2016 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
P182
SHOOTOUT
you combine the YZ's class-leading
suspension with its outstanding chassis
and solid motor, you have one overall
package that can't be beat, not even
the all-new KTM, Husky or Kawasaki.
Plus, there really isn't anything that
the YZ doesn't do as well or exceed
when it comes to the other bikes. It has
great brakes, a solid clutch, excellent
components (handlebars, grips, levers,
etc.) and has a great reputation for
reliability. Plus, it's the least expensive
bike of the six at $8590. What a deal.
The Yamaha, however, is not
perfect. It should call Jenny Craig for
an appointment, exhaust is loud, it
feels a little wide between your legs
and it isn't the sharpest cornering
bike of the group; in fact, they all turn
better than the Yamaha, but the YZ
isn't so far behind them that it really
matters. You learn to adapt. But turning
is better than the 2015 model. In fact,
both cornering and stability have
been improved, and they did that by
changing the triple-clamp offset and
lightening the shock spring rate, which
allows the Yamaha's rear end to have
a more settled feel down the straights
and a more balance feel in the corners.
In the end, our test riders had
no problems voting the YZ450F as
number-one again, but added that the
margin of victory isn't as much as it was
because of the much-improved KTM
and Kawasaki. And the Husqvarna is
just a muffler and a pair of tires away
from joining the green and orange
bikes.
Contrats to Yamaha for three-peating
our Cycle News 450 MX Shootout.
