KTM GAS GAS MC 85 Vs YAMAHA YZ 85 Hayden Moody Eden MX Appleby 2021

After some time debating whether the YAMAHA YZ 85 2019 - 2021 was possibly not as competitive as the rival Austrian KTM SX(GAS GAS MC HUSQVARNA TC) we decided to try both bikes at a fairly level playing field style track that Hayden had only rode once before to make it interesting.

The test was during a practice day so other riders were present and some changes in the track between sessions may have affected the lap times so they are just approximate.

YZ 2.23 mins
MC 2.21mins

2 seconds a lap difference.

The GAS GAS is stock but new and this was the 2nd time Hayden rode it with small wheels. He rode it once before on big wheels so really not fully used to it yet.

The YZ is modified and Hayden has spent a lot of hours riding the YZ since moving up from 65. He's raced this bike and had wins and podiums at club level.

Unfortunately due to a knee injury in 2020 Hayden wasn't able to compete in the Bridgestone National in which he was entered and had 9 months off riding after surgery.

He's now getting back to where he was beforehand and enjoying riding again competing at club level this season possibly looking at National for 2022?

This is a 1st attempt at making any sort of video editing and just for fun guys.

It would have been better to have an empty track and transponder and to have the go pro footage split and start from the same point. maybe next time.

So the GAS GAS MC 85 gets the 👍s up

It has terrific brakes making it easier to brake later with much more stopping power.

The suspension although totally different from the Yz having air forks and no linkage works really well and looked like it handled everything on that track well.

the ergonomics of the rider position was noted to be more comfortable possibly because Hayden has grown therefore the YZ may suit the shorter rider or younger.

The bike noticeably pulled more and shifted through the gears easily while keeping RPM range high.

coming out of corners there was no temptation to clutch it seemed to pick up and go with no bogging down.

It looks fantastic especially in the GAS GAS red colour scheme.

The YAMAHA is still a fantastic bike and until the rider is capable of getting the very most out of a bike it won't matter which they are on so don't let it put you off a YZ there is also a new 2022 model coming out which looks a much better design.

It would be great to test that one with better ergonomics new design tank and plastics with an aluminium sub frame and redesigned swinging arm.

Hope you enjoy and ride safe everyone.