance required for the 65cc class, this frame delivers excellent bump absorption in the roughest track sections, jump landings and whoop sections. A removable aluminum rear subframe is constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight and convenient maintenance, just like the full-size YZ motocross bikes.
Adjustable Ergonomics
The YZ65 is highly tunable to fit riders of various sizes with a four-position adjustable aluminum handlebar clamp, adjustable clutch and front brake levers, grippy foot pegs, and a long, flat seat design that helps riders move across the bike.
NEW 2026 OFF ROAD COMPETITION RANGE
Off Road Competition is in Yamaha’s DNA – in all its forms, on all levels. The numerous achievements at the highest level of racing speak for themselves, but Yamaha’s commitment goes beyond competitive racing. It’s about sharing the same winning performance with riders on all levels of the sport.
Yamaha’s 2026 Off Road Competition range reflects this philosophy. With genuine racing DNA running through the range, Yamaha have further boosted the race-winning performance and handling of the YZ450F, redesigned the intake system and enhanced carburation of the YZ125, and made the whole range more appealing with updated colours and graphics.
Yamaha is also adding to the line-up four special 70th anniversary models. These bikes with their stunning special livery weave together the rich fabric of Yamaha’s past and present off road race success with the promise of maintaining the fighting spirit that keeps the victories coming in the future.
2026 Yamaha YZ65 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE
Compact 65cc two-stroke engine features the same race-winning technologies found in the YZ125 and YZ250 motocrossers.
Patented Yamaha Power Valve System combines crisp bottom-end torque with potent mid-range and free-revving top-end.
Tuned Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK28 carburetor and reed-valve induction improves acceleration and throttle response.
Digital CDI system delivers precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimal timing for excellent response.
Six-speed, close-ratio transmission optimizes gear ratios for maximum performance.
Compact radiator delivers maximum cooling efficiency even in the toughest racing conditions.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
A compact steel cradle frame offers light, neutral handling and excellent bump absorption in the roughest track sections.
Lightweight, removable aluminum subframe is constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight and convenient maintenance.
A 36mm KYB® coil spring fork offers excellent compliance with settings based on Yamaha’s extensive testing experience.
Adjustable linkless shock design is light and compact and works through a swingarm with YZ125-style chain adjusters.
Dual wave-style brake rotors are lighter than conventional rotors while offering a full size YZ family look.
Maxxis® Maxxcross SI tires offer good grip across a variety of conditions, utilizing 60/100-14 front and 80/100-12 rear tire sizes.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Adjustable ergonomics include a four-position aluminum handlebar clamp, adjustable clutch and front brake levers.
Long, flat seat design, smoothly integrated body panels and grippy foot pegs combine to aid rider movement.
The YZ65 packs in the same aggressive styling as its larger YZ siblings, even down to the slick blue Excel® wheels.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Fuel Economy is estimated.
***Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.
2026 Yamaha YZ65 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $4,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $5,499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ 5050 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE
| Engine Type | 65cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted |
| Bore x Stroke | 43.5mm x 43.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.1~9.6:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK28 carburetor |
| Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Fuel Capacity | 0.9 gal |
CHASSIS
| Suspension/Front | KYB® inverted fork; fully adjustable, 8.5-in travel |
| Suspension/Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 10.6-in travel |
| Brakes/Front | Hydraulic disc, 198mm |
| Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic disc, 190mm |
| Tires/Front | 60/100-14 Maxxis® Maxxcross SI |
| Tires/Rear | 80/100-12 Maxxis® Maxxcross SI |
DIMENSIONS
| LxWxH | 63.6 in x 29.9 in x 39.4 in |
| Seat Height | 29.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 44.9 in |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.4° |
| Trail | 2.5 in |
| Max. Ground Clearance | 10.4 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 0.9 gal |
| Wet Weight*** | 134 lb |
OTHER
| Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Fuel Economy is estimated.
***Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.
2026 Yamaha YZ65 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
| Engine | 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, crankcase-reed-valve single |
| Displacement | 65 cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 43.5 x 43.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.1-9.6:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Keihin PWK28 |
| Ignition / Starting | CDI / Kick |
| Transmission | Constant mesh, 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
Chassis
| Suspension (Front) | Fully adjustable 36 mm inverted fork / 215 mm (8.5″) wheel travel |
| Suspension (Rear) | Fully adjustable Monocross / 270 mm (10.6″) wheel travel |
| Brakes (Front) | 198 mm wave disc / twin-piston caliper |
| Brakes (Rear) | 190 mm wave disc / single-piston caliper |
| Tires (Front) | 60/100-14 |
| Tires (Rear) | 80/100-12 |
Critical Data
| Length | 1,615 mm (63.6″) |
| Width | 760 mm (29.9″) |
| Height | 1,000 mm (39.4″) |
| Wheelbase | 1,140 mm (44.9″) |
| Ground Clearance | 265 mm (10.4″) |
| Seat Height | 755 mm (29.7″) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 litres (0.8 imp. gal.) |
| Wet Weight | 61 kg (134.5lb) |
| Colour(s) | Yamaha Racing Blue |
2026 Yamaha YZ65 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled; Single cylinder; Reed valve with YPVS;
2-stroke
Displacement 65cc
Bore x stroke 43.5 × 43.6 mm
Compression ratio 8,1-9,6 : 1
Lubrication system Premix
Clutch type Wet; Multiple Disc
Ignition system CDI
Starter system Kick
Transmission system Constant Mesh; 6-speed
Final transmission Chain
Fuel system Keihin PWK28/1
Chassis
Frame Semi double cradle
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 215 mm
Rear suspension system Swingarm
Rear travel 270 mm
Front brake Hydraulic single disc, Ø198 mm
Rear brake Hydraulic single disc, Ø190 mm
Front tyre 60/100-14 30M Tube type
Rear tyre 80/100-12 41M Tube type
Caster angle 26° 25
Trail 64 mm
Dimensions
Overall length 1615 mm
Overall width 760 mm
Overall height 1.000 mm
Seat height 755 mm
Wheel base 1140 mm
Minimum ground clearance 265 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 61 kg
Fuel tank capacity 3.5 L
Oil tank capacity 0.5 L
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
