2016 YZ450F: FIRST RIDE

With Transmoto’s regular test pilot, David Pingree, tied up with other work commitments, he grudgingly handed over the opportunity to test ride the 2016 YZ450F to Amsoil Arenacross racer, Chris Blose. Pingree picked the Team Babbitt’s Monster Energy/Amsoil Kawasaki rider’s brains after his day aboard the new Yamaha, and captured this feedback… 

CHRIS BLOSE: “I was excited to see what the Yamaha guys did to improve the chassis on this bike. After all, it’s no secret the blue machine has a divisive personality; you either love it or you hate it. Changes were made to the motor mounts and swingarm pivot to address some of the handling issues. Also, Yamaha went to a softer shock spring to lower the rear-end, and a 25mm offset triple clamp up front to keep chassis geometry and front-end trail numbers correct. The front brake rotor is now larger and there is a new launch control feature on the 2016 YZ450F. ”
“On the track, the first thing I noticed was how potent the engine was. It’s unreal! You can literally run a gear taller everywhere and lug around the track with all the torque this thing has. Or, if you like to rev, you can wind it up and let it scream. Its power just doesn’t stop. It is the most complete engine package of any 450 I’ve ever ridden.
“The second impression I had was that I loved the feel of the fork. I’ve been riding with air forks for the past couple of years, and to go back to a spring fork was an eye-opener for me. The feedback from them is super-positive and predictable, which gives you a lot of confidence entering turns and getting through sweepers. I was pumped on the fork and the way the front of the bike felt. Our test track wasn’t super-rough, but the small chop and big jumps were easily absorbed by both ends, and I didn’t have any problems with either the fork or the shock.

“This bike has a certain feel to it. It’s like Yamaha has got the weight so centered, the bike moves around really easily in all directions. That’s great when you’re trying to manoeuvre the bike in the air or when you’re snapping through a tight turn, but it can be a little problematic in a rough section of the track or a choppy sweeper section because the bike can feel a little unstable. Like I said, you either love the feel of it or it bothers you. If you are a guy who loves straight-line stability and you would sacrifice a nimble feeling in turns for it, then you might not like the feel of it. I didn’t have any problems but, like I said, the track wasn’t rough.
“Overall, I think the changes Yamaha made are definitely a step in the right direction. The front brake is strong and the launch control is a cool feature. This is a great motorcycle.”

“It is the most complete engine package of any 450 I’ve ever ridden.” – Chris Blose

YZ450F – NEW FOR 2016

• Launch Control System – Launch Control System (LCS) uses high-precision ECU calculations to optimise power output, providing ideal acceleration off the gate, especially on hard surfaces.
• New Cam Profiles – New intake and exhaust cam profiles and timing boost combustion efficiency and improve the engine’s ease of use in the low- to mid-rpm range.
• Updated Shifter – Revisions to the clutch boss and shift stopper arm provide smooth clutch engagement feel and more precise shifting action.
• Revised Frame – Revised engine mounts and a reshaped swingarm pivot section of the aluminum frame improve lateral rigidity, while 5mm lower footpegs help lower the rider’s center of gravity for improved machine balance and control.
• Revised Suspension Settings – New triple clamps reduce trail with a 25mm (formerly 23mm) fork offset improving front-end feel, while the new shock spring provides an ideal balance between bump absorption and handling performance.
• New Front Brake – New 270mm front disc brake (up from 250mm) also features a new brake pad material for exceptional stopping power and control for aggressive corner entries.

For a top-line snapshot of the upgrades made to all four Japanese brands’ MX models for 2016, check out this summary.