YZ450F (MY2018)

The 2018–2022 YZ450F is Yamaha's premier-class motocross bike, and it does things its own way. The 450 cc single has its cylinder reversed. It breathes through a forward intake, and the airbox sits on top of the bike. That layout shapes everything about it. The engine hits hard and abruptly, which is exactly what a 450 motocrosser should do. Launch control helps you manage that hit off the gate. Through the smartphone link you can change fueling and ignition maps in the pits with just your phone. On top of that comes fully adjustable suspension that set the standard for production motocross bikes of this era.

On the track it asks for commitment. The power is huge and arrives in a rush, and the bike has no traction control to smooth it over. A tired or hesitant rider feels that long before a fast one does. The suspension takes big landings in stride, and you can set it up for your weight and your track. It's a tough bike with deep aftermarket support, which matters when you race every weekend. This is a bike for the racer or serious amateur who wants a hard-hitting motor and top-shelf suspension. My honest caveat: it isn't a forgiving first 450, and a novice will spend more time surviving it than learning on it.