Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZ 450 F 2016 Between the stones and the stopwatch

in the two years since the radical redesign of the 2014 model - with virtually every major engine and chassis function modified - the Yamaha YZ 450 F has taken on the role of class leader. the Yamaha YZ 450 F has taken on the role of class scarecrow.

thanks to its rearward-slanting single-cylinder engine and innovative 4-valve cylinder head with inverted flow, featuring an extremely efficient forward-facing intake, this bike has become particularly competitive. Its ability to win victories right from the start, combined with Yamaha's renowned reliability and longevity, has won over many riders, whether they're competing in local, national or international races.

for 2016, Yamaha engineers have focused on refining and streamlining the YZ 450 F, while improving its performance, handling, agility and flexibility. Yamaha's MX development team has continued to innovate with a number of engine and chassis modifications to take the YZ 450 F to the next level, with 4 key objectives:

- Achieve smoother, simpler engine operation for improved handling and smoothness, without compromising power
- More effective bump absorption, as well as improved handling, traction and front-wheel grip
- Increased braking power and maneuverability
- Faster starts thanks to an electronic start control system

all-new start control system (LCS)

even before the first corner, everything is up for grabs. To give you a clear advantage at this key moment, the 2016 YZ 450 F is equipped with a new Start Control System (LCS) for more lively, but also more controllable acceleration as soon as the grid is lowered.

this performance-enhancing electronic system fine-tunes engine speed to optimize power delivery. This limits rear-wheel spin and body roll when the rider demands a lot of power in first or second gear. Unlike other designs, which simply delay ignition and reduce spark velocity, Yamaha's new LCS is an intelligent system that communicates with the electronic injection unit and adjusts power to suit track conditions.

activated at idle by pressing a button on the handlebars, LCS further enhances the YZ 450 F's performance, leaving the rider to focus on controlling the clutch and his own position.

new camshafts and optimized valve timing

the engine of the 2016 YZ 450 F features improved flexibility and elasticity thanks to slight but important modifications to camshafts and valve timing, for greater combustion efficiency.

the 4-valve cylinder head uses modified intake and exhaust cam profiles that slightly reduce crossover angles, while the use of higher-lift cams and longer-lift camshafts ensures greater combustion efficiency.the use of high-lift cams and new exhaust valve springs facilitate gas flow, for greater availability at low and mid-range speeds.

yamaha Power Tuner

available as an option, the Yamaha Power Tuner allows riders to adjust engine characteristics to suit track conditions. Easy to use, it connects directly to the motorcycle without the need for a laptop. The Yamaha Power Tuner features 2016 factory settings, in line with the latest engine developments.

clutch and transmission improvements

for smoother shifting and greater clutch precision, the 2016 model benefits from a revised transmission: new clutch nut and redesigned selector finger with 20% stiffer spring. These modifications ensure faster, more efficient gear changes, even when the transmission is under stress in stressful situations, such as starting off.

larger diameter front brake (270 mm)

a progressive yet powerful brake is essential for good motorcycle control. For this reason, the 2016 Yamaha YZ 450 F features a larger-diameter front disc (270 mm), which not only provides greater braking force, but also a unique feel for greater efficiency. The double-piston caliper benefits from a new type of brake pad with enhanced performance.

new suspension settings and modified fork offset

significant adjustments have been made to optimize front suspension, mobility and steering-wheel grip.

the AOS (Air/Oil Separated) front fork uses modified compression and rebound parameters, to improve handling on bumpy sections. These modifications are complemented by the use of new tees that allow a fork offset of 25 mm, up to 3 mm more than on previous models, resulting in a high level of balance between handling, agility and stability.

the rear suspension receives new low- and high-speed compression damping settings, to match the front suspension and offer enhanced shock-absorbing performance. A rear spring (56 Nm vs. 58 Nm on the previous model) has also been selected.

modified chassis design

the 2016 chassis benefits from judicious modifications designed to increase handling as well as the bike's overall ease of use.

for greater lateral rigidity, the swingarm axis is widened by 12 mm, with the rear section of the aluminum frame modified to accommodate this reinforced design. Redesigned steel engine mounts help stiffen the 2016 chassis. To lower the rider's center of gravity and give him greater freedom of movement, the footrests are positioned 5 mm lower.

other modifications

a lightened muffler bracket and a redesigned 6-port water pump to improve coolant pressure distribution complete the list of modifications.

yZ 450 F - 2016 Evolutions

- Electronic Start Control System (LCS)
- New camshafts and optimized valve-opening time
- Revised clutch and gearshift mechanism
- Larger diameter front brake disc (270 mm)
- New suspension settings and modified fork offset
- Modified chassis design
- Optional Power Tuner with modified settings.

Image and info credits: Yamaha