2007 Yamaha YZ450F Photo Gallery

We set out to discover what another 365 days of Darwinian Theory has done to the latest crop of 450 motocross bikes. Check out how the 2007 Yamaha YZ450F did in our 2007 450 MX Shootout.

Unless you train like Ricky Carmichael, being able to hop on and go is something every regular rider contends with. You're in tender hands with Yamaha.

Our testers got a whole new appreciation for the Yammie once we hit the abusive chatter of Glen Helen’s National track. The smaller bumps are where Yamaha’s Kayaba suspension really shine.

2007 Yamaha YZ450F

Straight-line stability is one of the YZ-F’s many strengths.

2007 Yamaha YZ450F

Keeping the powerplant up in the higher revs is the most effective spot for getting maximum thrust.

Riding the Yamaha feels different than the rest of the Japanese bikes with its layout, electric motor and supple suspension - that translates to fast.

Not having the Honda-esque twin-spars gives the Yammie a slim feel. Riders will notice it in the air and on the ground.

The Yamaha skips past our photographer en route to another fast lap.

Horban was another Yamaha buff. Having the ability to keep the YZ-F up in the revs where it really kicks ass is important.

Yamaha is the only bike not to sport Renthal handlebars.

2007 Yamaha YZ450F

With the most weight bias of our foursome placed on its rear wheel, the YZ-F steers effectively with the rear end. But, as Chuck Sun demonstrates, hoist yourself over the bars and that front end sticks.

Even with personal catering by the trained Yamaha staff, JC still didn’t like the cockpit setup as well as the rest of the riders did.

Many of our test riders were happy with the way the Yamaha rails.

Yamaha’s ergonomics feel more unique than the rest of the Japanese bikes, but it still has the room for a rider to move around in corners.

Chad Reed has shown the 2007 YZ-F capable of winning at the highest level but it really is an every-man’s bike with it’s almost tame motor and forgiving suspension.