News Yamaha presents its 2026 off-road models.

2026 is the year of a new YZ 450 F. Extensively revised, this new chapter benefits from new strategic elements in the engine, suspension and frame. It's clear that Yamaha wants to regain control of the category.
But the 450 is not the only new feature. For 2026, in addition to new colors and finishes, Yamaha has redesigned the intake system and improved the carburation of the YZ 125, and added four 70ᵉ anniversary models to the Off Road Competition range. These motorcycles, with their special liveries, reflect Yamaha's past and present successes, and symbolize the promise to maintain this fighting spirit into the future.

At the forefront: the YZ 450 F 2026

Yamaha engineers have worked tirelessly to optimize the YZ 450 F even further. It now boasts a new engine, frame and rear suspension, as well as a host of design and technological improvements.

The new YZ450F features a new engine, with a redesigned intake system for greater ease of use, as well as a more linear response to acceleration and better control at low and medium revs. To this end, the shape and surface of the intake duct have been modified to achieve optimum filling of the combustion chamber, for greater efficiency at low and medium engine speeds, while maintaining power at higher engine speeds. Torque characteristics have also been enhanced for improved feel. These modifications improve engine reliability while reducing stress on the rider. The new machine retains the key features that have made the current engine such a success, such as the inverted-head layout, 39 mm titanium intake valves, forged aluminum piston, dry-sump bearing and dry sump.

The exhaust note has been softened thanks to a centrally positioned resonator and modified settings. The air filter now features an additional resonator and duct to reduce intake noise. The muffler attachment angle has been slightly lowered to create more space for the rear fender.
Among the new features that really make a difference to the riding experience is the new hydraulic clutch, which maintains the engagement point while riding; this means no adjustment is required when racing. This also makes it easier to feel the engagement point. Lever feel is natural and light, with smoother modulation. Other modifications to the clutch and lever ensure more stable performance.

The YZ450F's frame has been widely acclaimed. It has been further improved for 2026 to deliver optimized comfort and feel. The internal structure and thickness of the lower tubes have been redesigned, and bilateral asymmetrical engine mounts have been adopted to adjust its torsional behavior. This reduces rigidity under thrust loads, while retaining the same levels of longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity, for a more stable front-end feel, as well as a more balanced chassis feel, improved stability in ruts and under braking, and contained mass transfer.

To match the new frame characteristics, the front suspension settings have been modified to improve stability and reduce fatigue. At the rear, a new suspension was developed, in conjunction with KYB, to smooth the transition of damping force between low and high speeds. To improve compression and rebound damping at low speeds, the piston structures have been revised (the base piston has been increased from 24 to 28 mm) and separate oil passages have been added. The main piston, which regulates compression at medium and high speeds, now has six ports for each stroke, instead of the previous four, improving damping under heavy loads. A new manual compression damping adjuster is also available.

In addition to the frame and suspension, the seat surface has been redesigned for improved grip. It features a honeycomb pattern, with a depth and grain designed to reduce the risk of the rider sliding backwards during acceleration. The new pattern also makes it easier for the rider to move forward.

When the YZ450F 2026 is parked, a function allows the rider to electronically lock the bike via a smartphone. The engine cannot be restarted until the password has been correctly entered in the Power Tuner app. The system thus acts as an anti-theft device.

In addition to locking the ECU, the Power Tuner app can be used to adjust engine character to suit rider preferences and track conditions, traction and start control, and a timing function. A multifunction handlebar-mounted switch allows the rider to select engine mapping while riding. A lightweight lithium battery powers the YZ450F's electronic arsenal.

The YZ450F also stands out for its aesthetics. The new fairing has been designed to highlight its light, compact silhouette, with a slim, low number plate, a new rear mudguard and two-piece side guards in a two-tone color that enhances the characteristic horizontal lines of the YZ range. The YZ logos and Speed Block motif reinforce the sense of belonging to this illustrious family.

The 70ᵉ anniversary YZ450F draws even more inspiration from Yamaha's successes, with this white and red livery inspired by the iconic YZM400F, the very first 4-stroke machine to win victories in the motocross and AMA Supercross world championships.

Enhanced performance: the YZ125 2026

The YZ125 has been widely acclaimed for its outstanding suspension and handling, as well as its impressive pedigree, as evidenced by its success in competitions around the world. What's more, the YZ125 is a proven platform for launching the careers of future motocross stars, supported by the Yamaha YZ BLU CRU program. For 2026, thanks to the ongoing commitment of Yamaha engineers, the YZ125 has been further refined to assert its position in the 2-stroke class.

The latest YZ125 benefits from an overhaul of its intake system, while carburetion and ignition have been optimized to deliver more consistent, linear power delivery, excellent throttle response and smoother corner exit.

Carburetion has been optimized to improve operation across the entire rev range: a new needle ensures optimum fuel delivery at every throttle opening to deliver constant power; the various jets have all been updated to obtain ideal flow and therefore better throttle response, from idle to high revs; in addition, the air screw and mixture level have been adapted for smoother corner exit.
In addition, ignition timing has been updated to optimize combustion at all degrees of throttle opening. This enables the engine to respond more linearly across the entire operating range.

The air filter duct has been enlarged and reshaped, and the assembly has been updated for a smoother connection to the carburetor. These changes optimize the carburetor's inlet gas stream and deliver consistent performance levels.

All these improvements confirm the YZ125's versatility, making it ideal for a wide range of riders, from beginners to experts. They also make it easier for the rider to adjust engine settings. As a result, the new YZ125 is both easier to use and faster out of corners.

Yamaha also announces the YZ125 in a 70ᵉ anniversary version, which adds its new white and red livery to the machine's long list of iconic attributes.

Victorious performance

The YZ250 and YZ250F are very popular with riders looking for the best ratio of power, handling and reliability. For 2026, the Icon Blue color scheme is updated with new motifs. Both bikes also come in a special 70ᵉ anniversary white and red edition.

The YZ65 and YZ85, designed for young riders, inherit the technologies of their big sisters. Manufactured to Yamaha's exacting standards, these small-displacement models adopt the latest Icon Blue color scheme combined with new graphics for 2026.

Last but not least is the legendary PW50. This bike, one of the most recognizable in the world, represents the first experience on two wheels for many champions. Featuring a fully automatic 50cc engine, easy-to-adjust rev limiter, low seat height and great handling, the PW50 is the ideal bike for all beginners. For 2026, the PW50 gets the latest Icon Blue color with new graphics.

Information and images: Yamaha