Cobra CX65
Factory Specifications
Engine
| Engine type | 2-stroke, single cylinder, reed valve |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 64.9 cc |
| Bore and stroke | 44.5 mm x 41.7 mm |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled |
| Coolant | 50/50 antifreeze-coolant and distilled water 2012-2015 |
| Coolant | Liquid Performance Mini Coolant 2016 |
| Coolant | Bel-Ray Moto Chill Racing Coolant 2017-2020 |
| Coolant | Spectro Year-Round Super Coolant 2021-2022 |
| Coolant | VP Racing Stay Frosty Race-Ready Coolant 2023-2026 |
| Fuel type | High octane pump gasoline 2012-2022 |
| Fuel type | VP Racing T2 2023 |
| Fuel type | High octane pump gasoline or VP Racing C50 2024-2026 |
| Premix oil type | Motul 800 2T 2012 |
| Premix oil type | Bel-Ray H1-R 2013-2020 |
| Premix oil type | Spectro Platinum SX2 2021-2022 |
| Premix oil type | VP Racing Premix Oil 2023 |
| Premix oil type | VP Racing X2 1050 2024-2026 |
| Premix ratio | 50:1 to 63:1 2012 |
| Premix ratio | 40:1 to 50:1 after break-in 2013-2017 |
| Premix ratio | 32:1 2018-2026 |
Fuel and ignition
| Carburetion | 26 mm VM Mikuni |
|---|---|
| Pilot / main jet | 42.5 / 280 |
| Needle | 5I14-4 |
| Needle clip position | 4th slot from the top, stock position 2016-2026 |
| Float height | 21.1 mm +/- 1.0 mm |
| Ignition system | Electronic, digital advance |
| Spark plug | Autolite 4063 or XS4063 |
| Spark plug gap | 0.024 to 0.026 in |
| Ignition timing | Digital advance, set at the “0” timing mark |
Drivetrain
| Transmission speed | 6 speed gearbox with hand clutch |
|---|---|
| Final drive ratio | 14 / 45 2012-2014 |
| Final drive ratio | 15 / 45 2015 |
| Final drive ratio | 14 / 44 2016-2018 |
| Final drive ratio | 14 / 45 2019-2021 |
| Final drive ratio | 14 / 43 2022-2026 |
| Chain | 420 x 116 links |
| Transmission oil type | Bel-Ray 75W Gear Saver 2017-2020 |
| Transmission oil type | Spectro Golden SAE 80 Gear Lube 2021-2022 |
| Transmission oil type | VP Racing SAE 75W Gear Oil 2023 |
| Transmission oil type | VP Racing SAE 80 Gear Lube 2024-2026 |
| Transmission oil quantity | 530 ml (18 oz) |
Chassis, suspension and brakes
| Front fork | Marzocchi 35mm USD, compression adjustable 2012 |
|---|---|
| Front fork | CARD 37mm USD, fully adjustable 2013-2026 |
| Fork oil type | SAE 10 weight 2012 |
| Fork oil type | SAE 2.5 weight 2013-2020 |
| Fork oil type | SAE 5 weight 2021-2026 |
| Fork oil amount | 210 ml (7.1 oz) 2012 |
| Fork oil amount | 250 ml (8.5 oz) 2013-2026 |
| Fork std settings | Compression 5/8, rebound 2 1/2, bottoming 2 3/4, turns out 2013-2015 |
| Fork std settings | Compression 1 1/2, rebound 5/8, bottoming 1, turns out 2016-2026 |
| Rear shock settings | Compression low 9 of 19 out, high 8 of 16 out 2012 |
| Rear shock settings | Compression low 9 clicks, high 8, rebound 26 2013-2015 |
| Rear shock settings | Compression low 12 clicks, high 15, rebound 16 2016-2026 |
| Front tire | 60/100-14 |
| Rear tire | 80/100-12 |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 40.9 in (1040 mm) 2012-2021 |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 41.4 in (1051 mm) 2022-2026 |
| Wheel size | 14 in (356 mm) front, 12 in (305 mm) rear |
| Seat height | 29.9 in (760 mm) |
| Fuel tank volume | 0.7 gallon (2600 cc) 2024-2026 |
Torque specifications
Engine
| Fastener | Nm | ft-lb | in-lb | Thread and locker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinder head nuts | 12 | 9 | 110 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Cylinder nuts | 30 | 22 | 265 | M8 x 1.25** |
| Crankcase bolts | 12 | 9 | 110 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Spark plug | See note | – | – | M14 x 1.25, hand tight then 1/8 to 1/4 turn |
| Intake manifold bolts | 6.2 | 4.6 | 55 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Exhaust flange 2012-2020 | 6 | 5 | 60 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Exhaust flange 2021-2026 | 6 | 4.5 | 53 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Engine mount bolts | 30 | 22 | 265 | M8 x 1.25 |
