Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZ 85 2027 The minimalist take on the 125

When you place your foot on the footrest of a YZ 85, you’ve already come a long way from the PW. Lightweight, agile, fast, and reliable, it’s a stripped-down version of Yamaha’s high-performance race bikes. Equipped with most of the engine and chassis technologies found on the YZ 125 and YZ 250, the YZ 85 is an excellent machine for preparing for a future racing career.

In 2027, the Yamaha YZ85 receives engine and chassis upgrades that enhance its competitiveness, ease of handling, and reliability, while lowering its operating costs.

Increased power, improved feel

In terms of improvements, the intake system now features a VForce4R valve box from Moto Tassinari—renowned for its high performance. To achieve this, the intake manifold was redesigned with new gaskets in front of and behind the valve box. The carburetor settings have also been optimized, and, thanks to modifications to the CDI ignition timing, they enable cleaner combustion. These changes enhance the YZ 85’s strengths in various environments, delivering smoother, more readily available power across the entire rpm range.

Modifications to the YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System) further improve performance and handling, increasing low-end power and ensuring a smooth transition to higher RPMs. The flywheel diameter has also been increased from 60 mm to 79.5 mm, improving engine responsiveness while maintaining lively acceleration.

The inner diameter of the air filter intake port has been increased from 75 mm to 85 mm to boost high-rpm power, while the diameter of the water drain port has been enlarged to improve low-rpm response.

Improved reliability and handling

The YZ85 is now more durable and reliable thanks to several improvements, such as the use of a new aluminum alloy material for the cylinder head, which optimizes thermal conductivity. The clutch plates also benefit from improved materials: five inner plates and two end plates use different linings to increase abrasion resistance. A friction spring has also been added to improve feel during starts and acceleration. Additionally, the new surface treatment on the pinion and third- and fourth-gear sprockets increases reliability and eliminates wobble.

Reliability is further enhanced by the water pump impeller, which is now 5 mm larger. A decompression vent has also been added, contributing to improved cooling performance.

A new quick-pull throttle grip has been adopted to improve throttle response and ergonomics, with a 12% reduction in the rotation angle at full throttle.

Chassis upgrades to match performance

To optimize rigidity, the shapes and thicknesses of the engine mounts and swingarm have been modified. This provides greater stability and better feedback in corners and under heavy loads.

The mounting screws for the fairing now feature slimmer heads. The screw length is uniform (14 mm) to facilitate maintenance. The front wheel bearing is now sealed for improved water resistance.

The fairing

Since 2022, the YZ 85 has been equipped with a narrower fairing that offers the rider greater freedom of movement for better control during acceleration, braking, and cornering. The redesigned radiator guards are 25 mm narrower at their widest point and now feature a uniform left-right configuration that contributes to better balance of the motorcycle from the rider’s perspective.

The YZ 85 is also equipped with a front fender whose upper section promotes airflow to the radiator for efficient cooling and consistently high engine performance. Inherited from the YZ 125, this compact fairing demonstrates the shared DNA of the YZ models.

Flatter seat and redesigned fuel tank

Like the YZ 125, the YZ 85 is equipped with a flat seat that allows the rider to move more easily. Ergonomics are improved by the 5-liter fuel tank featuring a redesigned cap that offers greater freedom of movement forward. The seat features a single-bolt mounting that makes maintenance easier and faster.

High-performance rear air intake

The YZ 85’s side covers serve two important purposes: First, their sleek, narrow design enhances rider maneuverability for quick weight transfer between front and rear. Second, they feature rear vents that allow for a more direct airflow to the engine’s airbox, providing greater intake efficiency for high performance.

More progressive rear brake performance

For more progressive rear braking, the YZ 85 features a master cylinder with an integrated reservoir. This solution replaces the separate reservoir and connecting hose found on the previous model to provide more natural and linear braking and generate precise feedback.

Lightweight aluminum rear frame and new swingarm

Since 2022, the YZ 85’s chassis has featured an aluminum rear frame that is 570 grams lighter than the steel unit used on the previous model—a significant weight reduction that also contributes to mass centralization.

Highlights of the YZ 85

- 85cc YPVS two-stroke engine
- Fully adjustable KYB suspension
- Large-diameter wave-type disc brakes
- Sleek and dynamic look
- Weight reduction
- Improved ergonomics
- Narrower fairing between the rider's knees
- Balanced left/right fairings
- More efficient air intake
- Lightweight aluminum rear subframe
- Redesigned swingarm for optimized stiffness
- More progressive rear brake

Information and image credits: Yamaha Motor Europe