VOLUME 56 ISSUE 23 JUNE 11, 2019 P57
Y
amaha revealed its 2020 line
of motocross bikes and return-
ing models include the YZ65,
YZ85, YZ12 and YZ250 two-strokes,
and the YZ250F and YZ450F four-
strokes. The real news here is the
YZ450F because it takes on several
updates. The others are unchanged.
Yamaha says the YZ450F has been
redesigned to provide a lighter, more
powerful and better handling "moto-
cross experience." The new 449cc,
liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start
engine features an all-new compact
cylinder head with redesigned combus-
tion chamber shape, steeper valve
angles and more aggressive cam
profiles. The reward-slanted cylinder
houses a higher compression piston
with low friction rings attached to a
longer connecting rod. The trans-
mission has been refined to pro-
vide smoother shifting, and a more
efficient crank breather system has
been adopted to decrease pump-
ing losses. In all, Yamaha claims the
lighter and more compact engine
produces increased power across
the entire RPM range for stronger
and more linear pulling power.
The aluminum bilateral beam frame
has been redesigned with all-new flex
characteristics to provide improved
cornering performance, traction
and bump reaction. Other chassis
changes include new engine mounts,
top triple clamp and front axle. It also
has a newly designed front brake
caliper, brake pads and front and
rear discs.
The 2020 YZ450F, which will be
available in July, will be available in
Team Yamaha Blue and Gray with an
MSRP of $9299. CN
