When Yamaha released the YFZ450R last year, there was no question as to the target market. With its wide stance and aggressive power the YFZ450R was clearly made for the serious motocross racer or recreational rider who frequents dunes or wide-open trails. The new aluminum chassis, fuel-injected engine and sleek styling scored a huge hit but definitely left many fans who ride tight trails similar to those of GNCC courses more than disappointed. Knowing there was a demand for an updated machine that suited the needs of tight trail riders, Yamaha has released the YFZ450X.
Knowing the ultimate goal was to build an ATV that would dominate tight trails, Yamaha engineers kept the width of the new YFZ450X at 46.1 inches, the same as the original YFZ450. The narrow width of the new 450X was accomplished through completely redesigning the front A-arm design and shortening the axle by 50mm, which makes the machine perfect for riders who prefer tighter trails. The new design narrows the A-arms by 43.9mm, making them optimal for tight courses, and to accompany the updates in width, the steering geometry was changed to reduce rider fatigue in woods-specific conditions. While the YFZ450X also uses KYB shocks like those found on the wider R model, the shock lengths and spring rates have been revised to meet the specific demands of the new machine.
At the rear of the X, there is nothing different from the YFZ450R. In all of the testing done by Yamaha engineers, the identical setup worked in every terrain where the quad was tested. They made a point in telling us that from spring rates, clicker adjustment and overall length, there was nothing they could do to make the machine handle any better. It was also said that Bill Ballance felt this was the best-handling suspension setup out of any quad he's ridden in comparable width. What they were emphasizing was that this new machine just works great right out of the box for riders on tight trails
With the handling of the new 450X covered, Yamaha then focused on the power delivery of the 449cc fuel-injected engine. The engine and all of its internals were left the same, but the fuel-injection mapping is completely new for the 450X model. Understanding that the X is designed for tight, technical trail and woods riding, the engineers set up the mapping specifically for strong midrange acceleration. Yamaha claims there is still plenty of power in the upper portion of the powerband but in their testing the low and mid is where the power was most needed and wanted when on this machine.
As far as the rest of the quad goes, it is left virtually unchanged from that of the 450R. The body panels are easy to remove, so servicing or washing the bike is simple. In the ergonomics of the controls, the ProTaper handlebar is adjustable in four positions for riders to find a comfortable setting, the seat is narrow in the front for easy rider maneuverability and the footpegs are 65mm wide and feature a kick-up at the ends to keep a rider's feet securely planted. The new YFZ450X will be available in the standard Team Yamaha blue/white or in a second color of red/white. If you're the owner who wants something special, then hold out for the Bill Ballance Special Edition which comes in a special color pattern, graphics, wheel and shock colors, SE badging, GYTR bumper and Ballance-inspired #1 plate.
With all of these features, we're sure that dealers will have a hard time keeping these models on the showroom floor. Look for a full review in the next issue of ATV Rider Magazine.