 
50 years of winning
It’s nearly 50 years since Yamaha won its first ever World Motocross
Championship, and the past half-century has seen the company’s Off Road
Competition models consistently demonstrate their winning performance by
clinching just about every major FIM Motocross and US Supercross title with
4-stroke and 2-stroke machinery.
During 2022 Monster Energy Yamaha factory riders Jeremy Seewer and Maxime
Renaux (MXGP) and Jago Geerts (MX2) have been taking regular podiums in FIM
Grand Prix – while Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing riders have dominated US
Supercross, with Eli Tomac taking the 450SX Championship and Christian Craig
winning the 250SX West title.
This year, once again, Yamaha demonstrates its commitment to all areas of Off
Road Competition by offering one of the widest ranges of highly competitive
motocross and enduro bikes – as well as line of youth machines including the
legendary PW50.
Following recent major upgrades, the 250cc, 125cc, 85cc and 65cc motocross
models and the 450cc and 250cc enduro bikes are fitted with new graphics.
For 2023 Yamaha has focused its attention on the development of an all new
YZ450F motocross machine that is lighter, faster and easier to ride, and is
designed to live up to its distinguished heritage.
 All-new
YZ450F
Putting the rider first: A new path to the victorYZone
Equipped with a lighter and more powerful new engine as well as a newly
developed lightweight chassis and all-new ergonomic bodywork, the 2023 YZ450F
represents a major step forward for Yamaha’s flagship motocross machine.
On every motorcycle the rider and machine must work in harmony to achieve
optimum performance, and this is particularly true for a motocross machine where
constant body weight shifting is required when accelerating, braking and
cornering. A successful Off Road Competition bike needs to behave as an
extension of the rider’s body and mind, and for this reason the YZ450F
development team started out with the needs and expectations of the rider as
their primary focus.
Rider-centric design
Rather than introducing new technology for technology’s sake, Yamaha’s
designers have put the rider first and followed a rider-centric approach which
constantly evaluated the potential advantages that any new feature would offer
to a wide range of riders with different skill levels.
The result is a highly competitive motocross bike that is fast as well as fun to
ride on every type of track – whether the rider is a seasoned pro or a weekend
racer. Producing 5% more power across the range and weighing just 109 kg with a
full tank of fuel, this new model is designed to reaffirm Yamaha’s position as
one of the leading brands in motocross.
 All
new YZ450F engine: Lighter, faster, easier.
For 2023 the YZ450F’s engine has undergone a total redesign, with every
component reviewed and analysed, making this the most significant change to the
powerplant since the original reversed-head layout was introduced in 2010. With
a front facing intake and rear exit exhaust, this unique engine layout delivers
a high level of running efficiency – and the positions of the airbox, fuel
tank and exhaust and the rearwards slanted cylinder contributes towards mass
centralization.
Lighter and more durable, the all new engine is designed to deliver more
linear output characteristics for stronger and better pulling power with
improved driveability, making the 2023 model easier to ride at all engine
speeds.
New piston, lightweight cylinder and redesigned crank assembly
The reversed-head engine benefits from an optimized combustion chamber and a
newly designed piston, as well as a lighter weight cylinder body that enhance
power output and behaviour. To accommodate a 500rpm rev limit increase the new
engine is equipped with a high-precision, low-friction cam chain – and for
increased running efficiency the crank assembly and con road are redesigned, and
a lighter plain bearing replaces the previous needle roller design. A new single
balancer weight features a new hollow balancer shaft, and this improved lighter
design reduces vibration.
Increased air intake volume
For 2023 the high-efficiency front facing intake design is further improved by a
reshaped intake port with a straighter passage to the cylinder head and the use
of larger diameter 39mm titanium intake valves that increase air intake volume
by 9% at maximum valve lift. To complement the improved intake layout, the
exhaust port’s shape is also revised to give a smoother connection to the
exhaust.
New air intake routing with vortex airbox
There is a completely new air intake path, with fresh air now channelled through
the space between the fuel tank, frame, seat and sidepanels. This re-routed
airflow helps to prevent water, dust and mud from entering airbox, and results
in a lighter and slimmer machine with more compact bodywork.
The 2023 model is also fitted with a highly efficient airbox design which
creates a vortex so that dust is separated from the incoming air by centrifugal
forces before it enters the new round three-dimensional filter.
Newly designed transmission and lightweight clutch
To match the engine’s 5% increase in overall power a newly designed
transmission is fitted. The distance between the drive shafts has been widened
and the diameter of each gear increased to reduce weight and enhance the
strength of the 5-speed gearbox.
