Yamaha YZ450F

The Yamaha YZ450F is a four-stroke racing motocross bike built by Yamaha Motor Corporation. It was the successor to the previous YZ426F which was discontinued in 2003. It is credited by Cycle World and Dirt Rider magazines as the bike that started the four-stroke dirt bike revolution.[1][2] The 2006 YZ250F and YZ450F were the first production motorcycles equipped with titanium suspension springs.[3]

Yamaha YZ450F
ManufacturerYamaha Motor Company
PredecessorYamaha YZ250
ClassMotocross
EngineDOHC, multivalve, water-cooled, four-stroke, single

The WR450F is the enduro version of the YZ450F.

Introduction

For many years, the motocross world almost exclusively used two-stroke engines. AMA racing classes had two classes: 125 cc and 250 cc two-strokes, with no provision for four strokes. Most riders considered four-stroke engine technology to be largely utilitarian and uncompetitive, relegated solely for trail riding.[4]

In 1996, the AMA changed racing rules to allow 450 cc four strokes to compete in the same racing class as 250 cc two-strokes.[5] Yamaha engineer Yoshiharu Nakayama first came up with the idea of creating the first competitive four-stroke race motocross bike.[6] The Yamaha YZ400F was developed to fit into this category. It solved the power dilemma by borrowing superbike technology and giving the YZ a five-valve head, liquid cooling and a 12.5-1 compression ratio.

In 1997, Yamaha rocked the motocross world with the introduction of the YZ400M prototype, a concept motorcycle which borrowed much technology from road racing. The YZM was far ahead of all competition among four-stroke motocross bikes. Doug Henry piloted the YZ400M to its first victory in 1997 at the Las Vegas Supercross. This was the first time any four-stroke had won an AMA event.[7] The YZ400M was the predecessor of the production YZ400F, which was released the next year.

First Generation YZ400F
Production1998-2000
PredecessorYamaha YZ250 2-stroke
SuccessorYZ426F
EngineFive-valve, 400 cc, compression ratio 12.5:1
Transmission5-speed
Weight250 lb (110 kg) (dry)

First generation: YZ400F 1998–2000

Yamaha introduced the YZ400F in production in 1998 after a successful AMA season in 1997. It was "the first modern production four-stroke motocrosser that was directly competitive against two-strokes."[1] Initially, Yamaha targeted a dry weight of 233 pounds (106 kg) (on par with the 250 two-strokes of the time), but by production, the bike weighed 250 pounds. The bike had an 11,600 rpm redline[8] power and torque close to its 250 cc two-stroke rivals.[1] It benefited from engine compression braking, which allowed the engine to slow the bike down during deceleration, giving the brakes a rest.[1] The 1998 YZ400F was the first bike to come stock with a Keihin FCR carburetor.

In 1998, Doug Henry won the AMA National Motocross Championship aboard the YZF, becoming the first rider to win a championship on a four-stroke motorcycle. This victory is considered by some to be the major turning point in the motocross world—for the first time, four strokes were considered a competitive racing machine.[7]

Second generation YZ426F
Production2000-2003
PredecessorYZ400F
SuccessorYZ450F
EngineTitanium five-valve, 426 cc, 95mm x 60.1mm stroke, compression ratio 12.5:1
Transmission5-speed
SuspensionKayaba
BrakesDisks
Wheelbase58.7 in
Fuel capacity2.1 gallons (7.95 L)

Second generation: YZ426F 2001–2002

In 2000, Yamaha updated the YZ400F, increasing the displacement to 426 cc for greater power and throttle response. In addition, the carburetor and jets were updated to ease the YZ400F's starting woes.

The next year, in 2001, Yamaha replaced the previous steel valves with titanium ones. The new valves were more than forty percent lighter than the previous valves, allowing for lighter and softer valve springs, in turn allowing a quicker revving engine, improved throttle response, higher rev ceilings, and more power.[4] The crankshaft was also reshaped and the whole assembly was redesigned for quicker throttle response and, Yamaha claimed, "less high-end horsepower loss." In addition to motor modifications, a few changes were made to the transmission to help contain the power and ensure longevity. The suspension also received a bit of an overhaul with the goal being reduced weight and smoother action throughout the stroke.[9] Yamaha also designed a new exhaust pipe design so that exhaust header removal would no longer be required when replacing the oil filter. Carburetor tuning was modified to deal with starting and off-idle take off difficulties.

Also in 2001 the subframe was changed from a steel to a blue painted aluminum style. In 2002 the blue painting was stopped and left to a bare aluminum look.[10] Motorcycle.com says that "The gas tank is reasonably thin and allows good forward and backward movement while providing something nicely shaped to hold onto with your knees. In fact, the entire ergonomic package on this YZF is well thought out. The handlebars have a nice bend to them and are well-placed for good rider control and legroom. The footpegs are well-made units with a wide platform and sit in a position that keeps them from dragging in ruts without cramping a rider's legs."

