2026 Yamaha YZ450F Review

2026 Yamaha YZ450F
The new YZ450F features a new engine, with the intake system redesigned for greater ease of use with more linear throttle response and improved control in the low-to mid-speed range. Torque characteristics have also been improved for better feel.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Yamaha YZ450F 2026 Yamaha YZ450F 2026 Yamaha YZ450F 2026 Yamaha YZ450F

2026 Yamaha YZ450F: UNMATCHED CAPABILITY.

Introducing the new 2026 Yamaha YZ450F…

Building on its best-in-class performance, the focus for the new 2026 YZ450F falls on maintaining the exceptional balance of power and handling while achieving a level of refinement that sets a new class standard: the easiest bike to ride fast. With an updated frame, engine, suspension, and new hydraulic clutch, the best just got better!

The pinnacle of off-road four-stroke performance wrapped in iconic Yamaha 70th Anniversary livery. Get the unmatched capability of the YZ450F in jaw-dropping commemorative style.

For winners, by winners: the 2026 YZ450F

The new YZ450F features a new engine, with the intake system redesigned for greater ease of use with more linear throttle response and improved control in the low-to mid-speed range. Torque characteristics have also been improved for better feel.

The exhaust has been made quieter, and the muffler’s attachment angle was lowered slightly to create more space to allow easier pick up at the rear fender. The 2026 YZ450F also features a new hydraulic clutch, which eliminates the need for adjustments during racing, keeping the meshing point constant during continued riding.

The YZ450F’s frame has been further improved to achieve even greater usability, comfort and feel. To match it characteristics, the front suspension setting has been modified, further improving the feel and stability, and reducing fatigue. For the rear, a new rear suspension has been jointly developed with KYB, providing smoother transition of the damping force from the low-to high-speed range.

When the 2026 YZ450F is parked between the races, an ECU lock function enables the rider to lock the bike on the Power Tuner App. The YZ450F also delivers when it comes to looks. The new bodywork has been styled to accentuating its light and compact stance, while a new seat with anti-slide surface provides better control.

Tying the model even firmer to Yamaha’s past, present and future racing success is the YZ450F 70th Anniversary Edition, featuring a stunning white and red livery inspired by the iconic YZM400F.

 

2026 Yamaha YZ450F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • 450cc engine is lightweight, compact with broad pulling power across the entire rev range
  • A new frame design focuses on the balance of rigidity and flex characteristics for calmer front-end feel and improved cornering performance.
  • A new KYB® shock enhances damping feel with less bump reaction, providing the confidence to ride harder for longer.
  • The new rear shock now includes a hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.
  • Yamaha’s groundbreaking Power Tuner App
  • Traction Control System communicates wheel slip to the ECU, tuning the engine to maintain ideal rear wheel traction
  • A new hydraulic clutch now comes standard providing a high quality feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point.
  • An industry-first ECU lock function prevents theft and unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock.

NEW 2026 OFF ROAD COMPETITION RANGE

Off Road Competition is in Yamaha’s DNA – in all its forms, on all levels. The numerous achievements at the highest level of racing speak for themselves, but Yamaha’s commitment goes beyond competitive racing. It’s about sharing the same winning performance with riders on all levels of the sport.

Yamaha’s 2026 Off Road Competition range reflects this philosophy. With genuine racing DNA running through the range, Yamaha have further boosted the race-winning performance and handling of the YZ450F, redesigned the intake system and enhanced carburation of the YZ125, and made the whole range more appealing with updated colours and graphics.

Yamaha is also adding to the line-up four special 70th anniversary models. These bikes with their stunning special livery weave together the rich fabric of Yamaha’s past and present off road race success with the promise of maintaining the fighting spirit that keeps the victories coming in the future.

 

 

 

 

2026 Yamaha YZ450F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

NEW FOR 2026

A new frame design focuses on the balance of rigidity and flex characteristics for calmer front-end feel and improved cornering performance.

An industry-first ECU lock function helps prevent theft and unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock.

A new honeycomb-pattern seat material eases the rider’s ability to slide forward while holding the rider from sliding rearward.

Updated styling includes a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers and sharper rear fender.

A new clutch inner hub design also enables lubrication over a larger area for more stable performance.

A new hydraulic clutch now comes standard providing a high quality feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point.

Updated intake and exhaust design reduces noise in compliance with FIM/AMA regulations and increase rider comfort.

A redesigned intake port produces a stronger tumble effect for more efficient combustion and improved torque characteristics.

The new rear shock now includes a hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.

A new KYB® shock enhances damping feel with less bump reaction, providing the confidence to ride harder for longer.

To accommodate the YZ450F’s new frame, revised fork settings offer enhanced ride quality.

 

ENGINE

Tri-shaft transmission layout vertically stacks the transmission shafts for a lighter, more compact transmission.

The YZ450F’s advanced disc spring clutch design is compact, durable with smooth engagement and excellent feel.

An adjustable Launch Control System controlled through the Power Tuner App optimizes launches when the gate drops.

Optimized intake path draws air from under the side covers and seat allowing for a slimmer and more compact shroud area.

