The machine went exactly where...
The machine went exactly where I pointed the bar, and my 6-foot-2 body easily made the transition from one side of the quad to the other."
As we broke for lunch, the people at Yamaha threw us an unexpected curveball. They had assembled a few of the new YFZ450Rs with the GYTR head, exhaust system, fuel-injection controller, nerf bars and ITP MX tires and beadlock wheels from the GYTR catalog. These were assembled just for us to ride, and upon viewing it, I felt my thumb starting to twitch to get on it. Yamaha's factory test pilot Dustin Nelson assured us these parts made just as much power if not more than his Quadcross championship-winning '08 YFZ450.
As I fired up the engine on this machine, I was quick to notice the engine modifications because the exhaust had a deeper bark when you blipped the throttle. I jumped on the track and rolled on the throttle and quickly found myself accelerating much faster than the stock machine. The added power allowed me to exit the corners much harder and climb the uphill portions of the track with ease. This doesn't mean the stock motor is weak; rather, the modified motor is significantly stronger and expandable. The best thing is that all of these parts will be available through your Yamaha dealer.
After riding the modified machine, I was done for the day. My excitement meter had been pegged all day, and I was exhausted. I was also in disbelief that one machine could do so well on two completely different terrains. This quad has great versatility.
The Final Word
In an attempt to build a machine that will appeal to customers who want the latest in technology and superior power and handling all while being able to take it out on the trails, Yamaha has hit the nail on the head. It is clearly visible that the four years of R&D spent on the new YFZ450R has paid off and that should show as soon as this machine hits the floor of its dealers across the country.
Will you be impressed by everything this machine has to offer? I don't know, but all I can say is that it pleasantly met and exceeded my expectations of a new quad. Whether you are a recreational rider who visits your local trail system or a weekend warrior at the track, you will be wise to consider this as your next ATV of choice. And as usual, we can't wait to get one home and spend a bit more time on it. You'll be hearing from us soon.
| + | Excellent-handling suspension that soaks up everything,
smooth power that won’t wear you out, and good ground
clearance for trail riding with MX-capable performance |
| Stock grips really tore into my hands | - |
| = | A machine that offers the best of both worlds in perfor
mance and handling for a decent price |
| Yamaha YFZ450R |
| Retail price: | $7999 |
| ENGINE |
| Type: | Single-cylinder, titanium five-valve, four-stroke DOHC |
| Displacement: | 499cc |
| Bore x stroke: | 95x63.4mm |
| Cooling: | Liquid-cooled with fan assist |
| Carburetion: | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) with 42mm Mikuni throttle body |
| Starting: | Electric |
| DRIVETRAIN |
| Drive system: | Sealed O-ring chain, 2x4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |