We rode: Yamaha YZ450F 2020 // Into the new decade with even more power and comfort

It all started with the Blues in 2010, when the first generation of motorcycles with the wrong engine head hit the market. Today, almost ten years later, we are talking about extremely sophisticated third-generation models that not only impressed with their looks, but also brought a smile to the faces under the helmets on the track. Be that as it may, most of the talk at the start of the new decade was about the most powerful of the Yamaha, as other models, with the exception of graphics, remained the same.

Like any other sport, motocross has evolved a lot throughout history. Today we are talking about very advanced and powerful engines that are sometimes quite difficult to tame, here we are mainly targeting a motorcycle with a 450cc engine. See Yamaha is aware of this as well, as for 2020 they have put a lot of effort and innovation into the handling of this bike and more evenly distributed engine power across all speed ranges. They achieved this with several changes, the first two being a modified piston and connecting rod. The latter is one and a half millimeters longer, which therefore also affects the piston stroke, which has a different profile than last year. The camber of the exhaust system has also been changed, which has a slightly larger diameter than last year and is also different in shape. These innovations are very enjoyable while driving as they are less tiring than you might initially expect. The device transmits power very evenly, which translates into an extremely smooth and quiet driving experience, which creates the conditions for a good engine feel and, as a result, good lap times.

Handling also plays a big role in wellness, which Yamaha has criticized as its biggest flaw in the past. The blues also endorse the adage that we learn from mistakes, as they have sharply narrowed the bike in recent years and thus contributed to better handling. In 2020, they tried to improve this mainly with a frame, the same as last year, but with a slightly different material, which translates into more flexibility. This is also greatly facilitated by the greater centralization of mass, which they managed to do with the changed position of the camshafts. On the new model, they are closer to each other and also slightly lower. At least to a lesser extent, handling is also affected by the slightly smaller and lighter engine head. The rider quickly senses the set of novelties on the track, as the bike is stable even at high speeds, and its cornering position is excellent, which means that the rider trusts the bike and thereby increases the speed of entering corners, which is key. to driving fast. Overall, I am also impressed with the brakes as they provide precise and safe braking, which Yamaha engineers achieved by re-shaping both discs, which also contributes to better cooling. The size of the front disc remained the same, the diameter of the rear disc was reduced from 245 millimeters to 240, and the brake cylinder for both was slightly changed.

A big plus for this type of brand is also the GYTR kit, or, as the locals say, accessories that are mostly bought. These include components such as the Akrapovic exhaust system for the XNUMX-stroke range, clutch cover, engine guard plate, better quality seat cover, other handles, radiator brackets, KITE branded rings and more. Each model has its own GYTR components that truly prepare the bike for racing, as evidenced by the excellent results achieved by young motocross riders in European and World Championship races. And not only the juniors, but also the current place in the overall standings of the world championship in the elite class speaks in favor of Yamaha, because three of the five best riders ride this brand. 

Engine setting via smartphone

Yamaha is currently the only motocross company to offer the rider a connection between motorcycle and smartphone via WIFI. This makes the job of the rider, and especially the mechanic, much easier in many ways, as he can tune the engine to his liking with this type of app called Power Tuner. Depending on the track and the terrain, the driver can create a folder on his phone himself, and then select two from all made, which he can replace with a switch on the left side of the steering wheel while driving. In addition, the application also acts as a note, hour counter, and also reports an error on the unit.