Yamaha shows off the all-new 2020 YZ450F
Yamaha unveils the all-new 2020 YZ450F motocross beast, now packed with thoroughly updated features and more powerful and compact than ever before.
Team Blue says that the new YZ450F is better than any of its previous iterations thanks to a redesigned chassis and engine that offer unprecedented mass centralization for an even sharper and more accurate riding experience. The main spars of the bilateral beam aluminium frame are redesigned, alongside the triple clamps, wider footrests and the relocated engine mounting points.
A new engine powers now the new YZ450F, with a rear-slanted single cylinder and forged piston, titanium valves, a straight intake pipe, and an even more aggressive camshaft. The exhaust tract is now wrapped loser to the power plant for a more compact weight distribution.
The radiators have a new angle that improves cooling, while the slim overall design helps riders steer it better around tight bends. The braking system is also new, tuned to provide precise stopping power for the new, gruntier engine, too. The suspension comes from KYB, as always, with a coil-spring fork and a rear linkage designed especially for the YZ450F’s characteristics.
For the 2020 YZ450F, Yamaha retains a beloved feature: the possibility to adjust the engine performance trackside, wirelessly, thanks to the official Power Tuner App, working on both iOS and Android devices. A conveniently located handlebar button allows the rider to swap between two preloaded engine maps on the fly, for instant response to changing track or weather conditions.
Computer-aided design also helped Yamaha reduce the weight of the wheels by reshaping the cross-section profile without sacrificing strength and durability. Even on the aesthetic side, House Iwata took things a step further: the graphics are embedded into the bodywork, making them much less prone to peeling or damage.
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F is scheduled to arrive on dealership floors later in July, draped in the classic Team Yamaha Blue or Gray colors, at a price that starts at $9,399 stateside.