Yamaha's 2003 model YZ85 is now a full 85cc, up from the previous model's 83cc.  A new forged piston also makes an appearance and claims to provide for quicker pick-up while aiding durability.

Ignition duties are now handled by a sophisticated new CDI system.

The six-speed gearbox has been revised with new main and drive axles. A new shift shaft promises to offer smoother operation.

An improved aluminium body 28mm Keihin carb' feeds through the revised port shapes via the customary crankcase reed-valve induction system.

Smaller improvements include the move to a stronger aluminium impellor in the water pump, replacing the previous resin based item. Air box design has also been updated while on the other side of the engine, a revised exhaust shape is claimed to provide more low-end punch. Vital for getting good drive out of low-speed turns.

The machine features a rigid twin-spar frame with removal sub-frame to make crash repairs or intensive maintenance operations an easier chore.

36mm Kayaba forks are adjustable for both compression and rebound damping while the rear shock, also from Kayaba, offers YZ 125/250 spec' valving and is fully adjustable.

Discs at both ends help pull the 66-kilogram up to a halt, a 220mm disc at the front and 190mm item at the rear.

Top quality Excel rims aid machine durability. Better sealing from the elements around the kick start output and rear brake pedal should also aid machine longevity.

On the ergonomic side of things Yamaha's little YZ has wider bars and a revised fuel tank shape. The seat, shrouds, rear fender, side panels have also been reshaped for better rider movement.

As usual the YZ 85 will come in both large and small wheel variants.

Specifications

• Model - 2003 Yamaha YZ 85

• Engine - 85cc, liquid-cooled, reed valve-inducted, 2-stroke

• Bore x Stroke - 47.5 x 47.8mm

• Compression Ratio - 8.2:1

• Carburetion - 28mm flat-slide Keihin PWK

• Ignition - Digital CDI

• Transmission - 6-speed w/multi-plate wet clutch

• Final Drive - #428 Chain

• Front Suspension - 36mm Kayaba inverted telescopic fork w/adjustable compression and rebound damping

• Rear Suspension - Kayaba single shock w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping

• Front Brake - 220mm Disc

• Rear Brake - 190mm Disc

• Length - 1,974mm

• Width - 757mm

• Height - 864mm

• Seat Height - 864mm

• Wheelbase - 1,257mm

• Ground Clearance - 351mm

• Dry Weight - 66kg

• RRP - ??

• Available - Now ?