2018 Yamaha YZ450F Review

[MoSSaN69]

Since 2014, Yamaha’s flagship motocross machine has only received minor tweaks to the chassis, engine, and suspension, with each year offering an improved bike that continued to climb the ladder in the highly competitive 450cc four-stroke market. But in spite of the successful 2017 machine, Yamaha has released an all-new ’18 YZ450F, featuring numerous changes and some of the most innovative technology available to the consumer to date.

Yamaha has always offered (albeit sold separately) the GYTR Power Tuner, which plugged into the bike and made ignition and EFI changes possibly. For this year, though, the capabilities of the Power Tuner were taken to another level, via a phone app that is compatible with both iOS and Android phones. The app connects to the motorcycle through a secure WiFi signal, and in addition to creating and uploading custom maps, the app can also share maps with other YZ450F owners, and be set up to alert you when oil changes and other maintenance is needed.

 

Another innovation added to the YZ450F is the electric start, which adds a minimal amount of weight and removes the kickstarter. The engine is new and features several updates, including a new cylinder head and camshafts for more controllability at low- to mid-range; a new exhaust system; a new piston; and a completely new 44mm Mikuni throttle body, which helps to feed ample amounts of fuel to the new engine. Also improved is the clutch and transmission, as they are both now designed for better durability.

[Madalin AM]

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