If you, like me, have succumbed to a life engulfed in rigger boots and hi-viz jackets while your son/daughter blissfully annihilates your bank account by riding motocross every weekend, then you’ll be highly aroused by Yamaha’s latest release. Even if little Timmy has graduated through the schoolboy ranks and is now riding bigger bikes, the news of an all-new YZ65 should still be exciting.
KTM has monopolised the mini segment from autos to 65s (through no fault of its own as other manufacturers have ceased development), so Yamaha’s YZ65 could be a proper game-changer – a bike that shakes up the entry-level sector like no other model has done for years. Everyone knows of the iconic PW50. How many careers have started aboard a PeeWee? Gazillions. Sure, it’s an auto 50, but racing one of them against a KTM SX is a form of child cruelty.
Yamaha says the YZ features an all-new engine and chassis. The liquid-cooled 65cc two-smoker uses a reed valve system and comes equipped with Yamaha’s fabled YPVS power valve set-up for a wider spread of power. There’s a six-speed ‘box and a light action clutch for Junior’s little digits.
“As well as delivering smooth and easy to use power with race winning performance, YZ65 riders and their parents can also be sure that this is one of the most durable and reliable models in the category.” Whether this is a dig at the sometimes-fickle KTM, we’ll never know. But it sounds like it.
The all-new double cradle frame houses the motor and is connected to an aluminium subframe and lightweight swingarm. A 14” front and 12” rear wheel both come in that jizzy blue scheme, while wavey brake discs also look peng. 36mm KYB forks are fully adjustable and a KYB link-less rear set-up is utilised to keep maintenance at a minimum.
The lil’ 65 really does look like a mini YZ450F and will be hitting UK shores in June this year. It just so happens that my son is old enough to progress to a 65cc next year, so we’ll be doing our utmost best to borrow one from Yamaha UK and accidentally keep it.
