Yamaha YZ450F specifications, dimensions and price

Yamaha YZ450F

What guides and testers say

Total Motorcycle says the engine features a special piston, slanted cylinder and dry-sump lubrication, and that this lightweight, compact reverse-head 450 delivers strong, linear power that is easy to control.

The reviewer calls the 2025 model's engine the most powerful ever used in the YZ450F and describes the Power Tuner App as factory team support in your pocket, letting owners adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing for track conditions and record race data. Motocross Action in its 2026 race test says its team never had issues with the bike.

But that riders who have used Evans waterless coolant would melt a black plastic piece, a specific compatibility caution for owners.

YZ450F against the other 450s

At $10,299 the YZ450F costs $200 more than Honda's CRF450R at $10,099, $600 more than Suzuki's RM-Z450 at $9,699 and $1,350 less than KTM's 450 SX-F at $11,649. Kawasaki's KX450SR is $13,699. It weighs 243 lb wet against 238 lb for the Honda and 238.2 lb for the Kawasaki, while the Suzuki weighs 247 lb curb.

Weights are stated on different bases, so treat small gaps as noise.

Where the YZ450F sits in Yamaha's dirt line

The YZ450F shares its engine with the WR450F, whose 2027 model adopts the YZ engine with enduro-revised tuning. Both have a 97.0 x 60.8 mm bore and stroke, 13.0:1 compression and a five-speed gearbox. The YZ has a taller seat at 38.0 in against 37.6 in, weighs 243 lb wet against 256 lb, and costs $10,299 against $10,499.

The motocross bike is the lighter and cheaper. The WR adds a larger 2.0 gal tank and enduro-revised tuning. A rider who wants a race machine takes the YZ, and one who rides woods and desert takes the WR.

Wheels, travel and setup

The suspension gives 12.2 in of front and 11.6 in of rear travel, more at the front than the two-strokes' 11.8 in. The 13.6 in of ground clearance and 58.1 in wheelbase are standard for a 450 motocross bike. The Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires are a 80/100-21 front and 120/80-19 rear.

The YZ450F’s KYB fork and shock have the stated adjustments for suspension setup. Use the manual’s settings and service procedure for the rider and track.

Its listed fuel capacity is 1.6 gal. So it is meant for short motos and races.

Against the other 450 motocross bikes

Suzuki's RM-Z450 costs $9,699 and weighs 247 lb. So the YZ450F at $10,299 and 243 lb costs $600 more and is 4 lb lighter, and KTM's 450 SX-F at $11,649 costs $1,350 more. The Yamaha's 38.0 in seat is 0.2 in taller than the Suzuki's 37.8 in.

Its 1.6 gal tank is the smallest of the group. A rider who also wants an off-road version can look at the WR450F at $10,499, which shares the engine and frame.

YZ450F against the CRF450R and 450 SX-F

Honda's CRF450R and KTM's 450 SX-F are the closest 450cc motocross rivals.