They’re wee RIPPERS

It seems the further we get down the capacity ladder the fewer brands we have to test, and some don’t even want us to do it. Once upon a time, the then-60cc class was dominated by Japanese manufacturers who all had a red-hot go at building bikes to dominate the class.

As the years went by they all started to drop off, leaving Kawasaki to dominate the category for years with the KX60. Compared to the current weapons getting around, that KX was a pretty simple bike with no power valve, only basic suspension and drum brakes but that didn’t stop kids from pushing KX60s to their limits and honing their skills ready for the 80cc class.

These days the KX60 is gone, replaced by the KX65, which has had to cope with an Austrian invasion. The KX has been a great bike but, compared to the development being poured into the KTM and Husqvarna 65s, the KX has become a bike for beginners and junior trailriders.

It hasn’t been until the last few years that we have seen Yamaha getting interested in the class again by coming out with the YZ65. I’m sure you can understand our excitement at this development, as testing a TC65 against a 65SX just seems downright pointless.

Now, with four major brands in the class, technically three entirely