Ryan Nitzen | September 2, 2024
The current-generation YZ450F immediately exceeded expectations when it debuted in 2022 for the 2023 model year. That year, 2022, Eli Tomac won both the Supercross and Motocross titles—his first season on the Yamaha—and was headed to another sure Supercross title in 2023 when he got injured. The 2023 bike was so good that it was rumored to have helped lure Cooper Webb away from KTM—despite winning two titles with the Orange Brigade—and going back to blue.
Photography by Kit Palmer
The 2023 YZ450F underwent comprehensive generational changes—a new frame, engine, bodywork, and more. It was indeed an all-new bike. Since then, Yamaha has been careful about trying to improve its already-proven platform. It’s a balancing act, for sure, but a great problem to have if you’re Yamaha. Last year, Yamaha didn’t risk it and made no changes to the YZ450F. Still, Yamaha knows you can’t rest on your laurels for too long, so, for 2025, it gave the almighty YZ450F mid-generation, albeit subtle, updates. Think of it as a software update to fix some “bugs” before the next iteration occurs.
The latest YZ450F features a new rear shock linkage and updated suspension settings front and rear. The forward engine mounts are also different, returning to a one-piece design instead of the two thinner pieces used in the previous two years. The footpeg brackets are also flusher to give the rider a better grip on the bike.
After going change-less last year, the 2025 YZ450F gets subtle but noticeable updates.
Up top, the map and kill-switch buttons have been recessed on the handlebars to reduce the chance of water damage and accidental activation while riding. The throttle tube is new. It’s been pushed out 10mm to prevent blistering, also known as “Yama-thumb.”
Once more, the YZ450F is available in two color trims: traditional Yamaha Racing blue and Monster Energy Edition black, both priced at $9999.
Lap Time | 2025 Yamaha YZ450F Review
As much as I liked the previous YZ450F, it could have been better. While the ’24 felt agile and very responsive compared to the last generation, it lacked stability at higher speeds or with a load on the front wheel. The bike forgave some high-speed steadiness in exchange for that quick handling and sharp cornering ability. I rode the 2025 bike at Glen Helen Raceway, a great place to put these things to the test.
The rear suspension has been tweaked with a new linkage ratio.
The changes to the suspension make the bike feel more stable and less twitchy at higher speeds than before. It feels more planted and has less front-to-rear movement, especially over braking bumps and down Glen Helen’s mammoth and bumpy downhills. Rear traction and stability felt so good that I actually adjusted sag to put more weight on the front wheel. I reduced it from 105mm to 102mm, allowing the bike to steer better with the front end rather than the rear, which I prefer. After that, I softened the fork by two clicks using the tool-less adjusters. This allowed the KYB components to work more freely while giving the front tire more grip. The YZ’s Speed Sensitive System (SSS) fork, considered one of the best in the business, does a wonderful job complementing Yamaha’s slim and solid chassis. Overall, the new YZ450F feels a lot more balanced than before.
You can change engine mapping on the fly via a new map switch on the left handlebar. The bike still feels narrow between your legs.
However, the real hero here is still the YZ’s engine. The bike is an absolute rocket ship, but a rideable rocket ship. Usually, you can have one but not the other. With the Yamaha, you get both—lots of power and controllability.
The hit from bottom to mid is unmatched, and the bike is geared so well that you can hold second and third gears longer than most comparable bikes. As controllable as the YZ450F is, it’s always a good idea to have a firm grip on the handlebars because nailing the throttle and accelerating out of a rut makes you feel like Han Solo switching the Millennium Falcon into lightspeed.
New footpeg mounts make it easier to grip the bike with your boots.
Throttle feel is still light and connected, and the “light on” button switch allows you to flip between the two maps on the fly. I call it the “bail-out button.” Standard mode is the “fast” map (light out), while the “light on” map is mellower. After riding in speed mode, it’s nice having the option to tame things down a bit when you start to get tired and the track starts to get rougher.
Overall, the motor makes the Yamaha a blast to ride. This engine will definitely put a smile on your face, and luckily, it has the chassis to keep up.
The YZ450F’s powerful yet manageable motor is still the star of the show.
I’m glad Yamaha addressed the thumb-throttle issue and the bulky footpeg mounts. They are much better, thanks. But they forgot about the very stiff seat foam and overly rounded-off seat edges. And then there’s that still noisy air intake system. I always stash earplugs in my gear bag for whenever I ride the YZ450F.
All in all, Yamaha has enhanced its already successful platform in the YZ450F. While these changes may not be revolutionary, they are all for the better nonetheless, and that’s a lot to be said for a motorcycle already as good as it was. Additionally, the 2025 YZ450F maintains an MSRP of $9999. Although this might not be the smallest figure in its class, it’s far from being the largest. CN
2025 Yamaha YZ450F Specifications
| MSRP: |
$9999 |
| Engine Type |
4-stroke, single |
| Valvetrain |
DOHC, 4-valve |
| Displacement |
450cc |
| Bore x Stroke |
97.0 x 60.8mm |
| Cooling System |
Liquid |
| Starting System |
Electric |
| Fueling |
Mikuni fuel injection, 44mm throttle body |
| Transmission |
5-speed, multiplate wet clutch |
| Frame |
Aluminum |
| Front Suspension |
KYB Speed Sensitive System, 48mm spring fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension |
KYB single shock, fully adjustable |
| Front-Wheel Travel |
12.2 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel |
12.4 in. |
| Front Wheel |
21 in. |
| Rear Wheel |
19 in. |
| Front Tire |
80/100-21 Dunlop Geomax MX33F |
| Rear Tire |
120/80-19 Dunlop Geomax MX33 |
| Front Brake |
Single 270mm disc |
| Rear Brake |
Single 240mm disc |
| Rake |
26.9° |
| Seat Height |
38 in. |
| Ground Clearance |
13.8 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
1.6 gal. |
| Weight (wet, claimed) |
240 lbs |
