2018 YAMAHA YZ65
FIRST TEST
P88
A transmission with tall overall ratios
allows the rider to short-shift the engine
and take advantage of the low and mid-
range torque while holding that same
gear into the top-end power.
Both Grayson and Gunner both
were fans of the power delivery. First
impressions were short and concise
consisting of, "it's fast," and "it comes
on strong." Digging deeper confirms
that Yamaha hit its goal of a wide and
broad powerband. Grayson liked that
he didn't have to shift often with Gun-
nar adding that the power allowed for
a less clutch-intensive riding style. The
boys were able to roll the power on out
of corners without having to work the
(Right) A healthy
dose of torque
makes the little YZ
hook up nicely out
of the turns.(Left)
The nearly square
bore configuration
helps give the
YZ65 a nice, broad
powerband.
