2019 Yamaha YZ450F Review
Yamaha has improved on the legendary YZ450F yet again.
An established top performer in the 450 class, the 2019 Yamaha YZ450F comes with a slew of minor improvements in response to community feedback about the 2018 model. The result is a more refined YZ than before, giving riders of orange, green, and red factory machines something new to consider.
Aesthetics
The YZ450F was all-new for 2018, and the 2019 model hasn’t altered its scintillating looks, save for the addition of a blue head cover to complement the factory colour options of white and Team Blue. The handlebars have been raised by 5mm, but the real improvements to this year’s YZ have to do with its performance.
Drivetrain
The most significant changes to the 2019 Yamaha YZ450F include more aggressively tapered rear wheel spacers, reworked axle brackets and collars, and increased damping along with stiffer stock suspension settings. These tweaks have resulted in more dependable feedback from both front and rear wheels, improved grip and control during hard cornering, and the confidence to carry higher corner entry speeds.
Suspension duties are handled by a KYB SSS fork with 12.2 inches of travel and a KYB rear shock with 12.5” of travel. Brakes are 270mm at the front and 245mm at the rear, and the stock tire of choice is the Dunlop MX3S.The 2019 Yamaha YZ450F addresses a common drivetrain concern with the 2018 model. Many riders found that changing the stock 48-tooth rear sprocket to a 49-tooth unit made far better use of the bike’s torque curve across all gears. Yamaha listened, and the 2019 Yamaha YZ450F comes stock with a 49-tooth rear sprocket.The YZ 450F is already a torque monster whose strengths are found at the low end of the rev range, and this rear sprocket upgrade means the fuel-injected 450cc power plant can be used more effectively across all gears.
Comfort
One of the most compelling changes for 2019 becomes evident the moment you sit down: Yamaha has stiffened the seat foam by 16%. This is in response to rider feedback about the 2018 model’s seat, which felt unsupportive and provided insufficient buffering between the rider and the fuel tank.As previously mentioned, for 2019 Yamaha have added 5mm of rise to the handlebars. Riders coming from the 2018 model will notice this additional height especially in low corners, and some riders will immediately feel the effect on their posture. This can be addressed with a set of AS3 anodised bar clamps and aftermarket handlebars.
Our Thoughts
The current field of 450cc track machines is fairly even. While words like “best” are largely subjective, with the improved 2019 Yamaha YZ450F the conversation surrounding the best dirt bikes of 2019 has been tilted in favour of Team Blue. The YZ 450F was already a consistent and reliable bike, and these changes show that Yamaha takes community feedback to heart in an honest effort to improve an already fantastic machine.AS3 Performance offers a plethora of high-quality parts for the Yamaha YZ450F. From improved silicone radiator hoses and pivoting levers, to aesthetic touches like disc guards and throttle tubes, you can find these parts and more in AS3’s 2019 Yamaha YZ450F store.
