2018 Yamaha YZ65 gets an update

Yamaha’s released an updated version of its YZ65, which made its Aussie public debut in Sydney on February 11 – timed to coincide with the global reveal at the San Diego round of the AMA Supercross Championship.

It will be available in Australia from May 2018, with price still to be announced.

Tracking on a 14 front and 12-inch rear wheels, the 2018 YZ65 features a new 64.8cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine with a case reed-valve intake and a mechanical Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS), which Yamaha clams is the biggest contributor to the bike’s easy-to-use torque.

The engine is matched to a six-speed, and there’s a newly designed semi double-cradle steel frame, removable aluminium subframe and aluminum swingarm.

The ergonomics feature a flat seat and four-position aluminium tapered handlebars. The fully adjustable suspension is made up of an upside-down 36mm KYB fork and monocross rear, and other cool features include YZ450F-inspired graphics that are integral with the body panels for a shared YZ family look.

Wet weight is a claimed 60.8kg, and the seat height is 749mm.

“We have had ongoing communication throughout testing and development of the YZ65 and believe it will more than competitive with anything currently available in the class. Test riders in the US are extremely confident of the bike’s performance and reliability as it has exceeded Yamaha’s industry leading standards in performance, handling and durability,” said YMA Junior Race Team
Manager Scott Bishop.

“We look forward to adding this bike to our arsenal of YZ weapons in 2018 and starting our YJR development program with riders at an even younger age. We are excited to campaign the YZ65 and believe it will be an immediate success on and off the track.”