2017 Yamaha YZ85 Specifications

Name: 2017 Yamaha YZ85
Brand: Yamaha

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2017 Yamaha YZ85 Overview

For 2017, Yamaha offers the YZ85 as a cross / motocross motorcycle. The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 is built around a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine, a compression ratio of 8.2:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 47.5 x 47.8 mm. In everyday use, the 2017 YZ85 tips the scales at 71.2 kg, carries a 4.92-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 841 mm and spans a 1,257 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 38.6 kg lighter than the average cross / motocross motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2017 Yamaha YZ85 spec sheet below.

2017 Yamaha YZ85 compared with other bikes in the Cross / motocross category

Measured against other bikes in the Cross / motocross category in our database (up to 200 models, one entry per model), the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 comes out as follows.

With 71.2 kg, the YZ85 has the 12th lightest wet weight of 129 bikes in the Cross / motocross category, 35% below the category average of 109.8 kg.
Seat height of 841 mm is lower than that of 163 of the other 199 bikes in the Cross / motocross category.
Narrowing the field to the 77 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 71.2 kg is lighter than that of 70 of the other 76.

Versus the 2016 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2016 model: wet weight and seat height all match.

2017 YZ85 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: The single disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Tall seat height: An 841 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Modest fuel capacity: A 4.92-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the YZ85 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc with hydraulic up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Inverted fork up front and Single shock at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the YZ85 means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Single-backbone, semi-double-cradle frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Low-speed handling

The YZ85's 71.2 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.

YZ85 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 cross / motocross should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 9 years old, this cross / motocross is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept YZ85 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the YZ85's single cylinder, two-stroke engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 8.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A YZ85 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

2017 Yamaha YZ85 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 have?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 is powered by a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine.

How much does the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 weigh?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 weighs 71.2 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Yamaha YZ85?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 has a 4.92-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 82-98 km between stops.

Is the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 has a seat height of 841 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 have?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 uses single disc with hydraulic at the front and single disc with hydraulic at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 use?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 runs 70/100-17 front and 90/100-14 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What fuel system does the 2017 Yamaha YZ85 use?

The 2017 Yamaha YZ85 uses Carburettor. Keihin PWK 28, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.

Yamaha YZ85 Spec Evolution

The Yamaha YZ85 was produced across 21 model years (2002-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2002	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Wet Weight	-	-	-	-	-	-	70.8 kg / 156.0 lbs	70.8 kg / 156.0 lbs	70.8 kg / 156.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs	73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs	73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs	73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs	73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs	73.0 kg / 161.0 lbs
Dry Weight	66 kg / 145.5 lbs	66 kg / 145.5 lbs	-	66 kg / 145.5 lbs	66.2 kg / 146.0 lbs	66.2 kg / 146.0 lbs	-	-	-	-	210.5 kg / 464.1 lbs	59 kg / 130.1 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Reed-valve inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted	Reed-valve-inducted
Engine Type	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke
Seat Height	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	-	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	864 mm / 34.0 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.	841 mm / 33.1 in.
Fuel Capacity	-	-	-	-	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons	4.92 litres / 1.30 US gallons
Bore x Stroke (in,)	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	2.1 x inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches	1.9 x 1.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	54.0 x 0.0 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm	47.5 x 47.8 mm

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity

4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons

Full 2017 Yamaha YZ85 Specifications

Colours Blue/White

Warranty 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty

Ground Clearance (in.) 13.0 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 330 mm

Seat Height 841 mm / 33.1 in.

Wheelbase 1,257 mm / 49.5 in.

Height 1,125 mm / 44.3 in.

Length 1,821 mm / 71.7 in.

Width 759 mm / 29.9 in.

Fuel Capacity 4.92 litres / 1.30 gallons

Wet Weight 71.2 kg / 157.0 lbs

Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke

Bore x Stroke (in,) 1.9 x 1.9 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 47.5 x 47.8 mm

Engine Detail Reed-valve-inducted

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin PWK 28

Compression Ratio 8.2:1

Ignition CDI

Starter Electric

Clutch Wet multi-disc

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 6-speed

Frame Type Single-backbone, semi-double-cradle frame

Suspension - Front Inverted fork

Suspension - Rear Single shock

Rake 28.0°

Wheel Travel - Front 274 mm / 10.8 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 282 mm / 11.1 in.

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 8.7 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 220 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 7.5 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 190 mm

Brakes - Front Single disc. Hydraulic.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. Hydraulic.

Tyres - Front 70/100-17

Tyres - Rear 90/100-14

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.