2026 Yamaha YZ85LW Review

2026 Yamaha YZ85LW
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.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Yamaha YZ85LW 2026 Yamaha YZ85LW 2026 Yamaha YZ85LW

2026 Yamaha YZ85LW: GO BIG… WHEELS.

Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha YZ85LW…

Same YZ85 power, same YZ85 fun, equipped with a large wheel package allowing riders to bridge the gap to the next class.

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.

 

 

2026 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

Larger Front & Rear Wheel

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.

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 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.

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.

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 YZ85LW Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

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
The aluminum swingarm offers refined balance between longitudinal and torsional rigidity.

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.

Fully adjustable 36mm KYB® inverted cartridge fork features low-friction outer tubes and internals along with 10.8 inches of travel.

A removable rear subframe is constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum for reduced weight.

Built for demanding junior racers, the YZ85LW’s chassis is optimized for strength, rigidity and overall handling stability.

High performance 70/100/19 front and 90/100/16 rear Dunlop® MX3S tires provide exceptional traction on a variety of terrain.

The YZ85 Large Wheel (LW) features a larger 19-inch front wheel and 16-inch rear wheel for a more “big-bike” feel.

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 YZ85LW – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $5,299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $6,899 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA 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, 11.3-in travel
Brakes/Front Hydraulic disc, 220mm
Brakes/Rear Hydraulic disc, 190mm
Tires/Front 70/100-19 Dunlop® Geomax MX3SF
Tires/Rear 90/100-16 Dunlop® Geomax MX3S

DIMENSIONS

LxWxH 74.6 in x 29.9 in x 46.3 in
Seat Height 34.8 in
Wheelbase 50.6 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 26°
Trail 3.9 in
Max. Ground Clearance 14.2 in
Fuel Capacity 1.3 gal
Wet Weight*** 165 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 YZ85LW – 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 / 287 mm (11.3 in) wheel travel
Brakes (Front) 220 mm disc / twin-piston caliper
Brakes (Rear) 190 mm disc / single-piston caliper
Tires (Front) 70/100-19 Geomax MX3SF
Tires (Rear) 90/100-16 Geomax MX3S

 

Critical Data

Length 1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Width 760 mm (29.9 in)
Height 1176 mm (46.3 in)
Wheelbase 1285 mm (50.6 in)
Ground Clearance 361 mm (14.2 in)
Seat Height 884 mm (34.8 in)
Fuel Capacity 5 litres (1.1 imp. gal.)
Wet Weight 75 kg (165 lb)
Colour(s) Yamaha Racing Blue

 

 

 

 

2026 Yamaha YZ85LW – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

NA

 

 

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