Yamaha YZ 450 F (model year 2020) in the driving report

Yamaha YZ 450 F in the driving report

Maximum performance paired with good control

Yamaha has given its 450cc Crosser a major overhaul. MOTORRAD could already try out the refreshed four-stroke model.

At Yamaha there has been no reason to complain about the engine power in recent years, because unlike the MotoGP bikes, the Motocross models have enough power. This shouldn’t change with the newly introduced 2020 models, but the development goal has been to improve drivability. While the 250 series does not bring any technical innovations in the new year and has only been equipped with a new decor, the engineers have come up with a little more for the big sister. There were significant updates on the engine, especially on the cylinder, which is now more compact, efficient and lighter than last year. New hardware components including a new setting within the chassis, as well as changes to the chassis and the brakes should make up the overall package of the new Yamaha YTake the Z 450 F to a new level.

Performance at will

The successful concept of the turned cylinder is of course still being stuck to – and that is now for the tenth year. They are just as convinced of the conventional suspension elements from Kayaba, which, according to those responsible, will be retained in the future. Although experimenting in all directions behind a closed curtain, another concept like the air fork is obviously not an issue with the blues.

When you first sit up, you almost feel like you’re in a small airplane cockpit. As a newcomer to Yamaha, you first have to familiarize yourself with all the buttons. There is the electric starter, the launch control, the motor kill switch and the mapping switch button, with which you can now choose between two engine characteristics while driving. The driver can pre-program the mappings themselves using the app according to their individual wishes, if they do not want to use the three specified maps from Yamaha. In fact, it works very well in practice. The app is easy to understand, you can’t break anything due to limited areas and a short press of a button of 0.2 seconds is enough to change the setting directly while driving. With the 450 it doesn’t really matter which mapping you choose, the engine power is always impressive and yet – as promised – very easy to control. You get what you want when you need it, but you should never underestimate an MX1 bike.

Curve king YZ 45 0F

While the stability was neutral but by no means negative, it quickly became clear where the Yamaha excels. The relatively low seating position makes you feel right at home, especially when cornering. The bike runs very cleanly into all corners and can be maneuvered playfully through all the ruts. In terms of traction, there is absolutely nothing to complain about and the new brakes also do their job flawlessly. The spring elements convey a familiar feeling and offer enough reserve. The standard set-up might be a bit too hard for the lighter driver, but thanks to the responsive click changes, an individually functioning set-up can be found quickly so that nothing stands in the way of driving fun!

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