First Look: 2018 Yamaha YZ Models

We get our first look at Yamaha’s 2018 YZ motocross models unveiled in the USA earlier today. Yamaha is bringing big changes to the 2018 YZ450F, with a new engine, chassis, bodywork and electric start. There’s also a new Power Tuner app, that allows you to tune your bike via wifi and fans of spring forks will rejoice that Yamaha is sticking with the coil technology.

Yamaha’s other models in the new line-up (YZ250F, YZ250, YZ125 and YZ85) mostly get refinements for 2018. Here are the 2018 upgrades the US bikes are set to receive.
The all new YZ450F comes in two colours – Team Yamaha Blue and a limited number of special edition white models will be available for sale in oz for $12,399 RRP from August 2017. Customers are asked to register their interest in the new model at their local Yamaha dealer.

YZ450F Upgrades

Aluminum Frame – Larger upper frame bracing improves rigidity and durability, while wider rear frame spars and all-new engine mounts centralise mass for the best possible balance of bump absorption, stiffness and feeling of grip.
Power Tuner App – Yamaha breaks new ground with the new Power Tuner app, putting the flexibility and precision tunability of the GYTR Power Tuner into your smartphone. Make fueling and ignition timing changes instantly and upload them to the bike via the onboard WiFi system for the ultimate in track-side tuning.
Electric Starter System – Utilising a compact starter motor and ultra-lightweight lithium battery, the YZ450F brings the convenience of push-button starting to the racetrack, for effortless restarts under pressure, and relaxed riding when the clock isn’t ticking.
Engine – An updated cylinder head, piston, cam profiles, cylinder geometry and much more work together to give YZ450F riders the best balance of open-class power with controllability.
Frame – Yamaha’s bilateral beam frame features new main spars, engine mounts and engine mounting position to further centralise mass and provide an ideal balance between cornering feel and straight-line rigidity.
Suspension – Yamaha continues to use spring-type forks with refined, speed-sensitive damping to give industry-leading suspension performance straight out of the box. 2018 brings updated settings to match the updated frame and engine layout.
Bodywork – The new YZ450F features new bodywork from tip to tail, including a new compact fuel tank specifically designed for motocross demands. In addition to shaving weight, the new body design is narrow for more comfortable knee grip and feeling of control, and the seat is updated to give the rider additional room to move aboard the machine.
Larger Radiators – Updated radiators are larger and angled more directly in the incoming air stream, for improved cooling under the most demanding race conditions.