First Ride - YAMAHA YZ450F 2016
Suspension changes and launch control system to maintain a large package in front of the new YZ.
Each model year does not involve large-scale change and innovation. For example: 2016 Yamaha YZ450F. Since 2014, Yamaha released a new YZ450F, tuning fork company simply refining large motocrosser year, without making any major changes in terms of improving its small.
Do some small-scale modifications YZ450F suspension and chassis in 2015 (which generates rave reviews from test driver), the Yamaha decided to continue in this direction in 2016, last year changed the same motor mount has been replaced with a new design of man (from different materials) having improved bending thereof. Added that in the framework of a more powerful arm pivot point.
Together, these changes will help to increase the rigidity and balance, while improving the feeling of the front end. Forks and shocks have new settings, the spring rate is more important is not the flow control valve. The new spring stiffness with less aggressive valve together to make new YZ450F ride at a higher stroke and better performance at almost any obstacle track.
Since the balance of 2016 YZ450F is changed by the chassis and suspension updates, triple clamp offset by increases from 22 mm to 25mm, to the front of the bike steeper Tau Kok. Yamaha did not stop with the chassis and suspension; it also made some improvements to the engine. New intake and exhaust cam lobe update, to improve low-to-end power and torque.
Other changes include a shift dog, smooth shift, reducing the chance discovery of a false neutral new shape. Finally, Yamaha has been dedicated by the emission control system with a click on the button engage and disengage the third gear bicycle was transferred to join other manufacturers.
On Tracks
Prior to this test, we have to improve in 2015 with the YZ450F impressed, so we hope Yamaha did not go in the wrong direction with the 2016 model. When taken some straights and corners realize that we have nothing to worry about. These changes to the chassis, suspension and Tri-Clamp produce a ride, which is consistent and confidence inspiring straight. 2016 YZ450 irradiation in high-speed sections, and into the corner of a rough time. It also tracks straight with no unexpected side-to-side kick.
In the corners, the 2016 YZ450F perform almost as well. Bicycles can be thrown into any type of bout easily; however, there are still a little room for improvement. YZ riders must be fully committed by the tip of a deep rut or rigid packaging corner. Nevertheless, 2016 is the best deal YZ450F Yamaha 450 in a very long time production.
Fork has excellent resistance to bottoming big hits, but also on the small rough cut provides excellent feel. Current 450 motocrosser ranked the best available on the KYB suspension, and also should be noted that the large YZ is equipped with a spring in its sole bicycle fork MX 450cc class of.
For YZ450F engine, it has been a strong and able to come up with a powerful low and signed before departure seem never pull. For 2016, Yamaha, to help these cameras, has made a strong play in the low-end, but still controllable, will not have any adverse effect on the mid or top-end performance. We alone and play around with the Yamaha GYTR Power Tuner, small adjustments can be found in the ignition mapping have made significant changes in power. We prefer a more aggressive map, but mellow map can easily be created for different track conditions and different driving skill level. Overall, these changes have created a momentum for more comprehensive 2016.
Supplementary engine improvement is the new launch control system, which is activated by a button on the handlebars, aggressive play out the starting line. We tried many times to start with and without LCS engaged, feel a difference. Yamaha design of LCS to empowerment 10-20 yards away lines, while improving grip and control fall at the door. Simply put, LCS allows YZ450F power controlled to the ground without losing the need to get holeshot hit.
Final Thoughts
We are pleased to Yamaha YZ450F 2016 did not affect in any way with these subtle changes. In contrast, the company made improvements bike, it's more fun to ride and an increasingly competitive job done and results. I would not hesitate to match inventory new YZ450F.
UPS:
- Excellent straight-line stability
- KYB suspension minor adjustments Clicker perfect execution
- Engine power from the powerful and never pull
- GYTR Power Tuner provides infinite adjustment, which is very user-friendly
- The brakes are powerful, but progress
- Emission control system really does work
- Black and yellow of the 60th anniversary version is available
Downs:
- In the airbox fishing kneepad Dzus fasteners may loosen
- Handlebar is too high; fight too hard
- YZ450F feel wider and heavier than the competition
Specification YAMAHA YZ450F 2016
| PRICE | $8,590 – Team Yamaha Blue/White $8,690 – 60th Anniversary Yellow |
| ENGINE | liquid-cooled 449cc DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves |
| BORE x STROKE | 97.0 × 60.8mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO | 12.5:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY | Yamaha Fuel Injection, Keihin 44mm |
| IGNITION | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| TRANSMISSION | Constant-mesh five-speed, multiplate wet clutch |
| FINAL DRIVE | Chain |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable, 12.2 in. of travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION | KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, 12.4 in. of travel |
| FRONT BRAKE | Hydraulic single disc brake, 270mm |
| REAR BRAKE | Hydraulic single disc brake, 245mm |
| FRONT TIRE | 80/100-21 Dunlop MX52F |
| REAR TIRE | 120/80-19 Dunlop MX52 |
| L x W x H | 85.8 in. x 32.5 in. x 50.4 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT | 38.0 in. |
| WHEELBASE | 58.3 in. |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 13.0 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 2.0 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT | 247 lb. |