| Power valve cap screws | 4 | 3 | 35 | M5 x 0.8 |
| Power valve cable nut 2012 | 12 | 9 | 110 | M8 x 1.0 |
| Power valve jam nut 2012 | 12 | 9 | 110 | M8 x 1.0 |
| Power valve jam nut 2013-2014 | 8 | 6 | 72 | M6 x 1.0** |
** Use a crow’s foot attachment oriented 90 degrees to the torque wrench. Cobra Moto factory manual footnote.
Clutch and ignition
| Fastener | Nm | ft-lb | in-lb | Thread and locker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch nut 2012-2014 | 54 | 40 | 480 | M10 x 1.25 |
| Clutch nut 2015 | 54 | 40 | 480 | M10 x 1.25, Loctite 263 |
| Clutch nut 2016-2026 | 54 | 40 | 480 | M10 x 1.25, Loctite 243 |
| Clutch bolts 2022-2026 | 8.2 | 6 | 72 | M5 x 0.8, Loctite 243 |
| Clutch cover bolts | 7.9 | 5.8 | 70 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Stator bolts 2012-2014 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 25 | M5 x 0.8 |
| Stator bolts 2015-2026 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 25 | M5 x 0.8, Loctite 243 |
| Stator cover bolts | 2.3 | 1.7 | 20 | M4 x 0.75 |
| Ignition rotor nut 2012-2014 | 45 | 33 | 400 | M10 x 1.25, Loctite 263 |
| Ignition rotor nut 2015 | 45 | 33 | 400 | M10 x 1.25, Loctite 263 |
| Ignition rotor nut 2016-2026 | 45 | 33 | 400 | M10 x 1.25, Loctite 243 |
| Crank drive nut 2016-2026 | 45 | 33 | 400 | M10 x 1.25, Loctite 243 |
Chassis and suspension
| Fastener | Nm | ft-lb | in-lb | Thread and locker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock bolt 2017-2026 | 47 | 35 | 420 | M10 x 1.5, Loctite 243 |
| Swingarm pivot | 28 | 21 | 250 | M12 x 1.5 |
| Triple clamp bolts (bottom) 2015-2026 | 8 | 6 | 72 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Triple clamp bolts (top) 2012-2018 | 12 | 9 | 108 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Triple clamp bolts (top) 2019-2026 | 10 | 8 | 90 | M8 x 1.25 |
| Fork cap | 20 | 15 | 177 | – |
| Fork damper nut | 15 | 11 | 133 | – |
| Fork guard aluminum bolts 2019-2026 | 8 | 6 | 88 | Moly lube, M6 x 1.0 aluminum |
| Lever pivot bolts 2015-2026 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 25 | M5 x 0.8, Loctite 243 |
Wheels and drive
| Fastener | Nm | ft-lb | in-lb | Thread and locker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front axle bolt 2012 | 13.5 | 10 | 120 | M14 x 2.0 |
| Front axle bolt 2013-2026 | 45 | 33 | 400 | M20 x 1.0 |
| Front axle pinch bolt 2012 | 10 | 7.4 | 88 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Front axle pinch bolt 2013-2026 | 12 | 8.8 | 106 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Rear axle nut 2012-2018 | 34 | 25 | 300 | M14 x 1.5 |
| Rear axle nut 2019-2026 | 28 | 21 | 250 | M14 x 1.5 |
| Rear sprocket bolts 2012-2014 | 27 | 20 | 240 | M8 x 1.25 |
| Rear sprocket bolts 2015-2018 | 27 | 20 | 239 | M8 x 1.25, Loctite 243 |
| Rear sprocket bolts 2019-2026 | 28 | 21 | 250 | M7 x 1.0 |
| Rear spoke nipples 2021-2026 | 6 | 4.5 | 53 | – |
Brakes
| Fastener | Nm | ft-lb | in-lb | Thread and locker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front brake rotor bolts 2014-2026 | 10 | 7.4 | 88 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Rear brake rotor bolts 2014 | 10 | 7.4 | 88 | M6 x 1.0 |
| Rear brake rotor bolts 2015-2026 | 10 | 7.4 | 88 | M6 x 1.0, Loctite 243 |
| Rear brake banjo bolts 2017-2026 | 15 | 11 | 132 | M8 x 1.25 |
| Rear brake pad bolts 2017-2026 | 4 | 3 | 35 | M5 x 0.8, retainer clip |
Gearing ratios
Front / rear teeth and the resulting ratio. A higher ratio number means lower gearing.
