Yamaha has been building championship winning 2-stroke motocross bikes for 50 years. Along the way we’ve won just about every title worth winning. The latest YZ85 comes with the same advanced race-bred technology that goes into the company’s adult motocross machines and is ready to power you into the victorYZone.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Yamaha YZ85: VICTORY: BROAD, TRACTABLE POWER.
Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha YZ85…
Built for fun. Built to win. The renowned YZ85 serves up big‑bike specs in a small‑bike package.
The renowned YZ85 serves up big-bike specs in a small-bike package. Featuring the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS), fully-adjustable suspension, six-speed transmission and adjustable ergonomics, the YZ85 is ready to win races straight off the dealership floor.
Yamaha has been building championship winning 2-stroke motocross bikes for 50 years. Along the way we’ve won just about every title worth winning. The latest YZ85 comes with the same advanced race-bred technology that goes into the company’s adult motocross machines and is ready to power you into the victorYZone.
2026 Yamaha YZ85 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 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
Potent YPVS Two-Stroke Engine
The 85cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine features the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) for increased low- and mid-range power without losing peak power at high rpms, reducing the need for frequent shifting.
Optimized Chassis Design
Built for demanding junior racers, the YZ85’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.
Fully-Adjustable KYB® Suspension
Lightweight 36mm KYB® inverted cartridge fork features low-friction outer tubes and internals along with compression and rebound damping adjustability. It’s paired with a race-proven fully-adjustable KYB® rear shock with a progressive linkage-type design for improved bottoming resistance. Both offer loads of suspension travel to tackle serious off-road competition.
Large-Diameter Wave-Style Disc Brakes
Big wave-style brake discs offer improved self-cleaning and cooler-running performance. The 220mm front disc and 190mm rear disc deliver strong, precise stopping power. Rear brake master cylinder also includes built-in sub-reservoir to provide more linear brake response and increased control.
Performance-Minded Ergonomics
The flat seat and narrow fuel tank design, along with smoothly integrated body panels and slim shroud width, combine to enable greater freedom of movement for increased control and confidence. Additionally, a four-position adjustable handlebars allow riders to tune the bar position to suit their size and preferences.
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 YZ85 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
Dunlop® MX3S tires provide exceptional traction on a variety of tracks and terrain.
Lightweight 17-inch front and 14-inch rear rims are durable and reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance.
ENGINE
Carefully matched exhaust expansion chamber optimizes gas flow for enhanced low- and mid-range power delivery.
The crankcase design features a spacer-style reed valve intake for improved air/fuel flow.
High-flow airbox ensures excellent air filter performance and easy maintenance.
A 28mm Hitachi Astemo® Keihin flat-slide carburetor provides seamless throttle response.
Durable six-speed transmission features oversized gears to provide enhanced engagement and smoother shifts.
The 85cc two-stroke engine features Yamaha’s Power Valve System (YPVS) for broad power across the rev range.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
Fully adjustable 36mm KYB® inverted cartridge fork features low-friction outer tubes and internals along with 10.8 inches of travel.
Rear brake master cylinder also includes built-in sub-reservoir to provide more linear brake response and increased control.
Big 220mm front and 190mm rear wave-style brake discs offer improved self-cleaning and cooler-running performance.
Fully adjustable KYB® link-type shock features race-tested valving and 11.1 inches of travel.
A removable rear subframe is constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum for reduced weight.
The aluminum swingarm offers refined balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity.
Built for demanding junior racers, the YZ85’s chassis is optimized for strength, rigidity and overall handling stability.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The four-position adjustable handlebar mounts allow the rider to tune the handlebar position to suit their size and preferences.
Flat seat and narrow design enable greater freedom of movement for increased control and confidence.
Premium Yamaha graphics are embedded to provide excellent durability and scratch resistance.
*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 YZ85 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $6,699 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ 5450 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE
| Engine Type | 85cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted |
| Bore x Stroke | 47.5mm x 47.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.2~9.6:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK28 carburetor |
| Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.3 gal |
CHASSIS
| Suspension/Front | KYB® inverted fork; fully adjustable, 10.8-in travel |
| Suspension/Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 11.1-in travel |
| Brakes/Front | Hydraulic disc, 220mm |
| Brakes/Rear | Hydraulic disc, 190mm |
| Tires/Front | 70/100-17 Dunlop® Geomax MX3SF |
| Tires/Rear | 90/100-14 Dunlop® Geomax MX3S |
DIMENSIONS
| LxWxH | 71.7 in x 29.9 in x 44.7 in |
| Seat Height | 33.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 49.4 in |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.3° |
| Trail | 3.5 in |
| Max. Ground Clearance | 12.6 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.3 gal |
| Wet Weight*** | 161 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 YZ85 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
| Engine | 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, crankcase-reed-valve single with YPVS |
| Displacement | 85cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 47.5 x 47.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.2-9.6:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Keihin PWK28 |
| Ignition / Starting | CDI / Kick |
| Transmission | Constant mesh, 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
Chassis
| Suspension (Front) | Fully adjustable KYB 36 mm inverted fork / 275 mm (10.8 in) wheel travel |
| Suspension (Rear) | Fully adjustable KYB shock / 282 mm (11.1 in) wheel travel |
| Brakes (Front) | 220 mm disc / twin-piston caliper |
| Brakes (Rear) | 190 mm disc / single-piston caliper |
| Tires (Front) | 70/100-17 Geomax MX3SF |
| Tires (Rear) | 90/100-14 Geomax MX3S |
Critical Data
| Length | 1,820 mm (71.7 in) |
| Width | 760 mm (29.9 in) |
| Height | 1135 mm (44.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1255 mm (49.4 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Seat Height | 840 mm (33.1 in) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 litres (1.1 imp. gal.) |
| Wet Weight | 73 kg (161 lb) |
| Colour(s) | Yamaha Racing Blue |
2026 Yamaha YZ85 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
Engine type Liquid-cooled; Single cylinder; Reed valve with YPVS;
2-stroke
Displacement 85cc
Bore x stroke 47.5 × 47.8 mm
Compression ratio 8,2 – 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 275 mm
Rear suspension system Swingarm; (Link type suspension)
Rear travel 287 mm
Front brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø220 mm
Rear brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø190 mm
Front tyre 70/100-19 42M Tube type
Rear tyre 90/100-16 52M Tube type
Caster angle 26° 00
Trail 99 mm
Dimensions
Overall length 1895 mm
Overall width 760 mm
Overall height 1175 mm
Seat height 885 mm
Wheel base 1285 mm
Minimum ground clearance 360 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 75 kg
Fuel tank capacity 5.0 L
Oil tank capacity 0.5 L
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on June 19, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
