P104
RIDE REVIEW I 2025 YAMAHA YZ450F
to the last generation, it lacked
stability at higher speeds or with
a load on the front wheel. The
bike forgave some high-speed
steadiness in exchange for
that quick handling and sharp
cornering ability. I rode the 2025
bike at Glen Helen Raceway, a
great place to put these things
to the test.
The changes to the suspen
-
sion make the bike feel more
stable and
less twitchy at higher
speeds than before. It feels
more planted and has less
front-to-rear movement, espe
-
cially over braking bumps and
down
Glen Helen's mammoth
prevent blistering, also known
as "Yama-thumb."
Once more, the YZ450F is
available in two color trims:
traditional Yamaha Racing blue
and Monster Energy Edition
black, both priced at $9999.
LAP TIME
As much as I liked the previ-
ous YZ450F, it could have been
better.
While the '24 felt agile
and very responsive compared
The latest YZ450F features
a new rear shock linkage and
updated suspension settings
front and rear. The forward en-
gine mounts are also different,
returning to
a one-piece de-
sign instead of the two thinner
pieces used in the previous
two
years. The footpeg brackets are
also flusher to give the rider a
better grip on the bike.
Up top, the map and kill-
switch buttons have been
recessed on the handlebars to
reduce potential water damage
and accidental activation while
riding. The throttle tube is new.
It's been pushed out 10mm to
After going change-
less last year, the 2025
YZ450F gets subtle but
noticeable updates.
