Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZ 450 F 2017 Between the stones and the stopwatch

after the changes made in 2016, the YZ 450 F enters 2017 with a minimum of fine-tuned details. A reworked deco and a rear brake disc made from the same steel as the front disc. Yamaha's big cross remains confident; in the two years since the radical redesign of the 2014 model - virtually every major engine and chassis function had been changed - the Yamaha YZ 450 F has taken on the role of scarecrow in its class.

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.

in 2016, Yamaha engineers 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

launch Control System (LCS)

even before the first bend, everything is up for grabs. To give you a clear advantage at this key moment, the 2016 YZ 450 F has been equipped with an electronic Start Control System (LCS) for livelier, 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.

optimized camshafts and valve timing

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

the 4-valve cylinder head employs 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.higher-lift cams and optimized 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 2016-2017 model benefits from a revised transmission: new clutch nut and redesigned selector finger with 20% stiffer spring. These modifications ensure more prompt and efficient gear changes, even when the transmission is under stress in stressful situations such as starts.

large-diameter front brake (270 mm)

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

suspension settings and modified fork offset

major 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 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.models, resulting in a high level of balance between handling, agility and stability.

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

modified chassis design

the 2016-2017 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.

Information and images: Yamaha