Yamaha YZ450F reviews

This bike can take a beating!!! I grew up riding CCC runs (trail riding) in Michigan. I rode since I was three and have rode a CBR900RR since 1999. This bike was different than anything I had ever rode and I crashed it a lot! I don't mean tipped over either I mean knocked out crash landings! Luckily for me and the bike we now get along a lil better. The suspension was a lil stiff for my weight so I changed the spring rate and that has helped a lot. I obviously race C class due to my lack of experience but it is so much fun and this bike had held up great to the abuse! I just got my radiators straightened due to previous crashes and I am installing braces, even though I don't crash as much with the speed I ride now. If I do crash it will definitely be hard. Show less

At first, the bike didn't seem to have much bite. After a fuel screw adjustment to 21/2 turns out, the power came to life! You have to ride the bike differently than earlier Yamaha 450 models. Not as much bite and raw power down low like older Yamahas, but the mid and top really pull! The biggest difference is the cornering... the bike really responds in cornering and riding ruts in turns. I can come in to turns much faster, still in control and be able to drop the bike into the turn without popping up out of the rut. The dealership sales staff were helpful and courteous during the complete transaction and contacted me afterwards to make sure I was a completely satisfied customer! Thanks! Show less

This is my first Yamaha, and my first racing 4-stroke. The power is ultra-smooth from off-idle till shut-down, with more than enough power to smoke the tire or loft the front end on command. The balance of the aluminum frame is awesome. Switchback corners and chicanes are a breeze. It is one of the easiest wheelie machines ever! The suspension is better than my Pro-Circuit modified suspension. Just set the sag and hammer down! I raised the forks in the clamps up to the first line (5mm) and it helped the cornering considerably. I disassembled my bike before riding it, and recommend greasing the linkage before riding, as there is no grease on the bolts and pins. The bearings were greased from the factory though. Quality of manufacturing is top-notch. Extreme engineering thought has obviously been given to every part, no matter how small or large. I would recommend an adjustable fuel screw when you buy this bike. It makes all the difference in the way it runs, as five degrees temperature throws off your throttle response, and adjusting it with a screwdriver is frustrating. The power will also sack the stock chain in just a few rides. I have trail-rode, hillclimbed, and moto-ed this bike hard. I am truly Blown Away by it's prowess. I love my YZ450F!!! Show less

The bike really suprised me, the power is great through every gear, very easily handled and easy on the eyes. And cheap to keep up with verse's a 2 stroke. What else could a guy ask for?! Show less

Last time I raced motocross before purchasing this was 1975 on a Suzuki TM100! WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I took this thing out, rode it in the pasture for an hour, loaded it up and headed out for an arena cross race! Whoops! Did not get it out of first gear and it was a hard intro to the new age motocross bikes and tracks!!! It was fun, but I was not ready for the power it developed! Suspension was extremely plush compared to the 4 inches I was getting out of the TM! I have had it for 2 years now and it is very low maintenance and very high on fun! I also have an '06 YZ250F...the F on these things doesn't stand for 4 Stroke...it means pure Fun! Show less

Well, once I decided I wanted the Yamaha YZ450F 2 years ago, I knew I had to have one. Took 2 years to get the money but I finally picked one up about a month ago. It's the fastest and most powerful bike I've ever ridden. They've toned the bite down on it a little bit but I heard it needed it, but don't get me wrong, it's not a slow bike whatsoever. I weigh 165 lbs and I have a problem keeping the front down under heavy acceleration around the track. I had a hard time in the beginning because the suspension was fairly stiff for me, so I loosened the rebound, preload, and compression a little. I didn't touch anything out back except preload though. Overall, it's a very fast bike that feels light and you'll fall in love with it if you ride it. Show less

Last time I rode competitively was in 1985 on an '83 YZ250...Bob Hannah was all the rage. Yamaha was about 7 years into the Monoshock, and aluminum frames were only seen on 2001: A Space Odessy...well a 7 year old son will get your juices flowing again and we are about to kick off a father/son tradition that will have us together every weekend, he on his TTR50 and me on my YZ450F. What a bike! While I miss the whah, whah of the two stroke, the equal distribution of power throughout the band on this four stroke is incredible. I find it a lot easier zipping around the track and not having to work through so many gears...the handling is ultra smooth. Yamaha was always my choice back in the day, and I'm glad I've gone back. Show less

This is the best bike I have ever ridden. The power on this puts any other bike to the dust. I have the white/silver. When I got on it, I thought it would be like the other 4 strokes - when hot hard to start - but it fired up 1st kick everytime. Show less

I rode my 2001 YZ426F for 4 yrs, and loved it, so I expected a lot from the 07. I knew the power was going to be more like a CRF from the reviews, and thankfully it is! It is much easier to control the power, throttle respone is amazing from anywhere in the rpm's. It feels like I have a bit more torque then the 426 down low, and yet it still rips in true YZF style up top! I love the tank/seat/shroud combo. It handles great, feels very light, and wave rotors look sweet! It starts very very easy! I got the White/Silver, I love that color combo, so does everyone else that has seen it!!! Show less

By far, this is the best bike I've ever ridden. I've owned 6 Yamahas over the years and this thing is head and shoulders above the rest. It turns on a dime, the brakes are perfect and the adjustability of the Pro Tapers are phenomenal. The power delivery is smooth and predictable. It cranks easier than any two stroke I've ever kicked. Only complaint for me, as with every new bike I get is that the suspension is too soft for my weight. Once I get the heavy duty springs it'll be perfect. Show less