Yamaha YZ85 2021. Long-awaited updates and model background

Model of motocross motorcycle Yamaha YZ 85

appeared in 2002 as a budget version of full-fledged motocross motorcycles, intended for teaching motocross to children and teenagers under 16 years of age.
For adults, a parallel version of the Yamaha YZ85 LW
(Large Wheel) is offered, equipped with 19′ and 16′ wheels (instead of 17′ and 14′ on the regular YZ85).

The model was based on a 1-cylinder 2-stroke liquid-cooled engine, with a volume of about 85 cm³, producing 29 hp. power and 17 Nm of torque.

Other features of the Yamaha YZ85 / YZ85 LW include a steel frame, fully adjustable sports suspension, disc brakes, a 5-liter fuel tank, a 6-speed gearbox, a carburetor power system and a curb weight of 71 kg.

Since 2015, the model has received minor changes in ergonomics and chassis geometry, while the external appearance of the motorcycle has not changed at all. In 2021, the model received new brake discs (petal), a slightly increased curb weight (by 2 kg), as well as ergonomic improvements, which slightly affected the overall dimensions.

At the end of 2021, Yamaha introduced the new generation YZ85. The updated version received a new intake manifold design, improved chassis and ergonomic settings, a new rear brake cylinder and updated graphics.

The main competitors of the Yamaha YZ 85 in the class:

• Honda CR85R
• Kawasaki KX85
• Suzuki RM85

Brief history of the model

• 2002 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85P (USA), 5PA1, 5PA3; 5SH1, 5SH3.

• 2003 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85R (USA), 5PA4, 5PA6; 5SH4, 5SH6.

• 2004 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85S (USA), 5PA7, 5PA9; 5SH7, 5SH9.

• 2005 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85T (USA), 5PAA, 5PAC; 5SHA, 5SHC.

• 2006 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85V (USA), 5PAD, 5PAF; 5SHD, 5SHF.

• 2007 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85W1 (USA), 5PAG, 5PAJ; 5SHG, 5SHJ.

• 2008 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85X (USA), 5PAK, 5PAM; 5SHK, 5SHM.

• 2009 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85Y (USA), 5PAN, 5PAR; 5SHN, 5SHR.

• 2010 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85Z (USA), 5PAS, 5PAU; 5SHS, 5SHU.

• 2011 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85A (USA), 5PAV, 5PAX; 5SHV, 5SHX.

• 2012 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85B (USA), 1SN1, 1SN3; 1SP1, 1SP3.

• 2013 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85D (USA), 1SN4, 1SN6; 1SP4, 1SP6.

• 2014 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85E (USA), 1SN7, 1SN9; 1SP7, 1SP9.

• 2015 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85F (USA), 1SNA, 1SNC; 1SPA, 1SPC.

• 2016 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85G (USA), 1SND, 1SNF; 1SPD, 1SPF.

• 2017 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85H (USA), 1SNG, 1SNJ; 1SPG, 1SPJ.

• 2018 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85J (USA), 1SNK, 1SNM; 1SPK, 1SPM.

• 2019 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85;
  Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets). Factory designation
  : YZ85K (USA).

• 2020 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85; Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets).

• 2021 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85; Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets).

• 2022 - Model
  : Yamaha YZ85; Yamaha YZ85LW (All markets).

Yamaha YZ85 2021

Is the 2021 Yamaha YZ85 better than the 2021 YZ85? Yes. It's improved over the 2021 model. But the 2021 YZ85 was essentially the same as the 2002 YZ85. From 2002 to 2021, the YZ85 has not changed the cylinder, head, resonator, muffler, carburetor, frame - almost nothing. The motorcycle has essentially remained unchanged for 16 years. It has not been competitive in its class for many years. And this is our old complaint with the entire YZ two-stroke line. As a result, Yamaha decided to update the old model. The million dollar question: Is this enough for the Yamaha YZ85 to compete with the KTM 85SX, TM 85MX, KX85 and TC85?

What's new and what remains unchanged on the 2021 Yamaha YZ85? Let's start with the old one. Some parts that have been used on the model since 2002 have not changed - the muffler, front and rear calipers, 28mm Keihin PWK carburetor (although it has different jets), shock absorber (new settings) and frame. The plastics were updated in 2015 and are unchanged for the 2019 models.

List of differences Yamaha YZ85 2019

• YPVS. One of the biggest upgrades to the Yamaha YZ85 engine is the introduction of the YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System). This is a new mechanical power valve system.
• The crankcase shape has been redesigned to optimize mixture flow and increase compression ratio. The connecting rod became shorter by 4 mm, and the flywheel mass increased.
• The cylinder head has a new combustion chamber shape to work with the new power valve system.
• The third and fourth gears are wider for increased strength and smoother shifting.
• The new model is equipped with a petal valve with petals 0.1 mm thick.
• The CDI ignition settings have changed to match the engine changes.
• The water pump received a new housing.
• The exhaust pipe has new dimensions for 2021.
• The 36mm KYB spring fork has stiffer tubes and updated settings.
• The new swingarm is stiffer, has a new chain guide and an updated chain adjustment system.
• Front brake. The brake hose routing system has fewer kinks, and the rear and front brake rotors have a petal design. The rear disc is solid, there are no holes in it (so it dissipates heat better).

Yamaha has made the YZ85 more comfortable for riders of different sizes. They did this with a four-way adjustable steering wheel and clutch levers, and a reach-adjustable brake pedal.

Dimensions

Have the dimensions of the yz85 changed? Not much. The wheelbase is slightly shorter (0.25 cm). The fork angle has increased by 0.13 degrees, and the highest point of the motorcycle (the handlebars) has become 0.8 cm higher. Its length, width and seat height have not changed.