Taller gearing
More top speed. Hard pack and fast tracks
| 15 / 40 | 2.67 |
|---|---|
| 15 / 41 | 2.73 |
| 15 / 42 | 2.80 |
| 14 / 40 | 2.86 |
| 15 / 43 | 2.87 |
| 14 / 41 | 2.93 |
| 15 / 44 | 2.93 |
| 14 / 42 | 3.00 |
| 15 / 45 | 3.00 |
Middle range
Includes 14 / 43, factory gearing from 2022
| 15 / 46 | 3.07 |
|---|---|
| 14 / 43 | 3.07 |
| 13 / 40 | 3.08 |
| 15 / 47 | 3.13 |
| 14 / 44 | 3.14 |
| 13 / 41 | 3.15 |
| 15 / 48 | 3.20 |
| 14 / 45 | 3.21 |
| 13 / 42 | 3.23 |
Lower gearing
More acceleration. Sand, mud, hills, tight tracks
| 14 / 46 | 3.29 |
|---|---|
| 13 / 43 | 3.31 |
| 14 / 47 | 3.36 |
| 13 / 44 | 3.38 |
| 14 / 48 | 3.43 |
| 13 / 45 | 3.46 |
| 13 / 46 | 3.54 |
| 13 / 47 | 3.62 |
| 13 / 48 | 3.69 |
What Changed on the CX65 by Model Year
Cobra revised this specification in forty-seven documented places between 2012 and 2026. Select a year above to filter the whole page to it.
- Front fork to CARD 37mm USD, fully adjustableReplaces the Marzocchi 35mm
- Fork oil to SAE 2.5 weightDown from SAE 10 weight
- Fork oil amount to 250 mlUp from 210 ml
- Premix to Bel-Ray H1-R at 40:1 to 50:1From Motul at 50:1 to 63:1
- Front axle bolt to 45 Nm on M20Was 13.5 Nm on M14
- Front axle pinch bolt to 12 NmUp from 10 Nm
- Fork settings publishedCompression 5/8, rebound 2 1/2, bottoming 2 3/4
- Brake rotor torques publishedFront and rear, 10 Nm on M6
- Final drive to 15 / 45Up one tooth on the countershaft
- Loctite called out on the clutch nut and ignition rotor nutHigh strength 263
- Loctite 243 added to the stator boltsTorque unchanged at 2.8 Nm
- Rear sprocket bolts get Loctite 243Torque unchanged at 27 Nm
- Lever pivot bolt torque published2.8 Nm, Loctite 243
- Bottom triple clamp bolt torque published8 Nm on M6
- Final drive to 14 / 44Back to a 14 tooth countershaft
- Coolant to Liquid Performance Mini CoolantFrom 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water
- Fork settings revisedCompression 1 1/2, rebound 5/8, bottoming 1
- Rear shock settings revisedCompression low 12, high 15, rebound 16
- Clutch nut and rotor nut to Loctite 243Down from high strength 263
- Crank drive nut published45 Nm, Loctite 243
- Needle clip position published4th slot from the top
- Coolant to Bel-Ray Moto ChillFrom Liquid Performance Mini Coolant
- Transmission oil specified as Bel-Ray 75W Gear SaverFirst named gear oil
- Shock bolt torque published47 Nm, Loctite 243
- Rear brake banjo and pad torques published15 Nm and 4 Nm
- Premix ratio to a flat 32:1From 40:1 to 50:1
- Final drive back to 14 / 45Up from 14 / 44
- Rear axle nut to 28 NmDown from 34 Nm
- Rear sprocket bolts to 28 Nm on M7Was 27 Nm on M8
- Top triple clamp bolt to M8 at 10 NmWas M6 at 12 Nm
- Fork guard aluminum bolt torque published8 Nm with moly lube
- Coolant to Spectro Year-Round Super CoolantFrom Bel-Ray Moto Chill
- Premix oil to Spectro Platinum SX2From Bel-Ray H1-R
- Fork oil to SAE 5 weightUp from SAE 2.5 weight
- Transmission oil to Spectro Golden SAE 80From Bel-Ray 75W Gear Saver
- Rear spoke nipple torque published6 Nm
- Final drive to 14 / 43Down from 14 / 45
- Wheelbase to 41.4 inUp from 40.9 in
- Clutch bolt torque published8.2 Nm on six M5 bolts, Loctite 243
- Coolant to VP Racing Stay FrostyFrom Spectro Year-Round
- Premix oil to VP RacingFrom Spectro Platinum SX2
- Fuel to VP Racing T2From high octane pump gasoline
- Transmission oil to VP Racing SAE 75WFrom Spectro Golden SAE 80
- Premix oil to VP Racing X2 1050Specific grade named
- Transmission oil to VP Racing SAE 80 Gear LubeFrom SAE 75W
- Fuel type opens back upHigh octane pump gasoline or VP Racing C50
- Fuel tank volume published0.7 gallon, 2600 cc
Cobra CX65 Service Procedures
Step by step procedures from the factory manuals, in readable form.
Cobra CX65 Factory Manuals
The complete service manual for each model year, as published by Cobra Moto.
Cobra Parts and Technical Resources
Every part on this page, matched to your exact model year and cross-referenced against the factory parts manual.
Sources. Every model year from 2012 to 2026, verified against Cobra Moto factory service manuals and technical service bulletins. The CX65 is a separate platform from the CX50 – it has a six speed gearbox and a hand clutch, and almost none of the CX50 specifications carry over. Cobra Moto Parts is an authorized Cobra Moto dealer.
