Everything you need to know about the 2020 YZ450F!
For 2020, the all-new Yamaha YZ450F features lighter weight, more power and sharper handling, making it the most competitive 450cc performance Yamaha has ever produced!
To create a motocross bike that can race and win against the most formidable opponents at every level, Yamaha engineers have analyzed every component and made a host of major and minor improvements where possible.
Thanks to this intensive 'part by part' analysis, the entire motorcycle has also been completely revised in terms of design. The team of engineers has managed to achieve significant weight savings for the 2020 YZ450F, combined with improved power delivery and handling characteristics.
More powerful and compact new 450cc engine
The YZ450F engine, already known for its enormous power, has been completely changed for 2020 with the aim of delivering more controllable performance. In addition, the new engine is considerably more compact and lighter. And the changed configuration improves the design with a central low center of gravity. This makes it one of the easiest machines to handle in motocross. The compact, new 450cc engine features a high-compression inverted cylinder head, durable forged piston and aggressive camshaft profiles and is designed to provide the best balance between racing performance and ultimate controllability.
Completely new rearward inclined cylinder
One of the key improvements to the engine for 2020 is the new swept-back cylinder that is lighter and more compact. Because this innovative design is positioned closer to the center section of the engine, ideal mass centralization is achieved and greatly contributes to the 2020 YZ450F's dynamic handling characteristics. The new backward-slanting cylinder is equipped with a piston with a high compression bridge. Combined with the highly efficient inverted cylinder head with a long and straight intake, this class-leading design delivers a fine balance of 450 class power combined with exceptional controllability.
Yamaha Power Tuner
The Yamaha YZ450F was the first dirt bike with built-in connectivity, allowing the engine to be tuned remotely wirelessly with a smartphone. The 2020 YZ450F continues to lead the way in digital technology. By downloading the free Power Tuner app for iOS or Android devices, YZ450F riders or technicians can easily adjust fuel/air mixture and ignition timing. This allows the engine to be adapted to different circuits and changing driving conditions.
This feature makes the 2020 YZ450F the most adaptable motocross bike that can be tuned directly to the track, allowing the rider to control a wide range of surfaces and weather conditions. In addition to the engine remapping function, the Power Tuner app can also record race log information and monitor a range of data including system diagnostics, engine running time and more, making it an indispensable part of any rider's toolkit.
Engine mapping switch on the handlebars
After pre-programming the 2020 YZ450F with the Power Tuner in the paddock, the rider can select the desired engine mapping using the appropriate switch on the handlebars. This simple adjustment allows the engine mapping to be instantly adapted to changing conditions while riding, from a super aggressive mapping for fast, dry tracks to a mapping better suited to muddy surfaces.
Compact electric starter
The new 450 engine is equipped with a compact and lightweight electric starter motor that offers push-button convenience and saves valuable seconds on restarts. The YZ450F has a powerful four-cell lithium-ion battery that keeps the weight of the 2020 YZ450F to a minimum.
Launch Control System
The 2020 YZ450F's Launch Control System (LCS) optimizes engine power and handling characteristics during the first few seconds of the race, ideally at the start. By transferring power more efficiently, the Launch Control System (LCS) provides greater controllability and traction when accelerating from a standstill. This increases the rider's impressive performance and can give a real advantage in the crucial race to the first corner.
Advanced fuel injection system
The compact new engine is equipped with a highly advanced Mikuni® fuel injection system with a light and ultra-compact 44mm throttle body. This advanced fuel injection system delivers the fuel/air mixture through a long and straight forward intake and benefits from a high-pressure electric pump that ensures optimal atomization for excellent performance under a wide range of driving conditions.
High-efficiency, curved radiators
To ensure that the new, more powerful engine runs efficiently in all conditions, Yamaha engineers have developed radiators that are angled directly towards the incoming air. By maintaining a constant airflow, this curved radiator construction provides more effective engine cooling and winning performance.
Robust five-speed gearbox
The YZ450F's robust five-speed gearbox is designed to handle even the most aggressive left foot. The specially developed gears have a large surface area that spreads the load and, together with a new coupling, this ensures a high degree of durability. The shift roller and shift forks are designed for a better feel and a shorter stroke when shifting.
Centrally placed 'wraparound' exhaust
A key feature of the 2020 YZ450F is its center-of-gravity design, which places major components as close as possible to the bike's center of gravity. An example of this is the 'wraparound' exhaust that runs around the cylinder. This design also allows for the installation of a damper mounted further forward and closer to the center of the motorcycle. In combination with the new rearwardly inclined cylinder, this centralizes mass, which contributes significantly to achieving lightweight and dynamic handling characteristics.
Lighter aluminum frame for sharper handling
The YZ450F is already considered one of the best bikes in its class and for 2020 the compact aluminum frame has been carefully matched to the new, more powerful engine. To reduce weight and refine the motorcycle's instinctive handling characteristics, the new bilateral frame features thinner main beams, thicker frame tubes and new engine mounts. These important changes, in combination with the central center of gravity and class-leading suspension, ensure even sharper handling and shorter lap times.
Slim body and saddle
The 2020 YZ450F's compact fuel tank and radiator shrouds and slim seat not only improve rider mobility, but also provide effective knee grip. In addition, they also underline the feeling and impression of lightness and agility to give the rider a psychological advantage before the race starts. By allowing the rider to shift their body weight quickly and easily, the ergonomic design helps improve controllability and reduce fatigue.
Class-leading suspension
The 2020 YZ450F features a fully adjustable KYB upside-down fork, widely considered the ultimate off-road design. This exceptional KYB upside-down fork features speed-sensitive damping that provides the ideal balance between agility and shock absorption and delivers the best performance in its class. The fully adjustable rear features a specially tuned KYB shock absorber that delivers high levels of traction, combined with supple suspension at low and high speeds, for exceptional handling in a variety of track conditions.
Lightweight wheels
Featuring factory-style blue anodized rims, the wire wheels have been refined with computer-aided design to create a lighter design for reduced unsprung weight while maintaining renowned durability.
Improved braking system
A stiffer brake caliper with special brake pads provides excellent performance together with the 270 mm front brake disc. The new lightweight rear brake caliper and a new rear brake disc reduce unsprung weight.
Technical features 2020 Yamaha YZ450F
Ultra-compact, new 450cc engine, more power with total control
Lighter and more compact rearward inclined cylinder
Center low center of gravity design
Yamaha Power Tuner for direct tuning off the track via a smartphone
Handlebar switch for easily customizable engine mapping
Compact electric starter motor with ultra-light lithium-ion battery
Launch Control System (LCS) optimizes engine power for faster starts
Advanced fuel injection system for optimal power
Curved radiators provide effective engine cooling
Robust transmission and clutch for precise shifting
Compact, centrally located 'wraparound' exhaust
Forward mounted silencer
Lighter aluminum bilateral frame for sharper handling
Slim seat and saddle for ultimate ergonomics
Class-leading, speed-sensitive front suspension with KYB upside-down forks
Rear suspension with specially tuned KYB shock absorber
Lightweight spoke wheels with blue rims
270mm front brake disc with upgraded caliper with aggressive brake pad material
New rear brake disc and more compact brake caliper
Handlebar clamp adjustable in four positions
Integrated graphics for extra durability
Tapered aluminum handlebar with a quick-adjust clutch lever
Wider and lighter footpegs
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