Some other small yet vital tweaks to the X model make traversing the woods easier, such as the new mapping for the fuel injection system. Yamaha engineers dialed in the fuel injection to better accommodate the on and off the throttle style of riding and racing that is common to a trail quad while also increasing power output to the bottom and mid ranges for lugging through the slower tight sections. While keeping everything else in the motor exactly the same, the fuel mapping changes were sure to be one of great benefit. Yamaha also designed new wheels with an inner rolled lip rather than the traditional outer rolled lip that's on the 450R. The new inner rolled lip adds strength and helps keep trail debris from digging its way in between the bead and the tire. And to top it off, this list of changes equals the loss of five pounds over the YFZ-R.
Bill Ballance Signature Series YFZ450X
If the standard version of the YFZ450X is not enough to satisfy your needs, consider the Bill Ballance signature series quad. Not only is Ballance the only ATV racer to win nine consecutive GNCC titles, but he is also the first to have his own signature series quad. It comes stocked with a handful of great parts additions and color combinations such as a shiny blue frame and a darker gold coloring on the shocks. It's also driven by a gold D.I.D chain and uses silver wheels instead of the black that comes stock on both the standard YFZ450R and YFZ450X. The cushioned sidepanels are blue instead of the traditional black while the quad is covered in a special graphic kit along with the #1 plate. But by far my favorite parts of this signature series machine are the addition of the Ballance edition front bumper and the quick-release fasteners for easy removal and installation of plastics during maintenance and cleaning.
Test Ride
In order to properly test the YFZ450X in true cross-country conditions, Yamaha delivered both the media and a handful of brand-new units to the famous Big Buck GNCC racecourse in Union, South Carolina. Yamaha hired track building guru Buren Hamrick to design and lay out a 10-mile GNCC-style course through tight trails littered with trees that would include hillclimbs, gnarly off-camber turns and even the famous Big Buck creek jump. In my opinion, they could not have offered up better terrain and conditions for testing this new machine's intended purpose. Immediately while tackling my first lap I noticed and appreciated the change in width. After spending most of 2009 aboard the R, it was a little strange at first getting used to the new width, but while on the gas and through the tight trees where your tires were just barely clearing their trunks, it did not take long to build an appreciation for it. After pounding out the first half of the rugged track it was becoming more and more evident that the new design and dimensions of the front suspension were making my life easier. With changes to the leverage ratios the YFZ450X's steering became somewhat effortless and less affected by bumpsteer.