2020 Yamaha YZ450F First Look
After overhauling the YZ250F last year, Yamaha turned its sights to the YZ450F for 2020, giving the 450-class motocross racer a redesigned engine and a revised frame. The YZ450F did receive a small update a year ago, but the last major revisions came back in 2016, so it was due for some attention.
The 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke rear-slanted Single receives a new, more compact cylinder head, a reshaped combustion chamber, steeper valve angles and more aggressive cam profiles. The connecting rod is slightly longer and a new bridge-box piston design increases the compression ratio to 13.0:1 from the previous motor’s 12.8:1 ratio. Yamaha also updated the transmission’s shift drum and selectors for smoother shifting.
According to Yamaha, the updates give the 2020 YZ450F’s engine more power across the rev range in a lighter, more compact package. As with the previous model, the YZ450F can be tuned with a smartphone using the Yamaha Power Tuner App, but for 2020, riders can now switch between two preloaded ECU maps on the fly using a switch on the handlebar. The YZ450F also comes with a launch control system.
At a quick glance, the aluminum bilateral beam frame doesn’t look much different from the previous one, but Yamaha says it’s been completely retuned with thinner main spars, thicker down tubes and new engine mounts. The result, according to Yamaha, is improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction, along with a reduction in weight.
The top triple clamp, front axle and fully-adjustable KYB suspension have been refined for additional weight savings. Also new are the front brake calipers, and the brake pads and discs for both wheels.
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F should arrive in showrooms next month with a choice of Team Yamaha Blue or Gray for $9,299.
2020 Yamaha YZ450F Specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $9,299 |
| Engine Type | 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 97.0mm × 60.9mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Mikuni fuel injection, 44mm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Clutch | multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Front Suspension | KYB spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping; fully adjustable, 12.2-inches travel |
| Rear Suspension | KYB single shock; fully adjustable, 12.5-inches travel |
| Front Brakes | Hydraulic disc, 270mm |
| Rear Brakes | Hydraulic disc, 240mm |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 Dunlop MX33 |
| Rear Tire | 120/80-19 Dunlop MX33 |
| Length | 86.0 inches |
| Width | 32.5 inches |
| Height | 50.2 inches |
| Seat Height | 38.0 inches |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 inches |
| Rake/Trail | 27.0°/4.7 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 13.0 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 245 pounds (claimed) |
| Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
| Colors | Team Yamaha Blue; Gray |
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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New 450s are the Ducati Panigales of dirt bikes. Few of us can ride them properly. They are able to go from walking speed to holy sh%t! with the mere flick of a wrist :P