Did the BEST 450 Get Even BETTER? First Test of the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F!

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Published 2024-08-12

The 2025 Yamaha YZ450F returns with more updates and refinements than expected because it swept through our 2024 450 MX Shootout and scored a dominant win. What needed to be fixed? Yamaha worked on the suspension settings and changed the shock linkage for a more progressive ride, added a new longer and softer (107mm to 112mm, 22 N/mm to 20 N/mm) pressure spring in the fork, and went down a rate (58 N/mm to 56 N/mm) on the shock spring. The front engine mounts are now one piece instead of a stacked pair, for increased stability at speed and control in corners. The footpeg brackets have been streamlined because some riders complained that they stepped on them in the past, and for greater durability, the clutch assembly has a greater oil flow. Smaller detail updates include a new throttle tube with 10mm of additional clearance to help eliminate the dreaded Yamathumb, a revised map switch, and a new seat cover and graphics.

Tallon LaFountaine and Alex Ray took to the track at Glen Helen Raceway last Thursday to put the new bike through its paces...

All Comments (8)

@dn059 8 days ago

Just rode my mates on the weekend....gotta say they are an amazing feeling bike. Loud af but damn thay power and suspension is amazing
@stevesmith756 9 days ago

Not putting a hydraulic clutch stock on it is as bad as KTM not putting a spring fork on the SXF models. We pay big bucks for these bikes put on the goods
@ClarkStar866 9 days ago

what torque spec is it calling for for the new front engine mounts?
@LesterSoito 8 days ago

Hydraulic clutch is not all it's cracked up to be.
@1911ang yesterday

The power is tain dose that mean its has less power??
@johndepperschmidt8984 7 days ago

It looks like it’s oversteering with snappy power.
@Zulululu4x 9 days ago

I wouldn't say it's the best 450.... lol