Track Tested | 2020 SML 450 MX Shootout

First Place: Yamaha YZ450F

Test rider scores: 3-1-2-4-1-1

The Yamaha YZ450F may not look like an all-new bike for 2020, but in addition to the cool new inlaid radiator shroud graphics, the bike enjoys a ton of big changes that make it the most well-rounded performer in the class. An all-new chassis and a more compact engine, plus suspension refinements, equal massive performance gains for the YZ450F.

Though the rearward facing cylinder head and top-mounted airbox produce a unique sound that takes some getting used to, the powerband the system produces is virtually flawless. From the moment you crack the throttle, the YZ450F produces lots of linear power with excellent torque. The bike can be revved to the moon in each gear and ridden aggressively, but it is equally effective when short-shifted and ridden in the meat of the powerband. The Yamaha Power Tuner App allows riders to basically fine-tune the bike’s powerband to their liking, and a new handlebar-mounted button allows you to choose from two pre-determined maps on the fly.

The new chassis and revised Kayaba suspension components provide the best all-around handling character the YZ450F has ever enjoyed. That’s right…the vague front-end feel that the big Yamaha has always suffered from when cornering has seemingly been eliminated as no testers complained of a lack of front-end traction while entering or exiting corners. Stable at speed, the Yamaha enjoys the best cornering performance it ever has. It’s not the best at changing direction, mind you, but it is right in there where it should be. In a nutshell, quirky handling traits are no longer a thing for the YZF.

Suspension action continues to be best in class, as the Yamaha’s Kayaba components offer the best combination of plush initial action, great mid-speed control, and good bottoming resistance. In stock form, the bike suffered from too much front-to-rear weight shifting as the fork and shock both moved excessively under braking and acceleration. We added several clicks of compression and rebound dampening to the fork and shock to calms the bike down and provide better hold up, and we were stoked. Last year, one of our pro-level test riders raced the YZ450F all year with stock suspension, and we see him doing the same in 2020.

The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F delivers top-notch performance in every category, offers a ton of adjustability, and is our 2020 Bike of the Year in the 450 MX division.

Hits

• Excellent spread of usable power throughout the rpm range
• Infinitely tunable engine character thanks to the Yamaha Power Tuner app
• New on-the-fly mapping switch
• Best-in-class suspension
• Much-improved feel entering and exiting corners…the best-handling YZ450F ever

Misses

• Though it is slimmer than it has ever been, the YZ450F still has a “big girl” feel between the legs for riders 5’9” and under
• The toast-shaped air filter must be cleaned more often than traditional filters

Pat Foster on the Yamaha YZ450F

Test Rider Props

“You can really feel the Yamaha putting the power to the rear wheel, and the power is very controlled. The bike settles nicely into ruts and the front-end stays planted through the entire corner. Overall a very comfortable bike that is easy to ride fast.” – Connor Ericsson

“The YZ450F handles great and it works great in the roughest sections of the track. The engine is awesome and a lot more rideable than it has been in previous years.” – Rene Garcia

“By far the best cornering Yamaha YZ450F I have ridden. I kept waiting for it to push and it never did. The engine is absolutely flawless with no weak points. The best YZ450F ever made.” – Donn Maeda

“The Yamaha has the best engine out of all the bikes and enjoys the most rear-wheel traction. In past years I’ve struggled with the front-end feel, but the 2020 handles great and turns excellent. Most comfortable I have ever been on a YZ450F.” – Kyle Puerner

“Absolutely amazing engine. You can ride it hard or lazily: it works great both ways. The bike handles great and the suspension has good comfort and excellent bottoming resistance. All in all, it is an amazing package.” – Mike Sleeter

Test Rider Chops

“The engine doesn’t hit very hard initially down low, and that makes it seem kind of tame at first. It picks up through the middle of the powerband though.” – Connor Ericsson

“The bike could definitely be slimmer in the tank area. I think that’s much of the problem for me when cornering because it’s hard to get forward on.” – Rene Garcia

“When I first got on the bike it felt too soft and way too busy and I was surprised the standard clicker settings were so far off. Thankfully a screwdriver is all that’s needed to make it great.” – Donn Maeda

“It takes some time to get used to hearing the air filter sucking air in between your legs. This gives the bike a loud sensation while you ride it, but that’s something you get used to.” – Kyle Puerner

“There is a lot of movement as delivered, and you need to firm up and slow down the suspension to get it calmed down. It is easily tuned out with clicker adjustments, though.” – Mike Sleeter

**Rider Impressions and more on the next page!**