VOL. 54 ISSUE 23 JUNE 13, 2017 P65
a new spark plug. Yamaha claims these changes
result in "better controllability at low-to-mid rpm,
stronger and longer pulling power at high rpm."
Like the engine, the frame is all-new. Most
notable are the extruded straight tank rails, which
replace the hydroformed "S" pipe. The steering
pipe position has been moved 6mm forward,
triple clamp offset has changed from 22mm
from 25mm, and the handlebar mounting posi-
tion is 5mm higher.
Seating and ride position is much flatter and
lower than before. It's 8mm lower in the saddle
and 19mm lower at the rear fender. Much work
went into making the new YZ feel slimmer. Tank
width has been narrowed by 16mm at the front
section, which comes at a slight loss of fuel
capacity, from 1.9 gallons to 1.6 gallons. The
tank/seat junction is 18mm narrower.
Overall weight remains close to what it was
before at 245 pounds (claimed).
Yamaha now offers a "tune and moto" Power
Tuner App, so you can now tune the YZ via your
smartphone. Via wireless connection, you can
tune fuel and ignition, and log race settings.
There are also trip and maintenance features,
monitor functions and diagnostic codes. It also
has share capability.
MSRP is $9199.
Click here for more information, details,
specification and photos. CN
The 2018 Yamaha
YZ450F will also be
offered in white.
