The significantly upgraded 2023 YZ450F motocross machine is designed to be lighter, faster and easier to ride.
Yamaha has unveiled a heavily revised 2023 YZ450F motocross machine that it says is designed to be lighter, faster and easier to ride than the previous model.
Here’s what’s new:
2023 YZ450F updates
Engine
The 2023 YZ450F engine has been redesigned to be lighter and more durable than the previous model to deliver more linear output for improved rideability.
Engine internals
A new piston, lighter weight cylinder body and low-friction cam chain – along with the lighter crank assembly bearings and hollow balancer shaft – all contribute to a 500rpm rev limit increase and reduced vibration.
Valve air intake
A reshaped intake port provides a straighter path and larger diameter titanium intake valves increase air intake volume by a claimed 9% at maximum valve lift.
Vortex airbox
The 2023 airbox design uses a vortex to separate the dust from the incoming air via centrifugal forces. Fresh air is now channelled to the airbox between the fuel tank, frame, seat and side panels to minimise dust and particle ingress, also resulting in slimmer bodywork.
Transmission and clutch
A durable and lightweight one-piece steel design with disc springs and new lighter and slimmer clutch adds to the bikes overall weight reduction, and lightens clutch feel.
Durability
Now with a wider rpm range, the new YZ450F engine has received an updated cooling system including dry sump and timing chain and tensioner for increased durability.
Frame
Yamaha’s engineers have redesigned the aluminium bilateral beam frame focusing on geometry, rigidity and strength to provide a lighter feel, increased agility and improved stability.
Bodywork
The YZ450F has a slimmer and more compact body designed for rapid body-weight shifting.
This is made possible with the elimination of the front air ducts, and fitment of compact shrouds and narrower fuel tank, resulting in a slimmer centre section.
Shorter front and rear mudguards minimise overall length.
Suspension
The 2023 models gets new suspension valving to improve bump absorption. The KYB fork is also now equipped with hand-adjustable compression damping with settings now easily accessible via the Power Tuner smartphone app.
Traction Control
The new Traction Control System has two settings or it can be deactivated via the Power Tuner app, enabling the rider to select the preferred level of intervention depending on track conditions and experience.
Launch Control
Designed to get the holeshot, the Launch Control System now has an adjustable ‘Rev limit’ function with a maximum rpm between 6000rpm and 11,000rpm in 500rpm increments, for full throttle take off.
Weight
The 2023 YZ450F has undergone a diet throughout and now weighs 109kg (wet) – a reduction of 2.3kg.
Power Tuner app
The 2023 Power Tuner app has been upgraded and features an intuitive ‘Quick Tuning’ function that makes it easier and quicker to select the desired engine characteristics by sliding a scrollbar that runs from ‘Smooth’ through to ‘Aggressive’. The new app includes additional functions including a lap timer, rpm, fuel consumption, speed and other data, and there is also a suspension FAQ page that helps YZ450F owners to achieve their best set up.
2023 YZ450F Technical Highlights
- 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 5-speed transmission and new lightweight clutch
- New dry sump lubrication system
- 2.3kg weight reduction to 109kg (wet)
- Redesigned bilateral aluminium beam frame with revised rigidity balance
- Updated front fork and rear shock internal valving
- New hand adjustable front fork compression damping
- Slimmer and more compact bodywork for increased rider agility
- Flatter and narrower seat for greater freedom of movement
- New 3-mode adjustable Traction Control System
- Updated Launch Control System
- More intuitive Power Tuner app with Quick Tuning
- New lap timer feature
- FAQ-style suspension set up guidance
Colour options
- Icon Blue
- Monster Black
The Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition features black bodywork with blue highlights and Monster Energy graphics, inspired by the factory racebikes.
The 2023 YZ450F will be available in Australia from November 2022.