The Yamaha YZ85 is one of the best 85cc motocross bikes ever built. It's lightweight, reliable, and a blast to ride.
But if you're thinking about buying one as your first dirt bike, there's something you should know...
Just because it's smaller than a YZ125 doesn't mean it's easier to ride.
As a dirt bike coach, I've worked with many newer riders, and one thing I've learned is that the bike you start on can have a huge impact on how quickly you gain confidence. The YZ85 was designed for experienced youth motocross racers - not beginners learning to ride trails.
That doesn't mean it's a bad bike. It just means it's built for a different type of rider.
In this review, I'll explain who the Yamaha YZ85 is best for, who should probably avoid it, and whether it's the right bike for your riding style.
Is the Yamaha YZ85 a good beginner dirt bike?
Usually, no.
If you're completely new to riding, or your goal is trail riding, there are much better bikes to learn on.
However, if you're an experienced youth motocross rider looking to race the 85cc class, the YZ85 is one of the best choices you can make.
The biggest mistake I see is people assuming that because it's smaller than a YZ125, it must also be easier to ride.
In reality, many beginners actually find a mellow trail bike much easier to control than a YZ85 because the power is smoother and more forgiving.
| Rider | Buy a YZ85? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First dirt bike | ❌ No | Too aggressive |
| Beginner trail rider | ❌ No | Better bikes available |
| Youth motocross racer | ✅ Yes | Exactly what it's was built for |
| Experienced rider | ✅ Yes | Very capable |
| Adult trail rider | ⚠️ Maybe | Depends on experience and size |
Prefer to watch instead? I cover these points in more detail - including why many beginners think a YZ85 will be easier than a YZ125 - in the video below.
Who Should Buy a YZ85?
The YZ85 is a great choice if you:
- Race motocross or plan to.
- Have previous riding experience.
- Like riding aggressively and keeping the engine in the powerband.
- Want a lightweight race bike with excellent suspension.
- Are roughly 4'10" to 5'6" (depending on experience and confidence).
For the rider it was designed for, it's an outstanding motorcycle.
Who Shouldn't Buy One?
I usually don't recommend a YZ85 if you:
- Are buying your first dirt bike.
- Mainly ride woods or trails.
- Want a bike that's easy to ride for hours.
- Prefer low maintenance.
- Ride slower, technical terrain.
- Want something that builds confidence quickly.
I've coached riders who made learning much harder simply because they bought a bike that demanded too much of them too soon.
A more forgiving bike lets you focus on improving your riding instead of constantly trying to manage the engine.
Why Beginners Struggle on a YZ85
One thing I've learned from coaching newer riders is that beginners already have a lot to think about.
They aren't just learning how to twist the throttle. They're learning everything at once - clutch control, braking, body position, looking ahead, balance, shifting, and cornering.
The YZ85 adds another challenge because its engine makes most of its power at higher RPM. If the engine drops out of the powerband, it can feel sluggish. Then, when it comes back "on the pipe," the power increases much more abruptly than on a typical trail bike.
Instead of focusing on good riding technique, many beginners end up focusing on keeping the engine in the powerband.
That's one reason I usually recommend a smoother trail bike for new riders. A forgiving engine lets you spend more time building good habits and confidence instead of constantly managing the bike.ing your attention.
Want to Become a Better Trail Rider Faster?
Choosing the right bike is important—but learning the right techniques makes an even bigger difference.
If you're new to dirt biking or want to build more confidence on the trails, I put together a free guide that covers the riding fundamentals I teach my coaching students.
The Biggest Mistake I See Beginners Make
One of the biggest mistakes I see is buying a YZ85 simply because it's smaller than a YZ125.
Many people assume that a smaller bike must automatically be easier to ride, but that's not how it works.
The YZ85 was designed to be ridden aggressively by experienced youth motocross racers. It rewards riders who keep the engine in the powerband and use the clutch confidently.
Most beginners are still learning the basics—looking ahead, braking before corners, body position, clutch control, and throttle control. Adding a peaky race engine into the mix gives them one more thing to think about, which often slows their progress.
In my experience coaching newer riders, confidence usually builds much faster on a forgiving trail bike than on a small motocross race bike.
Is the Yamaha YZ85 Good for Trail Riding?
It can be.
But it's definitely not what Yamaha designed it for.
The YZ85 has:
- Close-ratio gearing
- Stiff motocross suspension
- An abrupt powerband
- No kickstand
- Small fuel tank
- Higher maintenance than most trail bikes
Can you ride trails on one?
Absolutely.
People do it all the time.
But if your primary goal is trail riding, bikes like the TTR125, CRF125F, KLX140R, or even a YZ125X are usually much better choices depending on your size and experience.
You'll spend less energy fighting the bike and more time enjoying the ride.
What is the Yamaha YZ85?
The Yamaha YZ85 is an 85cc liquid-cooled two-stroke motocross bike that's built for racing. It replaced the YZ80 in 2002 when the mini motocross class increased from 80cc to 85cc.
Unlike trail bikes such as the TTR125 or CRF125F, the YZ85 was designed to be ridden aggressively. It has a lightweight chassis, firm suspension, and a high-revving engine that rewards riders who keep the RPM high.
That's what makes it such a great race bike—but it's also why I usually don't recommend it as a first dirt bike for beginners.
YZ85 vs. YZ85 LW: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference is the wheel size.
