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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1547449
QUICKSPIN I 2027 YAMAHA YZ450F P92 At Glen Helen, we felt the fork was still on the harsh side through braking bumps and sharp impacts. We started by softening the compression, which helped slightly but didn't completely eliminate the feel- ing. From there, our tech went in two clicks on the rebound to slow the fork down and allow it to soak up the bumps. This gave us the best feel as the day progressed, and the bumps only got worse. Finding the perfect setting might take some time with the added fork oil, but KYB SSS components do seem to offer the most comfort straight out of the box. Stability hasn't been a strong suit of the newer-generation (2023-2025) YZ450Fs, but the new frame in 2026 helped turn that around. The 2027 model shares this updated frame with its more pronounced lower down tube. The Yamaha felt controlled and composed, even on the steep hills and high-speed straights of Glen Helen. The front end tracked well in the faster sections, and we didn't get the same nervous feeling that stood out on the pre-2026 models. Even with a light front-end feel, the bike seems to stay planted no mat- ter the conditions. Yamaha's Power Tuner app allows riders to adjust fuel- ing and ignition timing, while the traction-control settings offer another way to manage power delivery. These settings can be useful as the track develops and traction condi- tions change. We felt that a more controlled map made the motorcycle easier to ride without taking away its hard- hitting acceleration. It was still extremely quick out of corners and up Glen Helen's hills. While we don't advise relying solely on the electronics, they do pro- vide a feeling of security when pushing the bike to its limits. The app came in handy later in the day as we dialed in our setup. The "Tomita Special" map added traction control and smoothed out the hit off the bottom end. In turn, it made the bike's power feel more linear and controlled in the sweet spot of the rpm range. Further- more, the more controlled en- gine settled the entire chassis and improved our feel for the rear end. After our first ride, we like the direction Yamaha has taken with the 2027 YZ450F. It remains a very powerful and capable motorcycle, and we continue to like the updated chassis introduced in 2026. It feels more planted and con- trolled than the 2023–2025 models, and the changes for 2027, while small, tell us that the bLU cRU shows no signs of slowing down development. This test day provided good feedback, but we want to spend more time adjusting settings and taking the Yamaha to other tracks with varying conditions. Only more seat time will give us a clear understanding of where the 2027 YZ450F stands among its competition in the 450 class. Ryan Nitzen 2027 YAMAHA YZ450F ($10,299) Engine Type 4-stroke, single-cylinder Cooling System Liquid Valvetrain DOHC, 4-valves Displacement 450cc Bore x Stroke 97 × 60.8mm Starting System Electric Compression 13.0:1 Fueling Mikuni fuel injection, 44mm Transmission 5-speed Clutch Nissin, hydraulic Frame Aluminum Front Suspension KYB SSS coil-spring fork, fully adjustable Rear Suspension KYB shock with linkage, fully adjustable Front-Wheel Travel 12.2 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 11.6 in. Front Wheel 21 in. Rear Wheel 19 in. Front Tire 80/100-21 Dunlop Geomax MX33F Rear Tire 120/80-19 Dunlop Geomax MX33 Front Brake Hydraulic disc, 270mm Rear Brake Hydraulic disc, 220mm Wheelbase 58.1 in. Seat Height 38 in. Fuel Capacity 1.6 gal. Weight (wet, claimed) 243 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S