VOL. 52 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 15, 2015 P181
O
ur defending champ (hence
the red backers in the photos),
the Yamaha YZ450F, saw only
a few minor refinements in both the
engine and chassis departments for
the 2016 model year, but they made
noticeable and improved differences
on an already outstanding package.
This year's power delivery has
better roll-on performance off the
bottom while still maintaining a
strong mid and top. Overall the
engine is a bit tamer compared to
last year's hard-hitting mill, but it has
stronger bottom and midrange than
almost all of the other 450s. It is
without a doubt the most responsive
motor of the group. Clutch action is
very good and, although Yamaha's
shifter has a longer throw than some
of the others, its engagement is the
most positive. Almost all of our test
riders simply said the Yamaha had
the best all-round motor.
Yamaha is sticking to its guns
when it comes to the YZ's KYB SSS
spring forks. They flat out said they'll
change it when they feel something
else better comes along for the
general public. That time hasn't
come along yet, and we couldn't
agree more. These forks simply
work great and they're easy to
maintain and adjust. Why change?
The back end works just as good
as the front, making the YZ450F still
the best-suspended bike in its class.
Nothing can touch it. And when
