Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZ 450 F 2018 Digital cross

2018 sees the Yamaha YZ 450 F get a major upgrade. The grafting of an electric start to begin with, then we get down to business. This one features a smartphone tuning app, a world first on a production motocross bike. This completely redesigned MXGP machine is equipped with a new inverted-head engine that allows Yamaha riders to reach their full potential.

thanks to its state-of-the-art technology, exceptional engine power and agile chassis, the new YZ 450 F creates an even closer bond between motocross riders and their machine. A sure success for Yamaha riders, when the bikes go on sale in August. This MXGP-inspired motocrosser marks a new era of advanced racing technology, where the rider is in perfect symbiosis with his bike, and on-track adjustments are made quickly and easily from a smartphone touchscreen.

the perfect marriage of power and confidence.

yamaha designers set out to build a new type of motocross bike that perfectly combines power and confidence, while offering Yamaha riders unrivalled style, performance and handling.

the engine's cylinder head, piston, cam profiles and cylinder geometry have been improved, among other modifications. Everything works in unison to deliver exceptional power and enhanced control. What's more, thanks to the new aluminum frame with bilateral beams, the engine is ideally positioned to optimize the bike's balance, while enhancing cornering feel and overall rigidity.

world's first serial Power Tuner application

today, Yamaha is also taking the opportunity to launch the Power Tuner smartphone app, specially designed by Yamaha for iOS and Android systems . The 2018 YZ 450 F thus becomes the first production motocross bike to feature a wireless engine tuning device for smartphone. Now, all Yamaha YZ 450 F riders can be in symbiosis with their motorcycle and adjust engine performance according to their riding style, track conditions and weather conditions.

yamaha's Power Tuner application enables the rider to quickly modify the fuel injection and ignition mapping. Modifications are downloaded wirelessly to the motorcycle, thanks to the communication box's on-board Wi-Fi system. A logging function enables notes to be taken on riding location and conditions, motorcycle settings, etc., for future reference. In addition, this revolutionary app can also monitor a range of data, including race settings, maintenance and system diagnostics, and engine runtime.

the new Power Tuner app installed on the 2018 YZ 450 F not only enables detailed engine mapping changes. It also allows users to share settings within a team or group of friends, offering a unique tool that facilitates communication and enhances Yamaha riders' performance.

compact, lightweight electric starter

thanks to the compact starter and ultra-light lithium-ion batterythanks to the 2018 YZ 450 F's compact starter and ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery, push-button starting makes its debut in the world of racing, for effortless restarts under pressure. Ideal for casual riding too. Powered by a high-capacity, ultra-lightweight lithiumion battery, the system adds minimal weight.

a new engine

for 2018, Yamaha has redesigned the YZ 450 F's distinctive rearward-slanting single-cylinder engine.the YZ 450 F's distinctive design, featuring a rearward-facing exhaust and a front-mounted down-flow intake system.

the new cylinder head is lighter and the engine is slightly vertical in the new frame, to optimize weight distribution. The new engine features new cam profiles, as well as a new crankshaft and a more robust high-compression piston with a DLC pin; it now breathes through a 44 mm Mikuni throttle body. All these improvements help to combine 450 cm3 of power with exceptional control and response.

the transmission and clutch have been restructured for a more direct connection and increased robustness. Gear surfaces have been enlarged, clutch plates have been improved and the outer pressure plate has been hardened for greater durability.

to improve performance and weight distribution, the YZ 450 F's radiators have been enlarged and oriented directly towards the incoming air stream to enhance cooling in the toughest racing conditions. The innovative design of the "wrap-around" exhaust pipe improves mass centring and power accumulation. Its geometry has also been redesigned for 2018. In this configuration, the rear of the exhaust pipe has been moved forward and the muffler has been moved closer to the center of mass.

for the 2018 model, Yamaha's Start Control System (LCS) has been integrated into the new YAMA engine.yamaha's Start Control System (LCS) has been integrated into the new YZ 450 F engine for faster, smoother starts at the starting line. By improving control during power starts, the LCS system guarantees exceptional performance for the rider.

2018 YZ 450 F engine and electronics - Main technical changes

- New high-performance inverted-head engine
- New lightweight cylinder head
- New cam and crankshaft profiles
- Power Tuner with new wireless smartphone app
- New lightweight electric starter with lithium-ion battery
- New vertical engine position in frame
- Stronger high-compression piston with DLC pin
- 44 mm Mikuni throttle body
- Enlarged radiators
- Central silencer position

new aluminum frame and optimized ergonomics

the YZ 450 F features a new, compact frame with bilateral beams that enhances the legendary handling of this motocrosser. The refined upper frame brace enhances rigidity, while redesigned rear spars and new engine mounts improve mass centering, for a perfect balance between cornering feel and straight-line rigidity. In other words, the new frame is designed to perfectly combine shock absorption, rigidity and handling in corners.

the completely redesigned chassis of the 2018 YZ 450 F is surrounded by a lighter, more compact bodywork that not only improves aerodynamics but also ergonomics.

fuel tank capacity has been reduced to 6.2 liters, the airbox has been redesigned and new concave radiator covers have been fitted. All this contributes to reducing the knee support area, improving styling, increasing knee grip and enhancing overall riding support. Finally, the seat width has been reduced by 9 mm and its height by almost 20 mm at the rear. at the rear, resulting in a flattened profile that improves body mobility when shifting weight from front to rear.

unsurpassed KYB suspension

the fully adjustable KYB spring fork features speed-sensitive shock absorbers that deliver an exceptional balance of handling and shock absorption, for champion-like performance. Its AOS (air/oil separated) design is widely regarded as one of the best systems on the market, ensuring excellent handling at low speeds and great stability at high speeds, while also offering the advantage of being easy to fit.

the KYB rear shock absorber has been upgraded to match the new chassis. It now features a lighter spring to reduce weight. In addition, to ensure constant damping during long-distance races, the reservoir capacity has been increased by 30 cm3.

new graphics and blue wheels

the sleek new bodywork features new graphics. In addition, the new 2018 YZ 450 F is equipped with blue rims that recall its production motorcycle origins.

2018 YZ 450 F chassis and ergonomics - Main technical changes

- New, ultra-rigid double-beam frame
- New engine mounts for improved mass centering
- Narrower, flatter seat for improved handling
- Slimmer, more compact bodywork
- Optimized suspension to match the new frame
- Redesigned KYB rear shock absorber with larger reservoir
- Compact 6.2-liter fuel tank
- New graphics and blue wheels

Information and image credits: Yamaha