In 2002 Yamaha remapped the digital CD ignition system which delivers a more precise spark and optimal timing for faster, stronger response during hard acceleration, and less kickback during starting. Also an all-new swing-arm which is lighter and stronger for reduced weight, greater rigidity and more compliant rear suspension action. While an anodized finish gives the bike a tricked out look. The 426 also includes a larger pivot shift for increased durability. A larger rear brake disc was also added which means greater stopping power.[11]

Third Generation YZ450F
Production2003-2005
PredecessorYZ426F
EngineTitanium five-valve, 449 cc, 95.0 x 63.4mm, compression ratio 12.3:1
Transmission2003-2004: 4-speed 2005: 5-speed
Frame typeSteel
RelatedYZ250F, WR450F

Third generation YZ450F 2003–2005

For 2003, the YZF received the biggest update in its history. First, the engine displacement was increased with 449 cc in compliance to the new AMA Motocross maximum displacement rule, the engine now produced over 52 hp (39 kW). Next, the frame and plastic were updated for a new, sleeker look. Additionally, the YZF's weight was decreased from its original 250 lb (110 kg) to 233 lb (106 kg). The bike made tremendous power; however, many thought that the bike had too much power for a motocross track.[12] The 2005 YZ450F was the first YZ450F to feature KYB twin chamber cartridge forks.

Fourth generation YZ450F 2006–2009
Fourth Generation YZ450F
Production2006-2009
PredecessorYZ450F
EngineTitanium five-valve, 449 cc, 95.0 x 63.4mm, compression ratio 12.3:1
Transmission5-speed
Frame typeAluminum
Fuel capacity1.9gal
RelatedYZ250F, WR450F

The YZ450F received a major update in 2006, with over 300 parts changed and improved. The power was smoothed out, and the bike was made easier to ride, putting to rest the complaint that the YZ had too much power.[13] The transmission was returned to a more traditional five-speed. An all-new aluminum single backbone frame shaved another 10 pounds off the weight.

The 2006 saw KYB SSS forks.

2007 saw camshaft and exhaust changes, moving power from low-RPMs to mid-RPMs. 2008-2009 furthered pushed the powerband to mid-RPMs.

Fifth generation YZ450F 2010-2013
Fifth Generation YZ450F
Production2010-2013
EngineRear slant, titanium four-valve, 449 cc, 97.0mm x 60.8mm stroke, compression ratio 12.5:1 (Changed to EFI in 2010)
Transmission5-speed
SuspensionKYB
Brakesdisc
Tires21-19
RelatedWR450F, YZ450FX

September 8, 2009, Yamaha introduced its all-new YZ450F with fuel injection. The engine cylinder is rearward slanted, the crank rod angle has been changed to provide a more complete combustion, the 5-valve head is now a 4-valve head, the gas tank is located under the seat, the exhaust pipe exits the rear of the cylinder, and the air intake is now in the front of the bike. They have a new bi-lateral frame which allows for new improved steering and the new engine components. The entire package comes together to create a bike that is mass-centralized. The bike was introduced by Yamaha Factory Motocross rider James Stewart.The top speed has been recorded at 80 mph stock.

Sixth generation YZ450F 2014-2017
Sixth Generation YZ450F
Production2014-2017
RelatedWR450F, YZ450FX

The 2014 YZ450f was a new design the retained the backwards slant engine. The 2014 model has a wet-sump engine and an easy access air filter.

Seventh generation YZ450F 2018-Present
Seventh Generation YZ450F
Production2018-Present
RelatedWR450F, YZ450FX

The 2018 YZ450f features electric start and a Mikuni fuel injection system. The kickstarter was removed for this generation.

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References
  1. Lewis, Jimmy (January 2002), "The Main Event: Honda CRF450R lines up against KTM 520 SX and Yamaha YZ426F", Cycle World, 41 (1), pp. 70 ff (8)
  2. Hoffman, Scott (February 2002), "Concept 2003 YZ450F imminent future", Dirt Rider, Primedia Enterprises, pp. 28ff (3), It was less than a year ago that innuendos regarding 'an all-new Yamaha YZ450F' circumnavigated the motocross world. The gossip was far less shocking compared to when Yamaha first unveiled its works YZ400M in '97 and its plans to build a competitive motocross four-stroke, although it still held merit. This was also mixed in with Honda's breaking news of its project four-stroke motocross bike, the CRF45OR. Nevertheless, Yamaha forged its name into the hooks five years ago and its revolutionary machine will forever be remembered as the catalyst that sparked the fire under the smoldering world of four-stroke motocrossers.
  3. "Titanium spring improves motocross motorcycles", Advanced Materials & Processes, 164 (7), p. 9, July 2006, archived from the original on 2012-10-26, For model year 2006, the Yamaha YZ125 and YZ250 two-stroke and the YZ250F and YZ450F four-stroke motocross motorcycles all carry titanium shock springs, marking the first time production motorcycles from any manufacturer have been fitted with titanium suspension springs as original equipment, reports Timet Automotive, Morgantown, Pa. Yamaha claims the new springs offer "outstanding strength and fatigue tolerance" and reduce unsprung weight for improved suspension performance.
  4. "2001 Yamaha YZ426F: MD Ride Review". motorcycledaily.com.
  5. "Page not found!" (PDF). www.amaproracing.com.
  6. "YZ426F: Miracle Machine? – Motocross News, Race Reports, Videos, Photos, Interviews, How-Tos". transworldmotocross.com.
  7. Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Doug Henry Archived 2010-01-13 at the Wayback Machine
  8. GT Thunder Test Bench
  9. "Year 2001 Yamaha YZ426F". Motorcycle.com. 2000-10-27. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  10. "Year 2001 Yamaha YZ426F". motorcycle.com.
  11. "New Yamaha Dirt Bikes For 2002 : Off-Road.com". Dirtbike.off-road.com. 2005-11-01. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
  12. "First Impression: 2004 Yamaha YZ450F – Motocross News, Race Reports, Videos, Photos, Interviews, How-Tos". transworldmotocross.com.
  13. "2006 Yamaha YZ450F - First Ride - MotorcycleUSA.com". motorcycle-usa.com.
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