2009 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride
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. Check out the full story in our 2009 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride.
2009 Yamaha YZ450F
Our pro tester, Sean Collier, found the stock setup to be pretty close, but like most super-fast guys, individual tweaking will be required, especially with the Kayaba suspension.
Everyone agrees that the front binder provides exceptional feel, stopping power and resistance to fade, something Glen Helen's massive hills would have triggered.
Our "normal" testers found the suspension/chassis package suitable and had a more positive feel for the stock setup.
The 2009 still has the shorty muffler.
2009 Yamaha YZ450F
Tthe 48mm speed-sensitive Kayaba fork is super supple.
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.
The 2009 Yamaha YZ450F is only slightly modified.
The bike was great to begin with, and a few adjustments are nice, but will it be enough to compete against the all-new offerings from Kawasaki and Honda?
Off-set bar clamps can be spun to adjust 5mm fore and aft or the entire mounts can be shifted between two sets of holes which are 5mm apart.
A new hydroformed swingarm creates a different feel in the rear end.