2006 Yamaha YZ450F Photo Gallery

There are some major alterations and changes to the new Yamaha YZ450F that are sure to have an impact on the blue faithful. Check out what we thought of this bike after our 2006 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride.

2006 YZ450F - Wallpaper

The two Canadian SX warm-up rounds have concluded with a pair of third-place finished for the new Blue. Once the carnival roles into Anaheim, it’ll be put-up or shut-up for the tuning fork gang.

New and improved, Yamaha has come out swinging with its radically changed 2006 YZ450F.

2006 Yamaha YZ450F - Limited Edition

Sparkling new. Yamaha’s ’06 YZ450F has 300 different parts than the ’05 version.

Big changes grace the new YZ450F. MCUSA got a chance to throw a leg over it at Competitive Edge MX, and we liked what we saw.

The two Canadian SX warm-up rounds have concluded with a pair of third-place finished for the new Blue. Once the carnival roles into Anaheim, it’ll be put-up or shut-up for the tuning fork gang.

We’ve been waiting for this, everyone has. The new aluminum frame has arrived on the YZ-F models and it doesn’t disappoint. Nine pieces of forged, cast and extruded aluminum combine to create a stiff but not harsh chassis.

The new Yammie 450 has some serious metal work. Footpegs, exhaust header and heat shield and shock spring are all made from titanium.

Re-worked Kayaba suspension should keep the 450F on stable grounds. Yamaha switch from a position-sensitive fork to a speed-sensitive unit for better damping.

Competitors could be in for some serious roost, but at least they’ll enjoy the sight of a new snorkel-free exhaust can as it goes by.

JC doesn’t fly very well, but the Yamaha does.

If our guy Hilde can rip this corner, just wait until Chad Reed assaults the bowl turns of the AMA Supercross series. The new aluminum chassis turns sharp, yet stable.

Arms getting tired? Avoid those whoops and let the shock do the work, just wheelie over them. Quality controls and supension come stock on the Yammie and should minimize arm-pump.

Tucked behind that aluminum engine cradle is an all new engine case, inside of which is new oil reservoir. The’05 model stored its oil in the steel frame.

A new 5-speed tranny gets the power to the ground and rear end hooks up well under all circumstances.

Inside or outside, the ’06 YZ-F turns exceptionally well. Both tires stay planted and clawing forward for a confident feel.

We were a bit concerned going into our first ride about getting our arms ripped off, but the motor is smooth and usable for ’06. Not only is it fun to ride, but this motor hauls ass.

The new 450F can blur your vision, so hold on tight. JC demonstratres.

Once they feel how light and nimble the new bike is in the air, YZ-F pilots will be racking up the frequent flier miles in no time.

Slap landings, like the one this and many others turned into, are much less harsh than expected thanks to the 48mm Kayaba fork.

Admittedly not much of a jumper, JC felt like Trevor Vines after only a few laps at Competitive Edge. Safe tabletops, low bike traffic and an awesome machine will do that to you.