2023 YAMAHA MX RANGE MODS: IN DETAIL

You’d think winning consecutive AMA 450MX (Dylan Ferrandis) and 450SX (Eli Tomac) titles might mean Yamaha would be content to rest on its laurels with its YZ450F updates for a bit. On the contrary; the Japanese brand has unveiled a much-updated 2023 YZ450F – a new-generation machine that’s “lighter, slimmer, sharper and faster” – to spearhead its new-model MX range. Meanwhile, the rest of Yami’s 2023 MX range only gets fresh graphics. Which means, somewhat surprisingly, the 2023 YZ250F doesn’t share its big bro’s frame, subframe and ergo mods, nor the 450’s revised Power Tuner functionality (assumedly, those mods will be adopted by the quarter-litre machine in 2024).

2023 YZ450F UPDATES

Just how significant are the changes that appear on the 2023 YZ450F? Well, with an all-new engine (that now uses a dry sump lubrication system) and transmission, next-gen Power Tuner app, all-new traction control, a new diaphragm-spring clutch, completely redesigned bilateral beam alloy frame, and major updates to bodywork, it’s fair to say the changes are very significant!

Here’s a more detailed snapshot of what Yamaha has told us is new on the 2023 YZ450F – at a glance, and then in more detail:

AT A GLANCE…

• 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 five-speed transmission and new lightweight clutch.
• New dry-sump lubrication system.
• 2.3kg overall bike weight reduction to 109kg (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 three-mode adjustable Traction Control System.
• Updated Launch Control System.
• New more intuitive Power Tuner app with Quick Tuning, new lap timer feature and FAQ-style suspension set-up guidance.

IN DETAIL – ENGINE…

• All-New 450cc Four-Stroke Engine: Lighter, more compact with increased power across the entire rev range, the all-new 450cc engine maintains the YZ450F’s exceptional pulling power and renowned ease-of-use, all while boosting the rev limit by 500rpm for even more top-end power. Among the changes are new exhaust and intake port shapes, larger diameter titanium intake valves, new piston, cylinder, crankshaft and balancer assembly, and a switch from wet-sump to dry-sump lubrication. The combined effect of these features is more power across the entire rev range in a lighter, more compact engine.
• New Yamaha Power Tuner App: Like having factory team support in your pocket, Yamaha’s groundbreaking Power Tuner App is revised to be even more user-friendly. New features include an intuitive Simple Tuning slide bar for engine mapping, Traction and Launch Control tuning, lap timer, along with engine and suspension tuning guides.
• New Traction Control & Updated Launch Control: The all-new Traction Control System communicates wheel slip to the ECU, tuning the engine to maintain ideal rear wheel traction. Three levels can be selected: High, Low or Off. The updated Launch Control System now features an rpm limiter which can be adjusted in 500rpm increments between 6000 and 11,000 rpm for optimised launches when the gate drops. Both systems are controlled through the Yamaha Power Tuner App.
• New Compact Lightweight Clutch: The all-new clutch design replaces the coil springs of the previous model with a new disc spring and integrates primary gear and basket into a single steel unit. The result is a more compact, lightweight and durable assembly which yields smoother engagement and excellent feel. A new clutch cover employs a stylish geometric design that helps minimise scratching and lends a premium look.
• New Five-Speed Transmission: All-new tri-shaft transmission layout vertically stacks the transmission shafts, raising the centre shaft and forming a triangle between the crank, drive shaft and main shaft for a lighter, more compact transmission.
• New Air Intake: Optimised intake path draws air from under the side covers and seat allowing for a lighter, slimmer and more compact shroud area. This redesign allows the airbox cover to be lower and narrower and radiator shrouds to be slimmer.

IN DETAIL – ROLLING CHASSIS…

• All-New Aluminium Bilateral Beam Frame: A completely redesigned aluminium bilateral beam frame provides just the right amount of strength and flex for the perfect balance of stability and cornering performance. The result is a better handling machine with lighter feel, more agility and increased traction allowing the rider to enter corners with greater confidence and more line choices.
• Strong, Lightweight Wheels: Careful computer-aided design of each wheel’s cross-sectional profile shaves weight without sacrificing durability. The YZ450F’s rear wheel comes laced with a three-cross-spoke pattern for improved impact absorption and rider feel.
• Revised Suspension with Toolless Fork Adjustment: The YZ450F’s front KYB fork now features a new hand-operated compression clicker in the fork caps for simple, toolless adjustments. To match the new chassis, fork damping characteristics are tuned to optimise traction and bump absorption. KYB rear suspension now features newly revised internal valving to complement the new chassis.
• Triple Clamp with Adjustable Handlebar Mounts: The top triple clamp design balances rigidity for improved steering feel while the four-position adjustable handlebar clamp is rubber-mounted for comfort, reduced handlebar vibration and easily tunable bar position.

IN DETAIL – ERGOS, MISC…

• Slimmer Body & Improved Ergos: A new slimmer, flatter and more compact body eases rider movement for improved control, including more seamless, rounded features from seat edges and side covers to a narrower fuel tank and front shroud. The rider triangle is also improved with increased legroom between the seat and footpegs, and revised handlebar position for a more natural posture and enhanced rider comfort. There’s also a shorter front mudguard and extended front fork protectors.

• High-Performance Braking System: A large 270mm front brake rotor is coupled with a Nissin caliper to provide excellent braking performance. Out back, rear brake feel is improved by reducing the rigidity of the brake hose providing a wider range of control at the pedal.
• Race-Winning Details: The YZ450F boasts a wide range of top-spec details including aluminium tapered handlebars, new compact PVC handlebar pad, new lightweight throttle cable, wide footpegs with new lightweight aluminium alloy brackets, a quick-adjust clutch perch, stylish blue rims and a lightweight gold drive chain with new YZ450F- specific chain guide.

RRP & ETA…

Priced at $14,499 (incl GST, Ready To Ride), the 2023 YZ450F is $1000 dearer than its predecessor. It’ll be available in Australian dealers from December, 2022. Here’s a summary of the price tags for Yamaha’s entire 2023 MX model range (which are up between $400 and $1000 on their 2022-model counterparts) and when they’ll be in Aussie dealers…