VOL. 54 ISSUE 35 SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 P109
It is very easy to switch to any of
the three alternative maps that come
pre-loaded in the app and you can
also create your own maps and/or
share them with friends. There are
also trip and maintenance features
(such as oil-change alerts), moni-
tor function and diagnostic codes.
This is by far the coolest method for
changing ECU settings we've seen
so far.
Don't fret, there has been some
online buzz about the fear of hack-
ing, but the system includes a
password system and it can't be
changed unless the engine is off,
making it nearly impossible for
someone to tap into your app/mo-
torcycle.
We didn't have any complaints
with the action of the 2017 clutch,
or have issues with the transmis-
sion, but Yamaha fine-tuned them
anyway. For even smoother en-
gagement the 2018 clutch received
revisions, and second through
fourth gears have been beefed up
in the five-speed transmission.
The YZ's KYB suspension re-
ceived stiffer spring rates and
revisions internally to increase oil
flow. The stock settings are a good
starting point and overall—right off
the showroom floor—the bike works
well with the recommended 100mm
of sag. Different tracks and different
ride styles always require slightly
different sag adjustments and slight
clicker adjustments, but the bike
comes set up remarkably well and
should appeal to a wide range of
riders right off the bat. Suspension
has been a strongpoint of the YZs,
and the trend continues with the '18.
Yamaha never went the air fork route
and still fits the YZ with its much-
loved SSS coil spring KYB fork.
The YZ's bilateral aluminum
frame has so many changes it's
safe to say that it's all-new for
2018. It's been reworked for im-
proved rigidity and balance, and
better weight distribution.
The '18 YZ corners better than
the '17, without a doubt, but still isn't
on the same corner-shredding level
as the KTM/Husky and Suzuki.
The more narrow feel helps rider
confidence on corner entry and the
improved low-end predictably of
the power helps the Yamaha corner
more consistently than before.
Explosive power isn't exactly ideal
for carving through long corners.
Stability is good and the overall
package feels more in harmony
than before.
Overall, we are very happy with
the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F. It's the
first major overhaul that it has seen
since 2010 and from what we can
tell so far Yamaha hit all of its marks.
There is still room for improvement,
however, mainly in the corning and
weight departments, but the '18 is
without question a major step in the
right direction over its predecessor.
It's narrower, has improved power
delivery (and more of it), enhanced
tune-ability, better suspension,
easier starting and, in our opinion,
looks even better than it already
did (especially the Team Yamaha
Blue version—we're liking the blue
rims! We just hope they stay that
way over time). Keeping to tradition,
the YZ is also available in white and
both share a $9199 MSRP. CN
