I
have said it before and it is worth saying again, October through January is with
out question the best time of year to be working at a magazine. On our worst
days we are out testing the new model motocross bikes and on our best days,
well we are out testing new model motocross bikes. The 2009 Yamaha YZ85 is my
THE 2009
first assignment for the new year and even though the entire line of 2009 85cc
machines saw little changes, the YZ85 was a welcome sight. There is not much to
report in the way of serious upgrades to the new model, with the exception of BNG
(Bold New Graphics). However, this mini has ample things to brag about.
YAMAHA
Let’s get started with the suspension. The front suspension is a stout, by mini
standards, KYB fully adjustable fork. The KYB fork is very responsive to slight
adjustment in the clickers. The stock spring set up is just about right for a 95-105
YZ85
lbs rider and can be raced right out of the crate. This fork has a ridged feel when
you are sitting by the truck, but once on the track that ridged feel is long forgot-
ten. The shock is also KYB and is one of the class leading OEM set-ups for 2009.
The shock is fully adjustable with the same tuning results as the forks. This bike
corners very well and does not show the slightest hint of head shake on those long,
wide open sections of the track. We tested our bike with the fork set 5mm from
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