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COBRACX65

2013 TEST RIDE

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FIRST AND FOREMOST,WHY IS MXA TESTING AMINICYCLE?

A: Why wouldn’t we?While it’s true that the major

manufacturers’ minicycles have changed solittle over the last 10 years that they don’tdeserve to be tested, that doesn’t apply to aprogressive manufacturer like Cobra. American-owned Cobra has been in business for 20 yearsand made a name for itself in the 50cc market.Recently, they have ramped up their efforts inthe 65cc class.On paper, the Cobra CX65 is incredible. It is

loaded with aftermarket hop-up parts, yet it issold as a stock bike (more on that below). TheCX65 was built specifically for race-driven 6- to11-year-olds who want to challenge for wins. Itis not a recreational bike for Junior to tinkeraround on; it is a motocross bike, plain andsimple. Since MXA is the leader in bike tests,we thought it would be beneficial to put the2013 Cobra CX65 through the wringer.

Q: WHAT IS THE HISTORY OFCOBRA MOTORCYCLES?

A: Cobra was started because a fathersaw an opportunity to satisfy a need thatwasn’t being met. When his son was racing inthe 50cc Peewee class, Cobra founder BudMaimone was looking for a race-ready bike forhis son to compete on. Frustrated that thereweren’t any, Maimone decided to design andbuild his own bike, and so Cobra Motorcycleswas born.Would you be surprised to learn that several

big-name stars made their mark on a Cobra?It’s true. Davi Millsaps was Cobra’s firstchampion to make it big in the Pro ranks. EliTomac, Blake Baggett, Broc Tickle, Nico Izziand others have followed suit. Even moreamazing is that since 1994, the first year thatCobra entered the Amateur Nationals, the U.S.manufacturer has only lost one 50cc class titleto another brand.

Q:

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In 2003, Sean Hilbert became the CEO of Cobra.Hilbert notes, “Since the current management team tookover, we have increased bike sales a little bit. The hey-day of motorcycle sales of the late 1990s and early 2000sis gone, but we still manage to grow the company, andwe’ve added international distribution. We’re selling bikesto Europe, Latin America and Japan. Cobra is making anAmerican motocross bike, and that means a lot to us.”Besides increasing sales, the new leadership at Cobra

is paying attention to the market and developing bikesthat meet its customer needs, which is why we are test-ing the Cobra CX65. Truth be told, the Youngstown,Ohio, company has been building and refining their 65cctwo-stroke for many years. Sean Hilbert adds, “There wasa 65 in development when we took over the company.We realized that it wasn’t the bike it needed to be. Weended up scrapping the whole design and starting over.The CX65 was launched with limited success in 2010,but we stepped up our program in 2012. The newest-generation CX65 has an electronic power valve andbeefed-up suspension. It has a world-class engine,chassis and suspension package.”

Q: WHAT ARE THE DEFININGCHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2013 COBRA CX65?

A: Unlike the full-size four-stroke market, wherecutting-edge technology is standard, the minicycle

category is way behind. Cobra intends to change that.Below is a breakdown of the CX65.(1) Engine. The Cobra CX65 is the only bike in the

65 class with a direct-acting, electronic power valve. Itis designed to open up at 8500 rpm and takes 30milliseconds to go from being fully closed to fullyopen. The power valve provides consistent power andeliminates valve flutter on the starting line.It’s very interesting that Cobra uses a patent-pending,

two-piece cylinder design. Hilbert elaborates: “The two-stroke cylinder porting business has managed to stay afloatover the years because porting guys make sure that thetiming of the ports is perfect from one side to the other.We are CNC-machining our port surfaces. We innovated itin the U.S. to rapidly develop port designs, but it workedso well that we figured we would put it into production.”A guillotine power-valve design seals off the piston

when closed and provides for a smooth exhaust-port roofwhen open. This improves bottom-end torque andtop-end power. The crankcase is water-cooled for a moreconsistent engine operating temperature over the courseof a long moto. A Pro Circuit Works pipe and ShortyR-304 silencer complement the engine package, as doesthe Moto Tassinari VForce 3 reed block.(2) Transmission. Your child better learn how to shift

manually if he wants to ride a Cobra CX65. The bike hasa six-speed gearbox (one down and five up). Thehydraulic clutch is a nice touch, as is the quick-change

2013 Cobra CX65: Believe it ornot, at $4748 the Cobra CX65isn’t the most expensive JuniorCycle on the market.

2013 COBRA CX65

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clutch cover that provides easy access to the clutch. Theclutch itself is expandable and accepts an extra driveand friction plate to handle the load if you decide tomodify the CX engine for more power.(3) Suspension. Cobra has developed the MXT

