2019 Yamaha YZ85 vs 2020 Kawasaki KX65
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Team Yamaha Blue | Lime Green |
| Warranty | 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 330 mm | 305 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 13.0 inches | 12.0 inches |
| Seat Height | 841 mm / 33.1 in. | 759 mm / 29.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1255 mm / 49.4 in. | 1120 mm / 44.1 in. |
| Height | 1146 mm / 45.1 in. | - |
| Length | 1821 mm / 71.7 in. | 1590 mm / 62.6 in. |
| Width | 759 mm / 29.9 in. | 759 mm / 29.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons | 3.79 litres / 1.00 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | 73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs | 60.0 kg / 132.2 lbs |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | 5.19 cubic inches | 3.95 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 85.0 cc | 64.7 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 1.9 x 1.9 inches | 1.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 47.5 x 47.8 mm | 44.5 x 41.6 mm |
| Engine Detail | Reed-valve-inducted | Reed valve |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Keihin PWK 28 | Carburettor. Mikuni VM24SS |
| Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Ignition | CDI | CDI w/digital advance |
| Starter | Electric | Kick |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc | - |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Semi-double-cradle frame | Tubular, semi-double cradle |
| Suspension - Front | Inverted fork | 33 mm telescopic fork with 4-way rebound damping |
| Suspension - Rear | Single shock | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, adjustable preload and stepless rebound damping |
| Rake | 28.0° | 27.0° |
| Trail | - | 61 mm / 2.4 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 274 mm / 10.8 in. | 210 mm / 8.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 282 mm / 11.1 in. | 240 mm / 9.4 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single disc |
| Rims | Dunlop tyres | - |
| Tyres - Front | 70/100-17 | 60/100-14 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2019 Yamaha YZ85
The 2019 Yamaha YZ85 edges out the 2020 Kawasaki KX65 thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2019 Yamaha YZ85 - Advantages
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 330 mm vs 305 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 282 mm vs 240 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 274 mm vs 210 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2020 Kawasaki KX65 - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 759 mm vs 841 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2019 Yamaha YZ85 vs 2020 Kawasaki KX65 - FAQs
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 Yamaha YZ85 or the 2020 Kawasaki KX65?
The 2020 Kawasaki KX65 has the lower seat at 759 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 Yamaha YZ85 sits higher at 841 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2019 Yamaha YZ85 or the 2020 Kawasaki KX65?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 Yamaha YZ85 has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2020 Kawasaki KX65 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.