2026 YZ450F: OVERHAULED!

Put it this way: there are so many significant mods to Yamaha’s 2026 YZ450F that the first-time fitment of a hydraulic clutch barely rates a mention!

Late last week, we brought you a top-line snapshot of the upgrades that Yamaha introduced to its off-road range for 2026 – both MX and enduro models – making the point that it was the extensive updates to the 2026 YZ450F motocross model (to frame, suspension, engine and bodywork) spearheaded those changes. So, let’s now dive deeper into the specific mods that appear on Yamaha’s flagship MX weapon. Here’s what Yamaha has revealed about its the 2026 YZ450F…

DESIGN OBJECTIVES

Faced with the complex challenge of improving on a bike already widely considered the benchmark of the ultra-competitive 450cc four-stroke class, Yamaha engineers put significant focus into refining power delivery and handling performance to achieve a level of precision, control and tuneability that sets a new class standard: the easiest bike to ride fast.

Our goal was to create an intuitive, rider-friendly character that unlocks a racer’s full potential while retaining the exceptional balance of power and handling performance that’s kept the YZ at the top of the class.

On paper, the changes may appear subtle, but the enhanced feeling of connection and control on the bike is huge. This new YZ is easier to ride faster for longer.

Updates to the YZ450F centre around a new frame design, revised suspension, engine updates and body refinements. The new frame is matched with a new high-performance KYB rear shock and revised fork settings which give the rider confidence to charge harder and corner faster.

Engine character is also refined with the addition of a revised intake port design, air intake and exhaust achieving a more connected, linear response in the low- to mid-range for enhanced control, while still maintaining the YZ450F’s renowned top-end power.

FRAME & SUSPENSION MODS

A new frame design for 2026 focuses on the balance of rigidity and flex characteristics. Revised inner and outer structure (including a thinner front downtube) results in a highly stable ride with enhanced front-end feel for improved cornering performance.

To accommodate the YZ450F’s new frame, a new shock and revised fork settings developed jointly with KYB offer an enhanced damping feel with less bump reaction, providing the confidence to ride harder for longer.

The updated shock also has a new hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments. These combined chassis updates result in greater usability in everything from slow, tight corners to high-speed sweepers and a motorcycle that’s easier to tip in, easier to choose and hold a line, with a higher level of overall cornering performance.

POWERPLANT MODS

Engine performance for the new 2026 YZ450F is also refined with the addition of a redesigned intake port which produces a stronger tumble effect in the combustion chamber for more efficient combustion. The result is a more linear engine response for enhanced control and feeling of connection between the throttle and rear wheel. There is also a new resonator and duct added in the air intake, and a new resonator included within the exhaust system to reduce noise in compliance with FIM/AMA regulations and increase rider comfort.

Adding to rider comfort and ease of use is a new hydraulic clutch for smooth, consistent engagement with less effort while eliminating the need for on-track adjustments. In addition, a new clutch inner hub design lubricates over a larger area for more stable performance and longer life.

BODYWORK & ECU

Marking the new model’s evolution, updated styling cues for 2026 now include a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics. There is also a new honeycomb pattern seat cover material, which maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration.

Finally, an industry-first ECU lock function is now adopted on the 2026 YZ450F for theft deterrence, allowing owners to prevent unauthorised engine start-up via a password required lock function accessed through the Yamaha Power Tuner app.

2026 YZ450F – FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Powerful 450cc four-stroke engine features a revised, more linear power delivery for added control and rideability. Redesigned intake port produces more tumble effect for more efficient combustion and improved torque.
• Yamaha’s industry-leading Power Tuner App includes intuitive “Quick Setting” slide bar engine tuning, Traction & Launch Control tuning, and a new ECU-lock function.
• New hydraulic clutch offers lighter lever feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point, eliminating the need for on-track adjustments. A new clutch inner hub design also enables lubrication over a larger area for more stable performance.
• Advanced fuel injection via a 44mm Mikuni throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomisation and power for a wide range of riding conditions.
• Five-speed transmission with tri-shaft layout vertically stacks transmission shafts for a lighter, more compact transmission.
• New frame design balances rigidity and flex characteristics for a calmer front-end feel and enhanced stability.
• High-spec fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB coil spring-type fork with revised fork settings provide exceptional feel and bump absorption.
• New high-performance KYB rear shock enhances low-speed damping and smooths the damping transition between low and high speeds for enhanced control in a variety of conditions. The new rear shock now includes a hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.
• High performance braking system features a large 270mm front brake rotor coupled with a Nissin calliper to provide excellent power and fade resistance.
• Updated styling includes a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics
• New honeycomb-pattern seat cover material maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration.
• Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability.
• Rear wheel comes laced in a three-cross-spoke pattern for improved impact absorption and rider feel.
• Race-developed Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyres.
• Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless restarts.
• Lightweight aluminium tapered handlebar.
• Rubber-mounted four-position adjustable handlebar mounts reduce vibration.
• Lightweight gold drive chain comes with YZ450F-specific chain guide

The 2026 YZ450F in Team Yamaha Blue will be available from August, 2025, at $15,749 Ride Away, while the 70^th Anniversary Edition will be available from November at $15,949 Ride away.

REVISED 2026 YZ125/SP

In addition to the extensively updated 2026 YZ450F flagship motocrosser, Yamaha is also updating its 2026 YZ125 two-stroke competition model and adds a 70^th Anniversary Edition colour scheme. Here’s a summary of the 125’s mods:

• The lightweight two-stroke race bike now features an updated intake design and intake boot for smoother airflow.

• Revised carburation settings produce more consistent performance in varying conditions, and updated CDI settings optimise combustion for more linear power delivery and enhanced rideability.

• YZ125 retains its advanced liquid-cooled two-stroke engine with patented Yamaha Power Valve System that combines crisp bottom-end torque with potent mid-range and free-revving top-end.

• A close-ratio six-speed transmission has optimised ratios for maximum performance while YZ125’s lightweight, finely tuned aluminium chassis offers nimble handling with minimal rider fatigue.

• Best-in-class Speed Sensitive 48mm KYB fork includes a leaf spring in the mid-speed valve for unmatched performance, while the fully adjustable KYB shock provides exceptional rear wheel control and class-leading capability.

• Available in Team Yamaha Blue and new iconic white and red 70^th Anniversary Edition livery that combines with the YZ125’s aggressive bodywork for a stunning look.

The 2026 YZ125 is available from September, priced at $12,099 Ready-to-Ride. The YZ125 70th Anniversary Edition is available from November, priced at $12,299 Ready-to-Ride.