2003 Yamaha YZ450F
By
CHRIS JONNUM
PHOTOS BY FRANK HOPPEN
I
f one were to survey a ran-
dom sampling of motocross
enthusiasts, querying them as to
which single motorcycle best
serves as a representative for their
sport, chances are most would
name Yamaha's big-bore YZF.
True, there are still plenty of riders
who prefer two-strokes over
thumpers, and many individual
models are competitive with the
bike in terms of both performance
and sales - but none has acquired a
stronger image among the MX set
than the blue bomber.
And no wonder, considering the
emphasis placed by the tuning-fork
company on the exciting machine.
Ever since the YZ400F was first introduced six years ago, Yamaha has
shown it is resolute about providing
and advancing four-stroke motocross
technology. Skeptics will point to
Honda's introduction of a substantially lighter, larger-displacement CRF450R
for 2002 as evidence that the torch
has been passed. After all, no manufaCturer has a stronger rep - for
motorcycles generally, and fourstrokes specifically - than Big Red.
42
SEPTEMBER 11. 2002'
a
U
a
Perhaps the most anticipated model of
2003, the VZ450F lived up to its hype at Yamaha's
recent press Introduction In Texas. Pro tester Chris Sprenkel (top) loved
the new bike (above).
I
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