2020 Yamaha YZ450F

Since 2010, Yamaha has utilized a reversed-cylinder-head, rearward-slanted engine on its flagship motocross bike, the YZ450F. The next two major overhauls came in 2014 and ’18, both of which introduced an all-new engine, chassis, and updated suspension settings. The 2018 machine was also spec’d with electric start and smartphone wireless-tuning capability via Yamaha’s Power Tuner app. The 2019 model received minor revisions that help it perform better, but the “bLU cRU” didn’t rest on its laurels. Instead, engineers gave the 2020 model a multitude of updates, including a more compact cylinder head, redesigned frame, and refined the KYB suspension’s compression and rebound characteristics.

Every area of the 2020 Yamaha YZ450F is improved over the prior-year model with the exception of the ergonomics. The bike makes more controllable low-end and midrange power, has the plushest suspension in the class, and corners better than ever. It’s still, however, wide in the radiator shroud area and midsection, so the rider triangle is off, and the significant dip in the seat makes it difficult to stay far enough forward to maximize the bike’s cornering ability.

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