The previous model’s 2-piece steel/aluminium clutch is replaced by a durable
and lightweight one-piece steel design with disc springs instead of conventional
coil springs. This new clutch is significantly lighter and slimmer, weighing
0.75kg less – and there’s a more direct feel and lighter pull at the lever.
Increased durability
For increased durability across the more powerful engine’s wider rpm range,
the new YZ450F engine is equipped with an updated cooling system as well as a
new dry sump lubrication system – and there’s also a new timing chain and
tensioner, and a newly designed con rod.
Redesigned aluminium bilateral beam frame
Following the company’s rider-centric approach, Yamaha’s engineers have
focused on redesigning the aluminium bilateral beam frame to provide a lighter
feel, increased agility and improved stability.
The character and behaviour of the new chassis is determined by many factors,
including the geometry, specific rigidity balance of each separate component,
and the way the components interact with each other. A significant change for
2023 is the relocation of the joint between the tank rails and head pipe, which
is now 15mm lower than previously – and the joint between the frame tubing
that connects the tank rails to the downtube has also been lowered by the same
amount.
Other important changes include increasing the rigidity of the downtube as
well as the cross tube and swingarm pivot area – and the new frame now
features a 4mm thick steel front engine mount with three through bolts – as
opposed to an 8mm thick aluminium engine mount with one through bolt.
Compact and slim next generation bodywork
The YZ450F is equipped with completely new ‘Horizontal Movement’ bodywork
that gives this flagship motocross machine a sleek and tight new look. Every
single exterior panel is redesigned, and the result is a slimmer and more
compact body with a seamless and rounded finish giving increased agility for
rapid body weight shifting.
A new fresh air supply route to the intake enables the elimination of the
front air ducts, and this has allowed the fitment of much more compact shrouds
with a reduced width of 50mm, as well as a narrower new fuel tank – giving a
much slimmer centre section.
The compact front fender is matched by a new shorter rear fender, and
together with the new seat, air filter cover and fuel tank, the YZ450F has a
flatter horizontal profile and a much shorter front to rear body length. New
sidepanels and fork guards complete the dynamic new look.
Revised rider triangle
The relative positions of all three elements of the rider triangle – namely
the seat, handlebars and footrests – have been changed to achieve an idealized
riding position for varying physiques. The seat height is increased by 5mm and
features a much flatter surface. Another improvement is the more rounded profile
of the seat’s left and right sides, making lateral body movement easier and
more comfortable.
Footrests are now positioned 5mm lower, giving a total increase of 10mm in
legroom to accommodate larger riders, and the 4-position adjustable handlebars
are moved to give a more natural riding position – while the rubber handlebar
mounts ensure riding comfort.
Updated KYB front and rear suspension valving
New suspension valving improve bump absorption performance and increase levels
of traction – and for easier set up the best-in-class KYB forks are equipped
with a hand-adjustable compression damping adjuster. Riders can now access clear
information and recommendations on suspension settings via the Power Tuner app
on their smartphone, taking the guesswork out of adjustments.
Improved rear brake feel
The rear brake plays a key role in directional changes and effective corner
entry, and the degree of feel transmitted to the rider is crucial for
maintaining control. For this reason, the new model is equipped with a new rear
hose with reduced rigidity that improves the balance of the brake input and
gives the rider more accurate control.
New adjustable Traction Control System
The use of a new Traction Control System is another example of how Yamaha’s
rider-centric philosophy is focused on introducing technology that works for the
benefit of the YZ450F rider. This electronic control system offers two levels of
assistance as well as an OFF function, and by preventing the machine losing
traction entirely it enables the rider to fully concentrate on the track ahead.
The YZ450F’s new Traction Control System is controled via the Power Tuner app,
enabling the rider to select their own preferred degree of intervention to match
track conditions, changing weather and skill level.
Refined Launch Control System
The Launch Control System features a new ‘Rev limit’ function that can be
set with a maximum rpm between 6,000rpm and 11,000rpm in 500rpm increments,
allowing the rider power off the line at full throttle and concentrate on
getting the holeshot. When the launch control system recognizes that the start
has been completed the Rev limit function automatically turns of and when 3rd
gear is reached the Launch Control system is deactivated.
Reduced weight
Yamaha’s designers have analysed every major and minor component in their
mission to make the new YZ450F one of the lightest machines in the category –
measured ‘wet’ with a full tank of fuel.
A new fuel pump, airbox and chain guide make significant contributions to the
lower weight and help to centralize mass for increased chassis agility. . Even
the smallest parts – including the throttle cable, handlebar switches and
water pump impeller – have been redesigned to get weight down to just 109 kg
wet – a reduction of 2,3 kg.
