HUNTER SCOTT
COOPER DAVIES
YZ85LW
The new YZ85 has been 10 years in the
making, the 2015 machine really only had
a new seat and graphics with some porting
changes. The 2019 YZ85 is finally here and
improves on the 2015 machine in both the
engine and chassis departments. Looking
at the package it seems ready to do battle
with the established class leading machines
straight out of the box – just set your
suspension and riding position, mix up some
fuel and go hard.
The motor is new and features the same
power-smoothing/boosting YPVS power-valve
as on the 125 and 250 YZs, reed valve intake
(as before), a redesigned cylinder and head,
crankcases, new waterpump configuration,
crankshaft, conrod, six speed gearbox, and
new exhaust and CDI. There's not much left
of the old motor.
The frame is steel with a removable steel
subframe, handy for easy replacement after
a big crash. There's fully adjustable KYB coil
spring 36mm forks. Adjustable brake and
clutch levers, and four-way adjustable bars
will make it easy to get the right fit for most
riders.
The bike was tested by Hunter Scott, who
was 3rd at the Junior Nationals in 2016 in the
11 to 12yrs 85 class, and after initial set up
he seemed impressed with it, his lap times
improving with every tank of gas. We also put
Jacob Refoy on the new bike and he was only
a second a lap slower than he was on his 125,
which was impressive as he’s been off an 85
for a year.
Running some practice starts with the new YZ
and a KTM 85, the KTM was first to the corner
but taking a closer look we realised the orange
machine was running a tooth bigger sprocket
on the rear over standard. With standard
gearing on the KTM we don’t think there’d
be much in it, so the YZ has definitely got
the goods to deliver. It’s as up-to-date as any
other 85 in the paddock, and brings Yamaha
back into the game, making the 2019 YZ85 a
viable option for any junior racer.