Good News For Yamaha Mini-Mx Fans

GOOD NEWS FOR YAMAHA MINI-MX FANS

ROUNDUP

YAMAHA HAS BEEN CONtent to pass the last few years without significantly upgrading its YZ80 mini-motocrosser, and as a result, the little YZ has become a mediocre performer in the face of more modern challengers. Now, tired of the 80’s so-so performance, Yamaha is testing an all-new prototype.

Cycle World was invited to an early test session of the prototype YZ80. The ’93 YZ80 features an all-new engine.

This has a six-speed transmission and appears to have a larger clutch than the ’92 model. A new frame, swingarm, shock linkage and fully adjustable shock were in evidence on the prototype. An inverted, non-adjustable fork holds the front end up, and allnew plastic gives the bike a modern appearance, while stronger disc brakes round out the package.

Our 14-year-old test rider, who usually rides his own 1987 Honda CR80, liked the prototype YZ. He found the engine very powerful, the clutch strong, and the shifting smooth and positive. The new bike’s chassis provided excellent steering control and its suspension smoothed small bumps while not bottoming excessively when landing from big jumps. Complaints were few, and mostly limited to comments about the YZ’s soft low-end power.

Timed laps between the YZ proto and our rider’s favorite ’92 model, the Kawasaki KX80, proved that the YZ80 was slightly faster.

Now, the prototype will be returned to Japan with a list of recommended changes. The bike then will come back to the U.S. in pre-production form for more testing and, perhaps, for more changes. By the time the process is completed, Yamaha hopes to have a 1993 YZ80 that’s a front-of-the-pack runner. -Ron Griewe