More intuitive new Power Tuner app
For 2023 Power Tuner app has been upgraded and features an intuitive ‘Quick
Tuning’ function that makes it much easier and quicker to select the desired
engine characteristics by sliding a scrollbar that runs from ‘Smooth’
through to ‘Aggressive’. The new app includes additional functions including
a lap timer, rpm, fuel consumption, speed and other data, and there is also a
suspension FAQ page that helps the YZ450F owner to achieve their best set up.
Technical Highlights
All-new lighter, slimmer and more compact 450cc engine
Increased linear power at all engine speeds, and 500rpm higher rev limit
Increased air intake capacity with 39mm intake valves
Revised 5-speed transmission and new lightweight clutch
New dry sump lubrication system
2,3 kg overall bike weight reduction to 109 kg wet with full tank of fuel
Redesigned bilateral aluminium beam frame with revised rigidity balance
Updated front fork and rear shock internal valving
New hand adjustable front fork compression damping adjuster
Slimmer and more compact bodywork for increased rider agility
Flatter and narrower seat for greater freedom of movement
New 3-mode adjustable Traction Control System
Updated Launch Control System
New more intuitive Power Tuner app with Quick Tuning
New lap timer feature and more
FAQ-style suspension set up guidance
Availability, colour options and price
The new YZ450F will be available from November 2022 and will be offered in 2
colour options: Icon Blue and Monster Black. The YZ450F Monster Energy Yamaha
Racing Edition features black bodywork with blue highlights and Monster Energy
graphics, inspired by the look of the factory race bikes. Price may vary per
country, please contact your national Yamaha distributor for more information.
Yamaha motocross and enduro models for 2023
Featuring a wide selection of 4-stroke and 2-stroke models – from the all-new
YZ450F through to the YZ65 – as well as the WR-F enduro machines – Yamaha’s
2023 Off Road Competition line up is one of the most competitive and diverse
ranges.
With a winning record in MX2 Grand Prix and US Supercross – including
Maxime Renaux taking the 2021 MX2 World Championship – the YZ250F’s speed
and agility are legendary. Featuring Yamaha’s high-efficiency reversed-head
engine and lightweight aluminium chassis, it’s the 250cc 4-stroke of choice
for ambitious racers.
Yamaha made its name with 2-strokes, and the YZ125 and YZ250 are amongst the
best in their respective classes. With their super-agile handling and explosive
performance, these lightweight motocrossers have gained a massive and loyal
following amongst 2-stroke fanatics.
The latest YZ85 reinforces its position as one of the leading machines in the
youth racing class – and with its pure racing DNA the YZ65 gives new racers
the very best start in the sport of motocross.
Delivering outstanding performance and easy agility, Yamaha’s WR450F and
WR250F enduro bikes have been developed from the winning motocross machinery,
and benefit from specific enduro features such as a wide-ratio gearbox, revised
intake and exhaust systems, special mapping and cooling systems and more to
ensure strong and useable performance.
Yamaha’s TT-R kids bike range features a model to suit riders of all ages.
Powered by reliable and easy-to-maintain 4-stroke air-cooled engines, the
TT-R50, TT-R110 and TT-R125 provide years of family fun and lasting memories.
And, of course, there’s the legendary PW50 2-stroke, the ultimate beginner’s
bike with fully automatic transmission, shaft drive and handlebar mounted brake
levers. With sales of around 400,000 units, it’s been the number one choice
for kids for 40 years and counting!
Availability, colour options and price
These motocross and enduro models are supplied in Yamaha’s latest generation
Icon Blue racing colour scheme with new graphics and will be available from July
2022 onwards, availability varies per model.
YZ250F, YZ250 and YZ125 will also be available in Monster Energy Yamaha
Racing Edition specification, featuring black bodywork with blue highlights and
Monster Energy graphics inspired by the design of the Yamaha Factory riders
winning machines.
 Price
may vary per country, please contact your national Yamaha distributor for more
information.
Yamaha Genuine Accessories
Yamaha is constantly developing GYTR® Performance Parts and Kits which are
thoroughly tested and evaluated by Yamaha Racing teams and made available to
privateer riders and teams to prepare their ultimate racing machines.
Yamaha Genuine Accessories features a range of premium off road riding gear
and leisure clothing for adults and kids – as well as individual accessories,
in addition to the GYTR® Performance Parts and kits, and a full selection of
Yamalube lubricants. Yamaha owners can be sure that every item in the Yamaha
Genuine Accessories line has been designed to offer the best performance with
premium quality and the perfect fit.
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