Yamaha pulled out all of the stops final 12 months with the introduction of an all-new YZ450F that was lighter, quicker and technologically extra superior than its predecessors. They flew us out to Florida to provide us a tour of the wonderful Star Racing Yamaha amenities and experience at “The Goat Farm,” which is identical place the group trains right this moment and the exact same place that Ricky Carmichael did his coaching. Yamaha’s new machine acquired combined opinions from the employees. With solely minor adjustments to the 2024 mannequin, we picked up proper the place we left off testing on the 2023 mannequin.
First of all, the 2024 YZ450F is shockingly quick, and for the overwhelming majority of riders, it wants detuning, not hot-rodding. Interestingly sufficient, it wasn’t the general dyno champ of the 450 class final 12 months, regardless of the feeling of energy that it delivers proper off idle. But, it does have probably the most speedy energy achieve between 7,500 rpm and 10,000 rpm. That’s the meat of the powerband while you’re shifting by way of the gears on the best way to the primary flip, and that’s what provides it that yank-your-arms-out-of-its-socket-type sensation. Yamaha has finished a good job of constructing all that manageable, however having simple mapping adjustments at your fingertips with the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app is irresistible.
Right away, we put in our favourite maps from final 12 months. Test rider Pete Murray developed a map with Jamie Ellis from Twisted Development to make the ability supply extra manageable for the common rider. Modifying the airbox usually means drilling holes to attempt to improve the airflow, due to this fact growing efficiency. The YZ450F will not be in want of this, so we determined to go the opposite technique to really prohibit the air consumption. If you pop off the portion of the seat that covers the fuel cap, look carefully on the backside of the airbox lid; there’s a gap on the clutch facet that’s closed off on the throttle facet. We taped the open facet closed (with course from Pete once more). This additional diminished the consumption noise throughout acceleration and gave the YZ a extra manageable really feel whereas within the meat of the ability curve. All this was finished with a few strips of strategically positioned duct tape, which could be undone in seconds.
Yamaha additionally presents an entire hydraulic clutch system that replaces the cable model that comes normal. Now, now we have examined some bikes that this may be a recreation changer for, however the YZ450F will not be one among them. This is a superb choice for riders preferring the texture of a hydraulic, however most take a look at riders didn’t have a robust sufficient opinion for or towards both system. They each carried out effectively.
The actually huge adjustments final 12 months revolved across the Yamaha chassis. One factor that each one our take a look at riders liked concerning the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F was the roomy structure. The 2022 mannequin was cramped, main most of our taller riders to put in the non-obligatory tall seat and decrease aftermarket footpeg meeting. That’s not obligatory with the new-generation YZ450F chassis. Smaller riders won’t take care of the elevated seat peak, however should you’re wherever close to 6 ft tall, the brand new Yamaha is an efficient match.
There’s no debate, the brand new YZ450F has faster steering and lighter total dealing with. Some testers like this and run that race sag round 102mm, improve the rebound damping a few clicks within the rear, and run fork peak at 7mm within the entrance. Riders trying to improve stability opted to run 105–108mm race sag, gradual the rebound damping down barely and run the fork peak flush. This gained just a little stability again at greater speeds, however does additionally decelerate these quicker-cornering traits.
Just like final 12 months, there’s little question that the 2024 YZ450F is healthier than the earlier technology. It’s lighter, quicker, slimmer and extra comfy to a greater variety of riders. However, dialing in that newfound energy can require some fine-tuning, and the general dealing with steadiness may be as arduous to realize, simply in the exact opposite course.