“Smart Leg” front fork. The “Smart” technology providessupple action over small bumps and progressive controlin the case of larger impacts. Rebound and compressionadjustment clickers are located on the left fork leg, whilethe right fork handles bottoming adjustments.Additionally, the 37mm stanchion tubes use super-high-quality SKF fork seals and have 220mm of travel.The CARD (Cobra Advanced Racing Development)

piggyback rear shock has adjustable rebound, as well ashigh- and low-speed compression adjustments. Thenon-link shock has 270mm of travel.(4) Chassis. Cobra designed the twin-spar steel frame

with their own proprietary oval tubing. The goal was tofind a material that would be very stiff laterally but offertorsional flexibility. Why? The frame had to give whenbeing ridden through ruts but remain strong enough tohandle jump landings.The X-Track swingarm is an engineering marvel. The

side arms are crafted from a 359 T-6 aluminum materialthat Boeing developed for their landing craft. Theswingarm is bonded with the same kind of adhesivethat is used on fighter jets. This process allows for veryaccurate control over dimensions during developmentand saves weight. Cobra claims that the CX65 swingarmis the lightest in its class by nearly a pound. Thesubframe is aluminum.(5) Brakes. The Cobra CX65 boasts the biggest

front-brake rotor in the class. At 205mm, it takes upnearly half the circumference of the rim. It takes a four-piston caliper and steel-braided line to handle the

massive rotor. The front brake lever can be adjustedoutward or closer to the handlebars (a la KTM) for acustomized position. Cobra also incorporated a dial thatcan change the amount of freeplay between the caliperand the lever. The front brake can be set up to stop on adime or have more modulation.The rear brake uses a 165mm wave-style rotor. A

large pedal makes it easy for young riders to find therear brake.(6) Wheels. The CX65’s wheels are built to sustain

tremendous impacts. The black-anodized aluminum rims(14-inch front and 12-inch rear); billet aluminum hubs; andnine-gauge, stainless-steel spokes are very durable.(7) Airbox. With the largest airbox in its class, the

CX65 air filter has a sizable surface area, which meansbetter airflow and more power, even under the worstconditions. Removing the air filter is a breeze. Simplyremove the seat with a 5mm Allen wrench and unhookthe air-filter wire from its perch.

Q: IS ANY OTHER MINIBIKE ABLE TOCOMPETE WITH THE COBRA CX65?

A: Although there are several manufacturersproducing 65cc two-strokes for racing, the Cobra CX65really only has one worthy challenger: the KTM 65SXS.Coincidentally, KTM unveiled the special-edition 65SX in2012, the same year Cobra introduced their electronicpower valve engine.Sold in limited numbers, the 2013 KTM 65SXS has WP

suspension, a performance cylinder and carburetor set-tings, an FMF pipe and silencer, billet parts (ignitioncover, chain guide, case guard and chain blocks), aholeshot device, an orange Renthal rear sprocket, andspecial graphics.

Better living: Armed with an electronic power valve, Moto Tassinari reed block and Pro Circuit pipe, the CX65 is race-ready.

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Flight: The step up from a 50cc Peewee to a six-speed CobraCX65 means that Junior has to master the skills of using theclutch and shifting.

Technology: Cobra’s MXT Smart Leg technology gives theCX65 a leg up in the fork department. The 37mm fork useshigh-quality SKF fork seals and offers 220mm of travel.

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$4499. The fully modified KTM 65SXS sells for $5299,while the 2013 Kawasaki KX65 retails for $3649. That isa wide range of prices.The KTM 65SXS is the cream of the Austrian crop. It

is in direct competition with the Cobra CX65, but costs alittle bit more. Why is the KX65 over $1000 cheaper? It isantiquated compared to the Cobra and KTM offeringsdue to years of neglect. The KX65 was a competitivemachine—a long time ago (before KTM and Cobraramped up their efforts).

Q: HOW FAST IS THE 2013 COBRA CX65?

A: Fast is a loaded word. For concerned parentsafraid for little Johnny’s safety, fast probably has anegative connotation. Make no mistake about it—theCobra CX65 is powerful. It should be. Cobra didn’t leaveany stone unturned—punching up the powerband withengine work, an aftermarket exhaust, reed block, andfinely tuning the two-piece cylinder. Every testrider agreed that the CX65 ran like a scalded cat. Thepowerplant was the testers’ favorite attribute of thebike. The engine has bottom-end hit and solid pullthrough the range. Power really spikes once theelectronic power valve opens, and it surges into thetop end. The stock 14/45-tooth gearing combination issufficient for most tracks, although we would probablyadd a tooth to the rear sprocket on tighter tracks or forless-experienced riders.

2013 COBRA CX65

Both the 65SXS and Cobra CX65 come with ahydraulic clutch, quick-change clutch cover, six-speedmanual transmission, four-piston front-brake caliper, over-sized front rotor, aluminum subframe, large footpegs, anaftermarket exhaust and progressive-rate shock.

Q: CAN THE 2013 COBRA CX65 BE RACEDIN THE STOCK CLASS?

