Yamaha has unveiled a heavily revised 2023 YZ450F motocross machine that it says is designed to be lighter, faster and easier to ride than the previous model.

Yamaha has been a dominant force in the World Motocross Championship for 50 years now and have clinched many FIM Motocross and US Supercross titles with both 2 and 4-stroke machines.

The new 2023 YZ450F motocross machine is designed to be lighter, faster and easier to ride to continue building on Yamaha’s racing history.

2023 YZ450F updates

Engine

The 2023 YZ450F engine has been redesigned to be lighter and more durable to deliver more linear output characteristics for improved rideability.

Engine internals

The new piston, lighter weight cylinder body and low-friction cam chain – along with the lighter crank assembly bearings and hollow balancer shaft, all contribute to an increase of 500rpm rev limit and reduced vibration.

Valve air intake

The new reshaped intake port to the cylinder head is now a straighter path and the larger diameter titanium intake valves increase air intake volume by a claimed 9% at maximum valve lift.

Vortex airbox

The 2023 airbox design uses a vortex to separate the dust from the incoming air via centrifugal forces. Fresh air is now channelled to the airbox between the fuel tank, frame, seat and side panels resulting in less dust and particles and a slimmer bodywork.

Transmission and clutch

A durable and lightweight one-piece steel design with disc springs and new lighter and slimmer clutch adds to the bikes overall weight reduction, and lightens the clutch feel.

Durability

Now with a wider rpm range, the new YZ450F engine has received an updated cooling system including dry sump and timing chain and tensioner for increased durability.

Frame

Yamaha’s engineers have redesigned the aluminium bilateral beam frame focusing on geometry, rigidity and strength to provide a lighter feel, increased agility and improved stability.

Bodywork

The YZ450F  is a slimmer and more compact body designed for rapid body weight shifting.

This is made possible with the elimination of the front air ducts, and fitment of compact shrouds and narrower fuel tank – giving a much slimmer centre section.

The shorter front and rear fenders give the 2023 YZ450F a more compact front to rear body length.

Suspension

The 2023 models gets new suspension valving to improve bump absorption. The KYB forks are also now equipped with hand-adjustable compression damping with settings now easily accessible via the Power Tuner smartphone app.

Traction Control

The new Traction Control System has 2 settings and can also be deactivated via the Power Tuner app, enabling the rider to select their preferred level of intervention depending on track conditions and experience.

Launch Control

Designed to get the holeshot, the Launch Control System now has an adjustable ‘Rev limit’ function with a maximum rpm between 6,000rpm and 11,000rpm in 500rpm increments, for full throttle take off.

Weight

The 2023 YZ450F has undergone a diet throughout all components resulting in a weight down to just 109 kg wet – a reduction of 2.3 kg.

Power Tuner app

The 2023 Power Tuner app has been upgraded and features an intuitive ‘Quick Tuning’ function that makes it much easier and quicker to select the desired engine characteristics by sliding a scrollbar that runs from ‘Smooth’ through to ‘Aggressive’. The new app includes additional functions including a lap timer, rpm, fuel consumption, speed and other data, and there is also a suspension FAQ page that helps the YZ450F owner to achieve their best set up.

Technical Highlights

  • All-new lighter, slimmer and more compact 450cc engine
  • Increased linear power at all engine speeds, and 500rpm higher rev limit
  • Increased air intake capacity with 39mm intake valves
  • Revised 5-speed transmission and new lightweight clutch
  • New dry sump lubrication system
  • 2.3 kg overall bike weight reduction to 109 kg wet with full tank of fuel
  • Redesigned bilateral aluminium beam frame with revised rigidity balance
  • Updated front fork and rear shock internal valving
  • New hand adjustable front fork compression damping adjuster
  • Slimmer and more compact bodywork for increased rider agility
  • Flatter and narrower seat for greater freedom of movement
  • New 3-mode adjustable Traction Control System
  • Updated Launch Control System
  • New more intuitive Power Tuner app with Quick Tuning
  • New lap timer feature and more
  • FAQ-style suspension set up guidance

Colour options

There are 2 colour options available:

  • Icon Blue
  • Monster Black

The Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition features black bodywork with blue highlights and Monster Energy graphics, inspired by the factory race bikes.

The new 2023 YZ450F will be available in Australia from November 2022.

Contact your local Yamaha distributor for more information.