YZ85

Yamaha introduced this youth motocross nameplate for the 2002 model year, when it replaced the company’s long-running 80cc-class entry and grew to the 85cc FIM category. The model was launched alongside the long-wheelbase YZ85LW, positioning it as Yamaha’s smaller-bore, competition-focused step below the larger YZ125 and YZ250 motocross machines. Since its debut, the nameplate has remained in Yamaha’s off-road lineup as an entry-level race bike for younger riders moving into full-size motocross competition. Over time Yamaha has refreshed it with periodic chassis, engine, and styling updates, including a significant update for the 2019 model year, while preserving the core purpose of the bike as a lightweight two-stroke motocrosser. It is best understood as a continuous production nameplate that has served as Yamaha’s dedicated junior MX platform rather than a model that disappeared and returned.