2009 Yamaha YZ450F User Ratings

Most things are still the same, like the usable spread of power dished out through the Tuning Fork's five-valve, 449cc dual overhead cam motor. Top-end is especially impressive, but we couldn't find a weak spot anywhere in the powerband. Gearing was close enough for the mountainous layout at GH, but shifting was a highlight this year with a noticeable lack of missed shifts and false neutrals thanks to a beefed up shift fork pin. A new hydroformed swingarm creates a different feel in the rear end. The new unit is a piece of aluminum art compared to the old with a sleeker design and a noticeable lack of the linkage hole which cleans up the appearance.