2026 Yamaha YZ65 Specs & Review

The 2026 Yamaha YZ65 is a competition-ready youth motocrosser built to develop skills and win motos. With a liquid-cooled 2‑stroke heart, fully adjustable KYB suspension, and serious brakes, it’s designed for riders who are racing or training regularly. In this Yamaha YZ65 review, we break down the 2026 Yamaha YZ65 specs so you can see how it stacks up in the class.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 65 cc
• Engine: 65cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke; reed-valve inducted; YPVS
• Transmission: 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch
• Wet weight: 134 lb / 61 kg
• Seat height: 29.7 in / 755 mm
• Power/Torque: Not published by manufacturer
• Fuel capacity: 0.9 gal / 3.4 L
• Wheelbase: 44.9 in / 1140 mm

Engine & Performance

At the core is a compact, liquid-cooled 2-stroke single using a reed-valve intake and Yamaha’s YPVS power valve to broaden the usable spread of thrust. Its near-square bore and stroke (43.5 mm x 43.6 mm) and an 8.1–9.6:1 compression ratio are aimed at crisp response and strong drive off the corner without sacrificing top-end pull. Fueling comes from a Hitachi Astemo Keihin PWK28 carburetor (28 mm), a proven setup for clean jetting and consistent starts.

Yamaha does not publish peak power figures for the YZ65, but the hardware paints a clear picture: a responsive, rev-happy mini that rewards precise throttle and clutch work. The 6-speed gearbox and multiplate wet clutch help riders keep the motor in its sweet spot, while premix lubrication, Digital CDI ignition, and a kick starter keep things simple and race-focused. With a 0.9 gal / 3.4 L tank, it’s set up for practice sessions and motos rather than long trail loops.

On track, the combination of YPVS and the PWK28 carb is about predictability—snappy off the bottom for launches and rhythm sections, then eager as the revs build. This is a bike made for gates, berms, whoops, and tabletops—not city or highway use.

Handling, Comfort & Yamaha YZ65 Seat Height

Geometry and weight make the difference in confidence for developing riders, and the numbers are friendly. The Yamaha YZ65 seat height is 29.7 in / 755 mm, paired with a Yamaha YZ65 weight of 134 lb / 61 kg wet. That light mass helps with low-speed maneuvering in the pits, quick line changes in ruts, and easier recoveries after tip-overs.

A 44.9 in / 1140 mm wheelbase, 26.4° rake, and 2.5 in / 64 mm trail give the YZ quick steering without feeling twitchy, while 10.4 in / 264 mm of ground clearance keeps the frame off obstacles and landing zones. The semi double-cradle steel frame with an aluminum subframe focuses flex and durability where young racers need it most, contributing to a planted, predictable feel when the pace heats up.

Equipment & Features

Suspension and brakes are proper race components. Up front, a fully adjustable KYB inverted fork delivers 8.5 in / 216 mm of travel; out back, a fully adjustable KYB single shock provides 10.6 in / 269 mm of travel. The setup allows fine-tuning for rider weight and track conditions.

Stopping power comes from hydraulic discs at both ends: 198 mm front and 190 mm rear. Maxxis Maxxcross SI tires (60/100-14 front, 80/100-12 rear) deliver dependable grip across a wide range of soils. The bike runs a chain final drive, Digital CDI ignition, and kick starting, staying true to a simple, race-oriented formula. Dimensions come in at 63.6 in x 29.9 in x 39.4 in (LxWxH), and the color is Yamaha’s Icon Blue. Warranty coverage is a 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty). Pricing is competitive, with a US MSRP (2026) of $4,499 and a UK RRP (2026) of £5,050 OTR.

Who Is the 2026 Yamaha YZ65 For?

This is a purpose-built motocross machine for youth riders progressing in skill and speed. If you’re moving up from a smaller mini and want fully adjustable suspension, real braking performance, and responsive 2-stroke character, the YZ65 fits the brief. It’s best for closed-course tracks and practice facilities rather than casual street riding or long-distance trail exploring. Parents and coaches will appreciate the adjustability and durable chassis; young racers will appreciate the lively engine feel and low overall mass.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 YZ65 nails the fundamentals that matter in the class: a sharp, tractable 2-stroke with YPVS, fully adjustable KYB suspension, strong hydraulic brakes, and a light, confidence-inspiring package. The Yamaha YZ65 seat height and Yamaha YZ65 weight figures make it approachable, while the geometry and components allow riders to grow their speed without out-riding the bike’s capability.

Weak points? The manufacturer does not publish peak power, the fuel tank is sized for motos rather than long rides, and the 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) is short. Still, paired with its $4,499 US MSRP and £5,050 OTR UK pricing, the YZ65 remains a compelling race-ready option for riders and families looking for proven hardware and predictable performance.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Yamaha YZ65 good for beginners?

  • For aspiring young motocross riders, yes. Its light 134 lb / 61 kg wet weight, fully adjustable KYB suspension, and manageable seat height help build skills confidently.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 Yamaha YZ65?

  • 29.7 in / 755 mm.

• How heavy is the 2026 Yamaha YZ65?

  • 134 lb / 61 kg (wet).

• What is the price of the 2026 Yamaha YZ65?

  • US MSRP (2026) is $4,499. UK RRP (2026) is £5,050 OTR.

• How do you start the 2026 Yamaha YZ65, and what is the fuel capacity?

  • It uses a kick starter and holds 0.9 gal / 3.4 L of fuel.