A three-level Traction Control System selectable within the Yamaha Power Tuner App maintains ideal rear wheel traction.

Yamaha’s industry-leading Power Tuner App offers the ability to tune air/fuel mixture and ignition timing to suit rider preference.

A 44mm Mikuni® throttle body is fed by a high-pressure electric pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization.

Engine features include a reversed cylinder head layout, forged aluminum piston, titanium valves and dry sump lubrication.

The YZ450F’s advanced DOHC four-stroke engine is light, compact and world renowned for its incredibly broad pulling power.

 

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

An advanced aluminum bilateral beam frame strikes the perfect balance of precise cornering performance and handling stability.

The YZ450F’s class-leading fully adjustable Speed Sensitive front fork provides exceptional feel and bump absorption.

A new KYB® shock improves damping feel and reduces bump reaction for enhanced control.

A large 270mm front and 240mm rear disc combine with Nissin calipers to provide exceptional stopping power and control.

The YZ450F’s slim, flat, compact body and seamless, rounded features ease rider movement for improved control.

The rider triangle is optimized for increased legroom, including a carefully considered handlebar position for enhanced comfort.

An adjustable four-position handlebar is rubber-mounted for reduced vibration.

Strong, lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight without sacrificing durability.

 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The YZ450F features a compact electric starter system to minimize restart delays and add convenience.

Additional top-spec details include wide foot pegs, quick-adjust clutch perch and gold drive chain with YZ450F-specific chain guide.

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Fuel Economy is estimated.
***Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.

 

 

 

2026 Yamaha YZ450F – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10,299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $12,599 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £9600 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE

Engine Type 450cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves
Bore x Stroke 97.0mm × 60.8mm
Compression Ratio 13.0:1
Fuel Delivery Mikuni® fuel injection, 44mm
Transmission Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Final Drive Chain
Fuel Capacity 1.6 gal

CHASSIS

Suspension/Front KYB® spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping; fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel
Suspension/Rear KYB® single shock; fully adjustable, 11.6-in travel
Brakes/Front Hydraulic disc, 270mm
Brakes/Rear Hydraulic disc, 240mm
Tires/Front 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F
Tires/Rear 120/80-19 Dunlop® Geomax MX33

DIMENSIONS

LxWxH 85.6 in x 32.5 in x 50.2 in
Seat Height 38.0 in
Wheelbase 58.1 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 27.5°
Trail 4.8 in
Max. Ground Clearance 13.6 in
Fuel Capacity 1.6 gal
Wet Weight*** 243 lb

OTHER

Warranty 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shown. Does not include tax, title, prep or destination charges. Actual prices set by dealer.
**Fuel Economy is estimated.
***Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Yamaha YZ450F – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine

Engine Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve (titanium), single
Displacement 450 cc
Bore and Stroke 97.0 x 60.8 mm
Compression Ratio 13.0:1
Fuel Delivery Mikuni 44mm throttle body F.I.
Lubrication Wet sump
Ignition / Starting TCI / Electric
Transmission Constant mesh, 5-speed
Final Drive Chain

 

Chassis

Suspension (Front) Fully adjustable 48mm inverted fork / 310 mm (12.2 in.) wheel travel
Suspension (Rear) Fully adjustable linkage-type / 317 mm (12.4 in.) wheel travel
Brakes (Front) 270 mm, floating disc / twin piston caliper
Brakes (Rear) 240 mm, disc / single piston caliper
Tires (Front) 80/100-21 Dunlop® Geomax MX33F
Tires (Rear) 120/80-19 Dunlop® Geomax MX33

 

Critical Data

Length 2,175 mm (85.6 in.)
Width 830 mm (32.7 in.)
Height 1,275 mm (50.2 in.)
Wheelbase 1,475 mm (58.1 in.)
Ground Clearance 345 mm (13.6 in.)
Seat Height 825 mm (32.5 in.)
Fuel Capacity 6.2 litres

 

 

 

 

2026 Yamaha YZ450F – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

Engine
Engine type 4-stroke; Liquid-cooled; DOHC; 4-valves; Single
cylinder
Displacement 450 cc
Bore x stroke 97.0 × 60.8 mm
Compression ratio 13,0 : 1
Lubrication system Dry sump
Clutch type Wet; Multiple Disc
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant Mesh; 5-speed
Final transmission Chain
Fuel system Fuel Injection
Chassis
Frame Semi double cradle
Front suspension system Telescopic Fork
Front travel 310 mm
Rear suspension system link suspension; Swingarm
Rear travel 295 mm
Front brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø 270 mm
Rear brake Hydraulic Single Disc, Ø 240 mm
Front tyre 80/100-21 51M Tube Type
Rear tyre 120/80-19 63M Tube Type
Caster angle 27°05′
Trail 121 mm
Dimensions
Overall length 2175 mm
Overall width 825 mm
Overall height 1275 mm
Seat height 965 mm
Wheel base 1475 mm
Minimum ground clearance 345 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 110 kg
Fuel tank capacity 6.2 L
Oil tank capacity 1.2 L

 

 

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