Yamaha YZ450F

Yamaha started the modern 4-stroke MX movement with what is now the YZ450F. The Yamaha YZ450F was originally a 400cc and then 426cc before Yamaha bumped the final displacement and created the YZ450F. As the flagship of Yamaha’s YZ-F motocross line, the YZ450 is perhaps the best-known 450 motocross bike today.

Catching air on the big thumper is no problem thanks to the YZ's modified 449cc DOHC 4-stroker while landing is smoothed out thanks to Kabayas up front and back.

The Yamaha YZ450F has gone through many refinements which have changed the 450F from a fire-breathing monster into a well-rounded, easy-to-ride favorite in the 450 division. The YZ450 has a stable chassis, supple suspension and smooth motor. One of the most popular features of the YZ450F is the growing reputation of durability. Grant Langston proved that the YZ450 has the longevity to make it through a tough season of racing at the AMA Motocross nationals and the performance to beat all other 450 motocross bikes. The YZ450F claimed the 2008 championship and is consistently in the running for wins at any level of racing.

Yamaha also claimed a Supercross title with the YZ450F in the capable hands of Chad Reed. Now James Stewart is riding the YZ450F and the combination has proven deadly for the competition. Many off-road racers choose the YZ450F to modify to their needs. Yamaha changed the entire dirt bike world when it developed the YZ450F. Even though the competition has started to catch up, the YZ450F was a trendsetter and will continue to be in the future.

Yamaha YZ450F Motorcycle Reviews

2010 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride

Thursday, October 01, 2009

MotoUSA rips around Budds Creek Motocross Park aboard the 2010 Yamaha YZ450F motorcycle. Discover how this cutting-edge off-road motorcycle performs in this motocross motorcycle first ride review.

2009 Yamaha YZ450F Comparison

Monday, November 24, 2008

Yamaha is the only Japanese OEM not to offer EFI on its flagship motocross bike. However, don't think that necessarily puts the YZ450F at the bottom of the heap.

2009 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Glen Helen is just the type of track for a modern 450 and we were happy to spend a day tossing the 2009 Yamaha YZ450F around the National-caliber track.

2008 Yamaha YZ450F Comparison

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

It took a long time to get dialed in, but the wait was worthwhile after sampling the amazing motorcycles offered in MotoUSA's 2008 450 Motocross Shootout.

2008 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride

Monday, November 19, 2007

Motorcycle USA got a chance to kick up some roost aboard the new and improved 2008 YZ450F dirt bike.

2007 Yamaha YZ450F Comparison

Sunday, February 11, 2007

We set out to discover what another 365 days of Darwinian Theory has done to the latest crop of 450 motocross bikes.

2006 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride

Monday, December 12, 2005

There are some major alterations and changes to the new Yamaha YZ450F that are sure to have an impact on the blue faithful.

2005 Yamaha YZ450F Comparison

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Honda and Yamaha have been on top in the big-bore 4-stroke MX wars of late, but Suzuki joins the party in 2005 with the RM-Z450

2003 Yamaha WR450F vs YZ450F

Friday, April 04, 2003

The WR450F is likely the best trail riding bike ever...or is it?

2003 Yamaha YZ450F Comparison

Friday, February 28, 2003

The 2003 crop of 4-strokes is by far the best set of performance thumpers we've ever test...maybe even the best bikes?

Yamaha YZ450F First Looks

2010 Yamaha YZ450F First Look

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Yamaha mixes things up with its latest 450 motocrosser, the 2010 Yamaha YZ450F sporting a totally new engine and chassis. Read about the details in the 2010 YZ450F first look report.