The 2026 YZ450F has been going strong over the last month. We’ve managed to get in a few solid rides together with no issues at all. I have, however, swapped out the stock grips for a set of Renthal lock-ons, which are much more comfortable than the standard solid rubber grips. The OEM grips are so rigid that changing to a thinner, softer set gives the bike a far better feel in my hands and boosts my confidence on the bike.

Along with the grips, the YZ got its first service. I went around and re-tensioned all the spokes, with a few loose ones on the rear wheel needing extra attention. I also lubricated and adjusted the chain, which is still holding up well. I clean and re-oil the air filter after every ride, but for the five-hour service, I gave the YZ an oil and filter change.

The oil change on the YZ is straightforward, there’s a drain plug in the bottom of the engine, plus an oil filter to replace. There’s also an oil screen on the left-hand side of the engine, secured by a bolt, which I removed and cleaned. It’s common to find small metal particles in a brand-new engine as it runs in, but you should never see full shards resembling gears or bearings. This time around, the oil that came out was relatively clean, with nothing to suggest the YZ is running anything but perfectly.

So far, the only adjustment I’ve made beyond basic servicing has been to the front forks. I’m running them as far through the triple clamps as possible and have gone four clicks harder on the suspension. I’m impressed with the stock setup and how responsive these changes have been. When the racing season starts next year, I’ll begin racing the YZ and may make some further changes from there.

At this point, my favourite part of the new YZ450F is still the hydraulic clutch. It’s a controversial topic lately, with Eli Tomac and Haiden Deegan both choosing to stick with a cable clutch. While I’m nowhere near their level on a bike, I’ve got one advantage they don’t: I’ve been a test rider and have ridden every brand and model of motorcycle released to the public in the past 15 years. So when I say I’ve experienced every clutch type on the market, I’m not kidding.

With that said, my question to them would be: “Did they ever give the hydraulic clutch a fair chance? Did they give it time to learn, or did they just dismiss it and stick with what they know?” Because if everyone always stuck to what they know, this sport would never have evolved beyond the ’90s.

Mat Boyd

 2026 Yamaha YZ450F
RRP
$15,749
WARRANTY
N/A
DISTRIBUTOR
Yamaha Motor Australia
INTERNET
www.yamaha-motor.com.au/

SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS
5

MODS THIS MONTH
None

MODS Next MONTH
None