Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZ 450 F 2022 Maximum benefits

The Yamaha YZ 450 F has managed to gain a little weight for 2022 and features revised suspension settings as well as a new drivetrain sprocket, gold-colored chain and DID wheels.

With the Yamaha Power Tuner, riders and their technicians are able to make instant changes to engine behavior via a smartphone - to quickly and easily configure their bike for different circuits and changing surface conditions.

The YZ 450 F's Icon Blue color is applied to a new trim and incorporates new patterns. Yamaha will also continue to offer a Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition with Monster Black trim and factory-inspired motifs.

No other changes for this cross, whose last evolution dates back to 2020. The spearhead of the manufacturer's off-road range, the big blue cross is lighter, more powerful and easier to handle than its predecessor - nothing less than the most competitive 450 cm3 ever produced by the tuning fork brand.

The whole bike had been completely redesigned. The engineering team had achieved significant weight savings, but also power gains and improved handling performance.

more powerful, more compact 450 cm3 engine

Already renowned for its power, the YZ 450 F's engine has been completely redesigned for 2020 to offer even more generous performance and easier control. The engine is more compact and lighter, while new technical choices improve the centralization of the motorcycle's masses, to perfect its handling and stability.

Featuring a high-performance inverted cylinder head, a durable high-compression piston and aggressive cam profiles, the compact 450 cm3 single-cylinder offers the best possible balance between performance and controllability.

tilted-back cylinder

One of the engine's key improvements for 2020 is its new rearward-tilted cylinder, which is both lighter and more compact. This evolution improves mass centering, which greatly contributes to the YZ 450 F's good handling.

The new rear-tilt cylinder features a high-compression piston and a high-performance inverted cylinder head with a straight intake. This design delivers a perfect balance of power and handling.

yamaha GYTR Power Tuner

The Yamaha YZ 450 F was the first cross-country bike to be connected, allowing settings to be made using a smartphone.

By downloading the free Power Tuner app for iOS or Android devices, YZ 450 F riders and mechanics can easily adjust the air/fuel mixture and ignition advance to tailor the bike to each rider's terrain and riding style. Thanks to this feature, the machine can be adjusted instantly on the track. So its rider can cope with all types of terrain and weather conditions.

In addition to its mapping functions, the Power Tuner application records and monitors operating parameters, in addition to a diagnostic function, engine running time, thus becoming an invaluable part of any rider's toolbox.

handlebar-mounted adjustable map switch

After programming various mappings via the Power Tuner, the rider can select the one of his choice from the handlebar. This option enables instantaneous changes of mapping according to riding conditions: from an aggressive engine behavior for a dry, fast track, to a smoother, more linear one better suited to greasy terrain.

compact electric starter

The new 450 engine features a compact, lightweight and highly practical electric starter. This saves precious seconds when restarting during a race. Powered by a high-capacity four-cell lithium-ion battery, the YZ 450 F 2020 keeps weight to a minimum.

start control system

The YZ 450 F's Start Control System (LCS) optimizes engine power and performance in the first few seconds of the race, as the grid drops. By contributing to a more efficient transmission of power, LCS offers greater control precision and traction at the start, giving a crucial advantage in grabbing the holeshot.

high-tech injection system

The new compact engine features a Mikuni® fuel injection system with a lightweight, ultra-compact 44 mm injector body. A high-pressure electric pump ensures optimum atomization of the air/fuel mixture admitted from the front, for excellent running performance.

high-efficiency inclined radiators

To ensure efficient operation of this new, more powerful engine, Yamaha engineers have repositioned the radiators to bring in a greater flow of incoming air. This airflow keeps the 450 cm3 at optimum temperature, for consistent power from start to finish.

robust 5-speed gearbox

The YZ 450 F's 5-speed gearbox can handle the hardest shifts. The gears feature a large contact area to distribute the load, and a new clutch for maximum longevity, while the selector drum and forks offer improved feel and shorter travel when shifting.

compact exhaust for improved mass centralization

The YZ 450 F features a centralized mass design, in which the main components are located as close as possible to the bike's center of gravity. One example is the wrap-around exhaust that snakes around the cylinder. This design also makes it possible to install a muffler further forward and closer to the bike's center.

Combined with the new rearward-sloping cylinder, this centralizes mass, contributing considerably to the YZ 450 F's handling and dynamism.

lighter aluminum frame for sharper handling

For 2020, the compact aluminum frame has been carefully redesigned to accommodate a new, more powerful engine.

To reduce weight and optimize the bike's performance, the new bilateral beam frame features refined reinforcements, thicker side members and new engine mounts. These significant changes deliver more assertive stability and, ultimately, better lap times.

compact trim and seat design

The YZ 450 F's compact fuel tank, radiator openings and narrow seat not only improve rider mobility and knee support, they also accentuate the bike's light, agile feel, giving the rider a psychological edge even before the start. The ergonomic design allows the rider to transfer weight quickly and easily, improving control grip and reducing fatigue.

high-tech suspension

The YZ 450 F features a fully adjustable KYB® fork with coil springs, the ultimate in off-road suspension. Featuring a damping system offering an ideal compromise between stiffness and shock absorption, this fork delivers ad hoc performance.

The link-type rear suspension and fully adjustable KYB® shock absorber ensure optimum traction and smooth operation at both low and high speeds.

optimized brakes

A stiffer front caliper, new brake pads and a 270 mm front disc provide exceptional braking performance. A new lightweight rear caliper and disc reduce unsprung weight.

yZ 450 F highlights:

- Ultra-compact 450 cm3 engine, increased power and total control
- Lighter, more compact rear-tilted cylinder
- Centralized mass design
- Power Tuner smartphone app to adjust settings in the field
- Handlebar switch for easy-to-change mapping
- Compact electric starter and ultra-light battery
- Start Control System (LCS) optimizes engine power for faster starts
- Advanced fuel injection system for optimum power delivery
- Inclined radiators for efficient engine cooling
- Robust transmission and clutch for safe gear changes
- Compact, centralized wrap-around exhaust
- Repositioned muffler
- Bilateral aluminum beam frame
- Compact trim and seat design for ergonomic ease of use
- KYB® inverted telescopic forks with coil springs and speed-sensitive damping
- Link-type rear suspension, lightweight KYB® rear shock absorber
- 270 mm front disc, optimized pad material and caliper
- New, more compact rear disc and caliper
- Handlebar position adjustable in 4 positions
- Integrated graphics for greater durability
- Variable-section aluminum handlebars
- Quick-adjust clutch lever
- Lighter, wider footrests

Photo credits: Yamaha