Yamaha YZ450F Second Impression

Once again Yamaha proves to have fine-tuned the overall dynamic of its latest YZ450F. No doubt the ’15 version was a monster: crazy fast, with stiff, but controlled suspension action and pleasing handling. But the ’16 version tames things down a degree with its mellower bottom-end power delivery. For the most part this is huge, as it helps the rear knobby hook-up better off turns and just plain makes the bike friendlier to ride – especially in the slow stuff. And if it doesn’t leap off the corner as quickly as you’d like, simply twist the right grip a little harder, or use Yamaha’s simple and easy GYTR Power Tuner ($291.95) to tweak any part of the powerband.

Yamaha’s coil spring suspension is the best in the business. And the fitment of a lighter shock spring again makes the blue bike more compliant by helping the shock operate in the middle of its stroke instead of getting topped-out more frequently. It tracks well through the rough stuff, squats nicely on the gas, yet doesn’t comprise low-speed steering manners. In fact, it’s impressive just how ‘neutral’ the YZ feels during turn-in, rewarding smooth riders who don’t move overly forward in a corner, as they might on other brands of 450s. For riders seeking a fluid, comfy and fairly un-intimidating 450 to pound out motos, the YZ450F is hard to beat.

YZ450F Suspension Settings
Fork
Compression: 8 (Turns out)
Rebound: 11
Shock
Sag: 100mm
Low-Speed Compression: 10
High-Speed Compression: 1.25
Rebound: 14

Highs
• Excellent suspension balance and action
• Neutral and predicable handling
• Engine has improved rideablity
Lows
• Not as easy to start as the 2015
• Wide-feeling midsection and forward shrouds

2016 Yamaha YZ450F Specifications:
Engine: Four-stroke Single
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x Stroke: 97.0 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Transmission: 5-speed
Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 44mm Throttle Body
Final Drive: 13:48
Cooling: Liquid-cooling
Clutch: Wet Multi-Disc
Front Suspension: KYB Speed-Sensitive System, 12.2 inch travel
Rear Suspension: KYB monoshock; fully adjustable, 12.4 inch travel
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 270mm/245mm
Front/Rear Rims: 1.60x 21, 2.15 x 19 Excel
Front/Rear Tires: 80/100-21; 120/90-19 Dunlop MX52
Silencer: Aluminum
Triple Clamp Offset: 25mm
Wheelbase: 58.3 inch
Ground Clearance: 13 inch
Seat Height: 38 inch
Tank Capacity: 2.0 gallon
Weight (with fuel), Approx: 247 pounds