Engine

How good is the updated engine? This engine is much better, although it doesn't produce more peak power or torque than its predecessor. How can it be? Power delivery is much more convenient. The old YZ85 engine would rev up hard, give you a kick, and then suddenly die out. The 2021 powertrain responds to throttle inputs much more quickly and without sudden kick-in, resulting in a smoother engine performance. Don't confuse smooth power delivery with underpowering, because that's not what we're talking about. This engine revs up significantly faster and has a much smoother transition into the midrange without any sudden kick-in. The motorcycle accelerates faster. The numbers will help you understand.

The 2021 Yamaha YZ85 produces 2 more horsepower from 7,000 to nearly 8,500 rpm compared to its predecessor. Two horsepower may not impress you, but for the YZ85 it's about 10% of the total power. The 2021 engine's powerband is similar to the old engine's, ranging from 8,700 rpm to nearly 10,000 rpm. From 10200 to 11200, the 2021 YZ85 loses some power, but then has a jump from 11200 to 11700, bringing it to parity with the old engine.

Updated engine Yamaha YZ85 2019

Increasing low- to mid-range power accelerates revs throughout the range. The gearbox ratios feel closer together. In addition, the new engine loses peak power 300 rpm earlier than the old one. Yamaha got around this problem by using higher drive sprocket ratios (moving from a 47-tooth to a 46-tooth rear sprocket). Our testers insisted on trying an even higher gear. Perhaps Yamaha needs to increase the spacing between some gears. Riders also felt that the 2021 engine's wider powerband made it easier to keep it on track, which in turn made it easier to handle, especially for less experienced riders. The old engine was difficult to drive as the power band was very narrow and your left hand got tired of working the clutch to get the traction you needed.

Among competitors

Has the Yamaha YZ85 become a competitor to other brands? Yes and no. It outperforms its Japanese KX85 and RM85 competitors with 23.49 horsepower and 14.4 pound-feet of torque, both less than the previous YZ85 engine; however, Yamaha engineers knew that on a tight budget they couldn't beat the 25 horsepower of the KTM 85, but would beat the 22.68 horsepower of the KX85. On paper, the old Yamaha YZ85 wasn't a bad bike, although the dyno showed it wasn't all that great. Yamaha knew that if they filled the huge hole in the lower and mid-range, the YZ85 would feel significantly better on the track. Mission Complete. The 2021 Yamaha YZ85 may not be blazing fast like the KTM 85SX, TC85 or TM 85MX, but it is a bike that has its charms.

Controllability

How is it controlled? Every rider felt that it handled much better than its predecessor. The KYB front and rear suspension worked great. Testers had nothing bad to say about it; However, many of our riders have complained about the YZ85's chassis suffering from handlebar impacts. We tried lowering the chainstays and reducing sag, but it wasn't enough for our smaller testers. A compromise was never found.

Yamaha YZ85 2019

Cons of the 2021 Yamaha YZ85:

• Beating in the steering wheel.
• Gear ratios. Riders complained that some gears were too close and there was a gap between others.
• Stretcher. Some of our test riders got their boots caught on the lower subframe bolt.
• Fuel cap. Too difficult to unscrew and the thread pitch is too small.
• Weight. It is heavy compared to its Austrian competitors.
• Front wheel mounts. They protrude so far below the front axle that they get stuck in the ruts.
• Circuit protection. The front chain guard cannot be removed without removing the ignition cover.

Outboard motor Yamaha 85 AETL

85 hp two-stroke outboard motors. belong to the Yamaha Origin series, which includes motors with a power of 40-90 hp. An 85-horsepower engine is presented in one model - Yamaha 85 AETL. It is a two-stroke, in-line, three-cylinder engine with a carburetor and remote control system. The motor has an electric start. The simple design ensures reliability and ease of operation.

The motor, when installed on a small light boat, provides high speed characteristics, and if installed on a large and heavy boat, a stable, smooth cruising speed will be ensured.

The engine was designed for use on any body of water and on open water, as well as for lovers of outdoor activities on the water and for professional hard use for commercial purposes, including hunting, fishing, transporting goods and transporting people.

This motor model is also often installed on sports boats for participation in competitions.

Pros of Yamaha YZ85 2021:

• Suspension. The KYB fork and shock are great for riders big and small.
• Steering wheel. Every rider loved the Pro Taper's flex.
• Engine. The user-friendly power delivery is a significant improvement over its predecessor.
• Levers. The adjustable levers are a nice touch for taller riders.

Design and technical characteristics

The Yamaha 85 AETL motor was designed for small boats, pontoon structures and small yachts. The three-cylinder engine provides smooth and stable operation, as well as smooth and fast acceleration of a large boat or small boat. The motor is paired with a two-speed gearbox, which provides forward and reverse movement.

The engine is started by an electric starter, incl. and remotely.

A system has been installed to remotely raise the engine when the boat is moored. In addition, it is possible to adjust the trim angle, as well as lift the propeller in shallow water conditions.

The water cooling system is carried out by a water pump and a thermostat. It is almost impossible to overheat the engine. An overheat warning lamp is installed. In addition, if the engine does manage to overheat, the protective system automatically reduces the speed to approximately 2000 rpm.

Stable engine operation and low fuel consumption are due to the presence of a loop purging of the fuel mixture. The mixture ratio of gasoline and oil is 100 to 1.

The manufacturer has provided a whole range of protective systems, which are triggered by excessive vibration, and also have a warning system.

External fuel tank, volume 24 liters. A full tank lasts approximately 1 hour.

A generator with a current rectifier is installed.

Wear-resistant materials are used in the design of the engine and its components - composite carbon fiber, aluminum and zinc anti-corrosion anodes. Six-layer protection guarantees durability and corrosion resistance of engine parts.