I think the YZ65
would be perfect
for racing but if
your kid just wants
a recreational bike
this is a really great
fit for them too
-COOPER DAVIES
NATHAN REFOY
RIDING
This is my third time testing motorbikes for
Kiwi Rider and this time I was testing the all
new Yamaha YZ65. Yamaha has designed
the seat so the foam supports you while
taking out the big bumps, giving a really
comfortable ride. I also really liked the
forgiving suspension because the impact of
the big jumps was smoothed out. I could still
really get the feel of the ride but without the
hard knocks.
The 65 seems lighter than my KTM 65, which
would be better for younger kids and newer
riders if they fall over and need to pick it
up, helping their confidence. My new 2018
KTM 85’s brakes are quite sharp and come
on quickly but the YZ65’s brakes are not as aggressive and don’t shift you forwards when
the brakes are applied. This helps make the
whole ride smoother.
I found the acceleration to be really smooth
when powering out of the corners, but I didn’t
practice any race starts so I can’t comment
about that aspect of the acceleration.
Overall I really enjoyed testing the YZ65 and
would love to have spent more time playing
around with it. I think the YZ65 would be
perfect for racing but if your kid just wants a
recreational bike this is a really great fit for
them too. I don't think you can beat smooth
power and easy handling!
I was super excited when Vege called to ask
if I would test ride the new Yamaha YZ65. I
had never ridden a new bike before, so I was
extra excited to ride it – it looks amazing!
I found I was able to stand up and sit down
easily thanks to the riding position with a
really flat seat that's much more comfortable
than on my bikes. The bars and the levers
were the perfect size and shape for my hands
and fingers. I'm not sure, but it might have a little less
power than my KTM 65, but the power is
definitely smoother and less aggressive,
making it easier to ride fast. It's a great
engine. I found the gearbox great to use with
the gears being very easy to select. I thought
the suspension was a little firm for me, but
I'm only 31kg. If we'd have had more time,
I think making the rear shock softer would
have helped.
-COOPER DAVIES
-NATHAN REFOY