The standard YZ85 comes with smaller wheels, while the YZ85 LW (Large Wheel) has a larger front and rear wheel. The larger wheels raise the seat height, improve stability, and make it easier for taller riders to transition toward a full-size motocross bike.
The YZ85 LW was introduced in 2022, so riders no longer have to spend hundreds of dollars converting a standard YZ85 into a big wheel model.
If you're planning to race the Supermini class or your child is outgrowing the standard YZ85, the Large Wheel model is usually the better choice.
Engine: What Is the YZ85 Like to Ride?
The YZ85 has an 85cc liquid-cooled two-stroke engine that's designed for one thing—making power at higher RPM.
That means it's fast and exciting once it gets into the powerband, but it also means it doesn't have much low-end torque compared to a trail bike.
This is one of the biggest reasons I don't recommend it for beginners.
When you're learning to use the clutch, throttle, and body position, it's much easier to ride a bike that makes smooth, predictable power. The YZ85 expects you to keep the engine revving, shift often, and use the clutch correctly.
Older models (before 2019) feel especially abrupt because they don't have Yamaha's power valve. Once the engine gets into the powerband, the power comes on much harder.
The 2019-and-newer engine is noticeably smoother and has better low- and mid-range power, making it easier to ride—even though it's still very much a motocross race bike.
Suspension
One of the YZ85's biggest strengths is its suspension.
With nearly 11 inches of suspension travel and fully adjustable forks and shock, it's capable of handling motocross tracks, jumps, and rough terrain far better than most trail bikes.
The downside is that it's sprung and valved for racing - not casual trail riding.
If you're a lighter or newer rider, the suspension may feel harsh because it isn't moving enough over smaller bumps. Fortunately, Yamaha made the suspension fully adjustable, and changing the fork or shock springs can make a big difference if you're outside the recommended rider weight.
Yamaha YZ85 Specs & dimensions
These specs are taken from Yamaha’s website:
| YZ85 / YZ85LW | |
| Engine | 85cc liquid-cooled 2 stroke |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual clutch |
| Seat Height | 33.1” (84.1cm) / 34.8 (88.4cm) |
| Wheelbase | 49.4" / 50.6" |
| Suspension Travel (Front/Rear) | 10.8"/11.1" |
| Weight | 161 lbs / 165 lbs |
| Horsepower | 20 HP |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH |
| Price (New MSRP) | $4,899 / $5,099 |
Should you buy a YZ85 based on these specs?
Reliability
One thing I like about the YZ85 is that Yamaha has built a reputation for making reliable two-strokes. I don't see many catastrophic failures unless the bike has been neglected or raced hard without proper maintenance.
When properly maintained, these engines can last a long time.
Like any high-performance two-stroke, however, regular maintenance is important.
That includes:
- Air filter cleaning
- Transmission oil changes
- Top-end inspections
- Fresh piston and rings at appropriate intervals
- Proper carburetor jetting
A trail-ridden YZ85 will usually last much longer between top-end rebuilds than one that's raced every weekend.
YZ85 Model Year Changes
Although Yamaha hasn't redesigned the YZ85 very often, there have been a few important updates over the years.
2002 – First year of the YZ85, replacing the YZ80.
2016 – Updated graphics and black rims.
2019 – Major redesign with Yamaha's YPVS power valve, revised engine, improved brakes, updated chassis, and new ergonomics.
2022 – Introduction of the YZ85 LW (Large Wheel) model.
If your budget allows, I'd recommend looking for a 2019-or-newer bike. The newer engine has smoother power delivery, making it more enjoyable to ride, especially for less experienced riders.
Common Yamaha YZ85 Problems
The YZ85 doesn't really have any major design flaws. Most of the problems I see are the result of neglect or hard racing rather than the bike itself.
When shopping for a used YZ85, check for:
- Dirty or neglected air filters
- Worn pistons with low compression
- Carburetors clogged from sitting with old fuel
- Loose wheel, linkage, or steering head bearings
- Bent radiators or damaged wheels from crashes
- Excessive engine noise that could indicate crankshaft wear
A well-maintained older YZ85 is almost always a better buy than a newer bike that has been abused.
Best Yamaha YZ85 Mods
There are plenty of aftermarket parts available for the YZ85, but I'd focus on setting the bike up properly before trying to make it faster.
Here are the upgrades I'd recommend first:
- Proper carb jetting – Better throttle response, easier starting, and improved reliability.
- Suspension setup – Adjust the clickers and install the correct springs for your weight if necessary.
- Gearing – Changing the sprocket sizes can make a noticeable difference depending on whether you ride motocross or trails.
- Fresh tires – One of the best improvements you can make for traction and confidence.
- Pipe and silencer – A quality exhaust can improve performance, but only after the bike is jetted correctly.
If you're using a YZ85 for trail riding, I'd also consider a spark arrestor, flywheel weight, and kickstand before adding engine performance parts.
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha YZ85 is an excellent motocross bike.
But that doesn't automatically make it a great beginner bike.
If your goal is to become a faster motocross racer, it's hard to go wrong with a YZ85.
If your goal is learning to ride trails with confidence, I'd recommend starting with a more forgiving motorcycle that lets you focus on technique instead of fighting the powerband.
Ready to Become a More Confident Rider?
Whether you're buying your first dirt bike or trying to improve your riding skills, I have several free guides and in-depth training courses that can help you progress faster.
