Yamaha have taken the covers off the updated YZ450F for 2023, which boasts a new powerplant, updated chassis and better than ever power ratio, making this one to keep an eye out for.
Arrival in Australia is slated for December this year, 2022, with…
Yamaha have taken the covers off the updated YZ450F for 2023, which boasts a new powerplant, updated chassis and better than ever power ratio, making this one to keep an eye out for.
Arrival in Australia is slated for December this year, 2022, with pricing at $14,499 ride-away, while in the US that pricing is $9,899 plus at least $725 in destination and freight.
So what’s new? A whole lot as it turns out, so here’s a quick run down.
First up, the new 450 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single adds an extra 500 rpm to the rev limit for more top end, thanks to new exhaust and intake port shapes, larger diameter titanium intake valves, a new piston, cylinder, crackshaft and balancer, while also switching over to dry sump lubrication. Yamaha promise the result is more power everywhere, alongside a more compact powerplant. Mikuni provides the 44 mm throttlebody for the EFI.
A new clutch is also run, replacing the coil springs found on the outgoing model with a new disc spring, integrating the primary gear and basket into one steel unit. A new clutch cover is also run, which should be more scratch resistant and Yamaha reckon the overall result is a lightweight, more durable clutch, with smoother engagement and better feel.
A new tri-shaft five-speed transmission is also run, with raised central shaft for a more compact overall transmission, while the air intake is new, drawing from the side covers and seat, with a more compact shroud, leading to a lower, narrow airbox and slimmer radiator shrouds.
The Yamaha Power Tuner app offers a more user friendly interface for 2023 too, with a Simple Tuning slide bar for mapping, traction and launch control tuning, while guides are also provided for tuning.
The traction control system is new, with updated launch control, the former communicating slip directly to the ECU, with High, Low or Off settings available. The launch control system is meanwhile more optimised, with 500 rpm increments of adjustment between 6000 and 11,000 rpm.
T..
