In-house: Cobra’s performance division, known as CARD,
makes parts specifically designed for the young racer.
Addition: The CX65 clutch has enough room to handle an
extra metal and fiber plate for clutch abusers.
Hop-up: Take note of the Moto Tassinari VForce3 reed block,
sturdy shifter and reinforced radiators.
Saucer: Cobra took note of our gripes with the old front brake
and made changes. The brake is very progressive and strong.
JUNE 2015 / MOTOCROSS ACTION 119
(1) Powerband. The CX65 engine isn’t for the meek
or meager. It has bottom-end hit and a strong surge into
the top. Power really spikes when the electronic power
valve opens up. Testers didn’t have much trouble keeping
the CX65 on the pipe. The engine catered to those who
held the throttle and didn’t shift until the powerband
nosed over.
( 2) Suspension. Praise be to Cobra for equipping the
CX65 with fully adjustable forks (something the Kawasaki
KX85 doesn’t even have). The upside-down forks have
the ability to control bottoming resistance, and they were
very good for most riders. Some kids nearing the edge
of the 65cc platform—either in weight or skill level—will
benefit from slight valving changes, but overall we were
impressed with the stock settings.
( 3) Clutch. The six-speed transmission was spaced
well, as testers were able to click gears with ease. Better
yet, there was a big sweet spot that allowed us to hang
on the throttle a little longer or shift earlier than what
might have been optimal. We really liked the expandable
clutch. It has room for an extra drive and friction plate to
put more power to the ground for modded or large-
displacement engines.
( 4) Parts list. Our testers drooled over the Pro Circuit
pipe and silencer, Moto Tassinari VForce3 reed block,
upside-down forks, reinforced radiators, Dunlop tires,
shiny hubs, cauliflower front brake and slim steel frame.
It’s amazing that the Cobra CX65 can be raced in the
stock class despite all of the performance upgrades.
WHAT DO WE REALLY THINK?
In the high-stakes world of Amateur racing, there is
heated competition between KTM, Kawasaki and Cobra.
Those are the only manufacturers that take mini cycle
racing seriously. The 2015 CX65 is a testament to the fact
that Cobra, a small-scale brand from southern Michigan,
can challenge the titans—and win.
For more information and to find the nearest dealer,
please visit www.cobramotorcycle.com ❏
