2009 Yamaha Yz450f
2009 YAMAHA YZ450F
ROUNDUP
QuickRide
NO ONE WILL EVER ACcuse Yamaha of being a lemming, especially when the topic turns to fourstroke motocrossers. The Tuning Fork Folks did, after all, start the modern motorevolution away from twostrokes with its YZ400F back in 1998. But in an era of ultrashort development cycles, it’s impossible for any one company to always be at the forefront of technical innovation. So, for 2009, Yamaha finds itself last of a dying breed as the maker of the only remaining Japanese 450cc MXer that uses a carburetor.
There is nothing wrong with that, as age and treachery often conquer youth and enthusiasm. The 2008 YZ450F was picked as the best Vet motocross bike in our recent “Ten Top Motocrossers” comparison on www.cycleworld.com, proving that old-school can still rule. The YZ’s combination of smooth power delivery matched to predictable and stable handling made it super easy to ride for a wide variety of testers.
The same can be said of the updated ’09YZ450F. Changes were focused on the chassis, goals being better handling, improved rider comfort and reduced weight. A new hydroformed aluminum swingarm (3Apound lighter) was designed to reduce twisting forces and allow more vertical flex while increasing horizontal stiffness. Additionally, a new shock linkage was meant to increase traction and reduce the tendency for the bike to stand up when cornering, but we didn’t notice a discernable difference from the previous model. A new rear wheel hub assembly with a larger, 25mm-diameter axle shaved off another halfpound. The ’09 version of the bike weighs 1.3 pounds less than last year’s YZ. In any case, suspension remains ultra-plush, giving the rider consistent feedback and confidence even when it is sucking up rough braking bumps.
The carbureted engine delivers power in a linear manner with a fairly soft bottom end that builds predictably and without a hard hit, so the rider always feels in control.
As for comfort, the cockpit has been updated to allow a wide variety of riders to customize the layout to their liking. A new upper triple-clamp allows the Pro Taper handlebar to be set in four different positions, including stock, 10mm back, 1 Omm forward and 20mm forward. The clutch lever is shorter (and stronger) and its span can be adjusted by 5mm in either direction from the standard position. It also has a tool-less adjuster for cable tension.
Other updates include a gold-anodized chain, a grippier seat cover and blackedout engine covers (on which the finish wore off after just a few rides).
Despite being the last of the breed, the $7399 YZ450F ($100 more in white) continues to impress with its rider-friendly performance, including good power, great brakes and excellent suspension. Apparently, it was also good enough to attract AMA supercross and motocross champ James Stewart, who just turned blue after a career on Kawasaki green.
"Just because it still plays with jets, don't call the YZ450F old-school." -Ryan Dudek
