Words: Caleb Tennant

Yamaha has taken its championship-winning YZ450F to the next level for 2025, making it even more powerful, lighter, and slimmer. MotoOnline had the opportunity to put the 2025 YZ450F to the test at Glen Helen during the media ride day.

After riding the hugely successful 2023 YZ450F a couple of years ago, I was excited to test the 2025 model with its updated features. Having ridden the 2023 at Carmichael Farm, where Yamaha made significant progress with that model, I was curious to see how the new updates would improve the bike. After riding the 2025, it was clear they had made overall improvements once again. Detailed has a full technical rundown.

Image: Supplied.

Yamaha also brought out the 2024 YZ450F for back-to-back comparisons, and the differences were clear. The most noticeable change was the updated suspension. The new fork and shock settings made the bike feel more balanced between plushness and support. On landings and braking, the forks felt like they held up better, preventing the front end from diving too deep in the stroke. They felt plush without being harsh, creating a nice balance.

Yamaha stiffened the shock valving, paired with a lighter spring rate, and introduced a new rear linkage. This enhanced rear traction, making the bike feel more planted, especially on corner exits. Stability and predictability were noticeably improved.

The new engine mounts also contributed to the bike’s stability, giving me more confidence in the front end. This allowed for a better feel, and I was able to predict what the bike would do with ease. The front and rear worked seamlessly together, and I didn’t need to adjust the suspension, aside from setting my sag.

Image: Supplied.

On the 2025 model, the power delivery felt smoother and a bit longer. Yamaha’s already fast as it is, and I’ve never found myself searching for more power, but this smoother power curve made the bike easier to manage. I started the day using the more aggressive map, but as the track got rougher and drier, I switched to the smoother map, which still delivered plenty of power but in a more controllable way—perfect for those conditions.

Another significant improvement I noticed was the new clutch. It ran cooler and maintained a more consistent, smoother feel, even as the bike got hotter. The throttle also felt improved with smoother operation. Yamaha adjusted the spacing between the throttle tube and grip, which reduced friction and made it easier on my hands, eliminating the knuckle discomfort I had on the previous model.

Lastly, Yamaha improved the footpeg position. On the previous YZ450F, it was harder to get a solid grip with my feet, but the new footpeg position made it easier to clamp against the bike, offering more control and feel during the ride.

All in all, Yamaha continues to set the standard with the YZ450F. The bike remains the most competitive 450 straight out of the box, and the small changes they’ve made have only enhanced it further without adding any negatives. A big thank you to Yamaha USA and MotoOnline.com for letting me test this outstanding machine!

Specifications

Engine type: 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve
Bore/stroke: 97.0mm x 60.8mm
Transmission: Constant-mesh five-speed
Starter: Electric
Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Front suspension: KYB spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping
Rear suspension: KYB single shock
Front brake: Hydraulic single disc, 270mm
Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc, 240mm
Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX33
Weight: 240lb (wet)
Price: MSRP $9999 (Monster Energy Edition $10,199)
Availability: Available now
Further information: www.yamahamotorsports.com