2023 · Motocross · Buyer's Guide
YZ450F (MY2023)
The Trackside-Tunable Brawler
The Machine's Character
The YZ450F is Yamaha's premier motocross machine, and this generation is built slim. You sit in the bike rather than perched on top of it, and the connection to the chassis is immediate. The 450 cc engine keeps Yamaha's reverse-cylinder layout, making 60 hp at 9,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. Out of the crate the delivery is aggressive and the top end pulls hard. What really sets it apart is the Power Tuner smartphone app, which lets you reshape the engine character right at the track, backed by traction control, ride modes and launch control.
On the dirt it feels light for a 240 lb (109 kg) open-class bike. Fully adjustable suspension front and rear, with 12.2 in (310 mm) and 12.4 in (315 mm) of travel, gives you room to set it up for your weight and your track. This bike is for intermediate to advanced riders who can use a strong top-end rush. Novices will find the hit demanding, even with the app dialed back. How well it ages comes down to discipline. Keep the air filter clean, because a neglected one destroys the top end, and keep an eye on the valve seats, radiators and rear linkage bearings.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 60 hp (44 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 33 lb-ft (45 Nm) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 450 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Front brake | 270 mm |
| Front tire | 80/100-21 |
| Rear tire | 120/80-19 |
| Front travel | 12.2 in (310 mm) |
| Rear travel | 12.4 in (315 mm) |
| Seat height | 37.6 in (955 mm) |
| Wet weight | 240 lb (109 kg)Motorcycles Under 300 Pounds Wet → |
| Top speed | 87 mph (140 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 28 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Manually Adjustable Front Suspension Standard
- Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
Safety
- Traction Control Standard
- Ride Modes Standard
- Launch Control Standard
Known issues
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Worn valve seats causing hard starting
Worn valve seats cause hard starting.
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Cracked or leaking radiators
Radiators can crack or leak coolant.
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Neglected air filter destroying top end
A neglected air filter leads to severe damage and destruction of the top end.
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Worn rear linkage and swingarm bearings
The needle bearings in the rear suspension linkage and swingarm pivot wear out and corrode, especially when the bike is ridden hard in mud, sand and water or pressure-washed often. Worn bearings leave play in the rear end and make the shock action stiff or notchy, and they can seize if they aren't cleaned and re-greased regularly.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Yamaha YZ450F with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Yamaha YZ450F vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2018–2022
Yamaha YZ450F (MY2018)
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