2016 Yamaha YZ450FX and YZ250FX: FIRST LOOK
Alan Cathcart | October 6, 2015
Ready for a GNCC fight! Yamaha hopes the new YZ450FX will grab GNCC glory off KTM.
Yamaha has pulled a stunner on the dirtbike world by releasing the big brother to the hugely popular YZ250FX in the all-new YZ450FX, designed specifically for GNCC and hard core enduro competition riders.
The YZ450FX features the same rearward slanted single-cylinder four-stroke design that’s been a feature of the motocross YZ450F for over five years, tunable by the Yamaha GYTR Power Tuner to tailor the specific power characteristics required for between-the-trees racing on the GNCC circuit.
Yamaha has chosen to fit a wide-ratio five speed gearbox to the FX, along with an enduro-specific clutch and electric start aimed at reducing rider fatigue and helping to provide an edge when at the start of a race.
YZ450F-derived chassis is tuned for reduced stiffness for woods racing.
The FX’s chassis is lifted from the YZ450F with some changes to chassis stiffness via the engine mounting brackets; there’s a new 18in rear wheel and GNCC-specific Dunlop AT81 tire, as well as revised KYB suspension for closed course GNCC-style racing and a 270mm front brake disc.
Want a headlight? Buy a WR instead…
There’s no headlight assembly with the 450FX (the 250FX is pictured above) – this is a purely race-ready forest weapon that will be available in the Team Yamaha Blue and White color scheme in all Yamaha dealerships at the beginning of November for an MSRP of $8990.
No major changes for the 250FX for 2016
The decision to bring a 450FX to the Yamaha lineup has meant the 250FX will not see any major updates for 2016. As such, you’ll be able to pick one up for an MSRP of $7890 in all Yamaha dealerships by the beginning of October.
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