Finest Motocross Bike Winner—2023 Yamaha YZ450F

Yamaha has been a robust contender in Grime Rider’s 450 motocross bike comparability exams for the previous a number of years, evidenced by its YZ450F ending on the rostrum in each shootout since 2015—the one bike to perform such a feat. For the primary time since 2018, the bLU cRU gave its flagship motocrosser a prime to backside overhaul, billing the all-new machine as “lighter, slimmer, sharper, quicker.” We will confidently say the YZ450F is all that and extra, which is why it took the victory on this 12 months’s 450 Motocross Shootout.

“This 12 months’s YZ450F is an thrilling new platform that longtime Yamaha house owners will love. For many who haven’t liked Yamahas prior to now, it’s lastly a viable different.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Yamaha YZ450F Engine

On our in-house dyno, the YZ450F produced 54.4 hp at 9,500 rpm and 32.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,200 rpm. With these figures, it makes probably the most peak horsepower and ranks fifth in most torque. Yamaha can even declare it cranks out probably the most horsepower and torque from 9,500 rpm to 10,200 rpm.

Associated: 2023 Yamaha YZ450F First Journey Evaluation

Yamaha’s YZ450F was one of the crucial extremely anticipated bikes of 2023. The wait was price it. (Jeff Allen/)

To say the blue bike is quick can be an understatement. Though smoother down low than the 2022 mannequin, throttle management remains to be required on the inventory map settings. Fortunately, changes to energy supply might be made with Yamaha’s free Energy Tuner app, which helps hold the entrance wheel down when twisting the grip.

Yamaha makes probably the most peak horsepower of all 450 motocross bikes in 2023. (Robert Martin Jr./)

As a result of the YZ450F has the strongest low-end energy within the class, it’s the simplest to trip a gear excessive, which helps with controlling energy and conserving the chassis calm. Some would favor a extra linear energy supply to make it simpler to handle, which might be executed with the Energy Tuner app, however solely to a sure extent. The clutch remains to be cable-actuated and works nicely. For many who choose hydraulic, a whole system is accessible by GYTR, which retails for round $300.

Associated: Monster Power Yamaha Star Racing Facility Tour

“There’s a lot bark as quickly as you crack the throttle on the YZ450F, which makes it intimidating. I hoped it might be just a little simpler to manage this 12 months versus final 12 months.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Yamaha YZ450F Suspension

Yamaha’s KYB Pace Delicate System (SSS) 48mm coil-spring fork and KYB shock return on its all-new 450 motocross platform and are nonetheless one of the best elements round. A performance-based setup means the more durable you trip, the higher it really works. That’s additionally when the plush really feel Yamaha’s suspension is understood for turns into most noticeable. Bumps of any measurement and large impacts aren’t any match for the KYB models as a consequence of how progressive they’re.

“Yamaha’s Energy Tuner app is a characteristic that no different bike rivals, and it could make vital enhancements and enhance rideability.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Yamaha YZ450F Chassis/Dealing with

In keeping with the Grime Rider scales, the all-new Yamaha weighs 242 kilos moist, which implies it shed 5 kilos over the 2022 mannequin. That weight reduction is noticeable when driving because the YZ is extra maneuverable than ever and corners with much less rider enter. The trade-off for that newfound agility is a bit much less stability than earlier years, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly predictable, particularly when operating 105mm of sag.

Associated: Manufacturing unit Motocross Racebikes—Dylan Ferrandis’ 2022 Yamaha YZ450F

“The YZ450F’s suspension has a luxurious total really feel and probably the most comfy base settings. It carried out nicely over large bumps and I may hardly really feel chatter bumps. There have been no points with bottoming out both.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Ergonomics are considerably improved. The radiator shrouds and gas tank are not obtrusive as a consequence of how a lot narrower they’re, and the rider triangle is healthier proportioned, which makes it simpler to maneuver ahead on the seat and transition from sitting to standing. One minor criticism is that we would favor the highest of the seat to be flatter somewhat than barely rounded.

The bLU cRU shed 5 kilos from its flagship motocrosser. On Grime Rider’s automotive scales, the YZ450F weighs 242 kilos moist. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Yamaha YZ450F Received

It boasts probably the most highly effective engine, top-notch suspension, a nimble chassis, 5-pound weight reduction, and principally agreeable ergonomics. Plus, its up to date Energy Tuner app continues to be the benchmark of grime bike EFI tunability.

Associated: Monster Power Yamaha Star Racing Facility Picture Gallery

“I’ve waited a few years for Yamaha to make the YZ450F slimmer. It’s so a lot better now.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 Yamaha YZ450F Shouldn’t Have Received

Energy supply remains to be somewhat abrupt and might be tough to manage.

“I felt like I had full management over the YZ450F and will put it wherever I needed. It’s very nimble.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Bell Moto-10 Spherical

Goggle: Spy Basis

Jersey: Thor MX Prime

Gloves: Thor MX Agile

Pants: Thor MX Prime

Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

“The YZ450F’s ergonomics are a lot improved, and the 2023 design and engineering are prime of the category.” <i>—Casey Casper</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 Yamaha YZ450F Specs

MSRP:	$9,899 (Staff Yamaha Blue)/$10,099 (Monster Power Yamaha Racing Version)
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:	450cc
Bore x Stroke:	97.0 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio:	13.0:1
Transmission/Remaining Drive:	5-speed/chain
Grime Rider Measured Horsepower:	54.4 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Grime Rider Measured Torque:	32.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,200 rpm
Gasoline System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch:	Moist, multiplate; cable actuation
Body:	Aluminum bilateral beam
Entrance Suspension:	KYB 48mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.4 in. journey
Entrance Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Path:	26.9°/4.7 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Floor Clearance:	13.8 in.
Grime Rider Measured Seat Peak:	38.4 in.
Gasoline Capability:	1.6 gal.
Grime Rider Measured Moist Weight:	242 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com