VOL. 55 ISSUE 19 MAY 15, 2018 P85
BY JUSTIN DAWES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN DAWES
Y
amaha's motocross lineup was missing a mod-
el for years. The PW50 is ubiquitous in many
a rider's journey into the world of motocross, but
once those riders outgrew the trusty and affordable
PW, they had to look to other brands if they were
ready to take the next step in racing. Once a young
rider has moved to a KTM, Husqvarna or Kawasaki
they are less apt to return to the blue brand that
started their journey in the world of motocross.
Yes, Yamaha can win plenty of riders back, but it
would be easier if they remained true to the blue all
along. Yamaha has now filled that big gap between
the PW50 and the YZ85 with the 2018 YZ65, a
model that is sure to make waves in amateur racing
and put a dent in competitors' sales numbers.
Released as a late 2018 model, the $4599
YZ65 is hitting the dealership floors as we speak
and is legal for the 2018 Loretta Lynn's National
Amateur Championship. Without a doubt mini-rac-
ers, mini-parents and the competition are closely
following the release and subsequent first ride
reports. Cutting right to the chase, all should take
note. The YZ65 is good—really good.
A quick qualifier here, as my 42-year-old,
230-pound frame would not be the best fit for a
mini racer with a seat height of just 29.5 inches,
I must rely on the opinion of eight-year old Gray-
son and 10-year-old Gunnar Townsend. It's hard
for a kid not to get excited about riding a new
YAMAHA BRIDGES HUGE
GAP IN ITS OFF-ROAD MX LINEUP
WITH ALL-NEW YZ65
Missing
Link