A: Yes. It is fully legal for AMA Amateur motocrosscompetition in the stock class. The rule book states, “Tobe eligible for a stock class, the following cannot bechanged or modified: Internal engine components,electronics, frame, carburetor, air box, swingarm, rimsize, wheel hubs and exhaust system.”Despite being littered with aftermarket trinkets and

purpose-built items designed to improve quality andperformance, the 2013 Cobra CX65 still qualifies as stock.The CX65 comes out of the crate with a Pro Circuitexhaust, Moto Tassinari VForce 3 reed block, electronicpower valve, incredibly light aluminum swingarm andmuch more. These hop-ups alone are a huge selling pointfor the Cobra, but the fact that it can be raced in thestock class makes it extra enticing.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES THE COBRA CX65COST?

A: $4748. To compare, the 2013 KTM 65SX retails for

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shock was easily adjustable, and only minor changes wererequired to accommodate our young test riders. The 65ccclass covers a wide range of skill levels, weights andages, and most kids have no idea what they want when itcomes to fine-tuning their suspension. Cobra gives parentsa wide range of shock and fork options so that they canexperiment to find the right settings.

Q: HOW COULD THE COBRA CX65 BEIMPROVED?

A: It’s hard to criticize anything on this highlytuned, purpose-built bike, but our mini testers did have afew minor complaints.(1) Front brake. Although the CX65 front brake uses

a four-piston caliper, steel-braided line and huge 205mmrotor, it wasn’t quite as user-friendly as the KTM 65SX’ssystem. We appreciated that the Cobra brake system hadvarious setup options, but the feel at the lever wasn’t asgood as on the KTM.(2) Clutch. We didn’t have any issues with the clutch

system, other than the lever pull. Smaller, weaker riderstired out easily after pulling in the clutch lever repeatedlyover a long moto (and trust us when we say that mostkids love to ride for hours on end).

Q: WHAT DOWE HATE?A: The hate list:(1) Rear brake pedal. The rear brake pedal is over-

designed and under-engineered. It is flimsy, and the armis too large. Be sure to run a brake snake.(2) Front brake.We love everything about the front

brake, except that it doesn’t quite have the modulated feelthat testers were looking for. Plus, the caliper is about2mm away from the front spokes.(3) Gas tank. The tank is wide, making it challenging

for taller riders to move forward on the bike.

Q: WHAT DOWE LIKE?A: The like list:(1) Engine. The CX65 powerplant is a rip-roaring

machine, built for racing and ready to win. The two-piececylinder is especially cool.(2) Suspension. The CARD forks and shock did an

excellent job of soaking up small chop while alsohandling hard landings.(3) Power valve. A first in the 65 class, the electronic

power valve boosts power from the midrange to the topend.(4) USA-made. Cobra is the only producer of offroad

motorcycles that is made in the U.S. Very cool.(5) Stock class. Believe it or not, the CX65—chock-full

of aftermarket parts—can be raced in the stock class.

Q: WHAT DOWE REALLY THINK?A: Imagine a motorcycle that is ready to race right

out of the crate, at the highest level, and requires verylittle investment beyond the initial purchase price. Thebike can legally compete in the stock class, has wonnumerous championships under the fastest youngsters inthe sport, and is made in America. The Cobra CX65 is awinner, through and through. �

Pucker up: Cobra can boast about having the largest frontbrake rotor in the class. At 205mm it offers tremendous powerwithout the need for massive hand strength.

Q: WHAT EXACTLY IS “CARD”?A: “CARD” is an acronym for Cobra Advanced

Racing Development. Cobra develops their own line ofmotorcycles, but they also sell aftermarket componentsfor their bikes. The CX65 comes with a CARD fork,shock, front brake system and clutch master cylinder.Cobra also offers radiator hoses, billet gas caps, aluminumignition covers and anodized oil-fill plugs. Expect Cobrato offer more CARD accessories in the future.A growing number of aftermarket companies are

investing research and development dollars in productsfor Cobra bikes. Dennis Stapleton Sr., of Knobby ShopSouth in Murrieta, California, is one example. He isselling skid plates, seat covers and bolt kits for Cobrabikes. More products will be available in the comingmonths. Contact Stapleton at (831) 818-5910.

Q: HOW DOES THE COBRA CX65 HANDLE?

A: The CX65 chassis is very balanced front to rear.Although the gas tank is quite wide, most 65 ridersdon’t move too far forward on the bike. Instead, theyare positioned directly over the footpegs. That’s notnecessarily a bad thing. The steel chassis is veryforgiving in corners, and riders were very impressed withthe CX65’s handling characteristics. Of course, the CARDsuspension is a big factor, and testers were pleasedwith the forks and shock. Often, a sharp-handling bikesacrifices stability at speed, but that isn’t the case withthe Cobra. It is a jack of all trades, giving up very littleacross a wide range of situations. Most important, theCobra CX65 is confidence-inspiring, an especially criticalquality in a bike designed for a mini rider.

Q: WHAT DOWE THINK ABOUT THE SUS-PENSION?

A: It’s hard to believe what Cobra has done withthe CX65 suspension. Years ago, we never could haveimagined that a 65cc two-stroke would come equippedwith beefy, 37mm, upside-down forks with the capacity tocontrol bottoming resistance. Just by the looks of them,the MXT Smart Leg forks are an engineering marvel; onthe track, they were just as impressive. The no-nonsense

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