The new model features a lighter and more compact engine, redesigned frame with new flex characteristics and host of other features to deliver a lighter, more powerful and better handling experience.
Also returning for 2020 is the championship-winning Yamaha YZ250F, along with Yamaha’s legendary two-stroke lineup featuring the YZ250, YZ125, YZ85/LW and YZ65.
New YZ450F features and benefits
The new 2020 Yamaha YZ450F has been redesigned to provide a lighter, more powerful, and better handling motocross machine. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact and lighter cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles and more aggressive cam profiles.
The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crank breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. Yamaha claims the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power.
The new motor is housed in the latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame, which has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics with the aim to improve cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder.
Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class-leading KYB suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics, are carefully refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance.
To bring the new package to a stop, the 2020 YZ450F features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear discs. The overall changes of the 2020 YZ450F deliver increased power output with more controllable linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics that mimic a YZ250F.
Featuring Yamaha’s advanced racing technology, the new 2020 YZ450F has been updated to give racers the edge right out of the gate. Standard equipment including electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, advanced fuel injection, and a wrap around rear-positioned exhaust deliver powerful and reliable performance featuring industry leading mass-centralisation.
Racers can achieve quicker, smoother race starts with Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using a smartphone thanks to the Yamaha Power Tuner App, and choose between two user defined ECU maps on the fly with the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch.
The new 2020 YZ450F will be available from dealers next month in Team Yamaha Blue and Grey – pricing and availability are to be announced.
YZ450F features and benefit summary – what’s new for 2020
• Lighter and more compact high-compression cylinder head
• New high compression, bridge-box designed forged piston with DLC coated piston pin
• More aggressive cam profiles
• New bar mounted map switch – blue button, dual function
• New free flow, high seal air filter system
• Yamaha bilateral beam aluminium frame featuring updated main spars
• New engine mounting points that centralise mass and provide an ideal rigidity balance between cornering feel and straight-line confidence.
• Refined, speed-sensitive damping in KYB twin chamber forks to give industry-leading suspension performance straight out of the box.
• Larger diameter front brake piston and increased caliper rigidity for improved braking power
• New brake pads with expanded pad area for increased braking power and controllability
• New lighter front brake rotor with expanded braking area for strong and stable braking
• New lighter and wider diameter rear brake rotor with improved heat dissipation
• Lighter bar clamps
• New lighter front axle and triple clamp
• Stiffer seat foam for ease of rider movement
• New pattern Dunlop tyres for increased corner traction
• Weight shaved everywhere – from the footrests to the electrical system
• New graphics and grey colour option
2020 YZ250F
Last year, the 2019 YZ250F introduced an all-new engine, frame, and bodywork. Yamaha’s championship-winning design returns with the 2020 YZ250F.
Sporting an electric start, 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine housed in an aluminium bilateral beam frame and KYB suspension, the 2020 YZ250F provides the ultimate balance of race-winning performance, rideability and comfort. YZ250F also continues to feature Yamaha’s advanced racing technology including dual-mode switchable engine mapping and smartphone tuning capability.
The 2020 YZ250F will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and Grey, availability and pricing is to be announced.
2020 YZ125 and YZ250
Yamaha’s YZ125 and YZ250 models return for 2020 to complete Yamaha’s full-size lineup of motocross bikes. Lightweight aluminium frames, Yamaha’s patented Power Valve System and reed-valve inducted engines provide an incredible power-to-weight ratio while maintaining Yamaha’s excellent reliability and durability. Both the YZ125 and YZ250 each sport industry leading KYB spring-type fork and KYB rear shock for unmatched comfort and performance on the track.
For Australia, both 2020 YZ125 and YZ250 are fitted with race kits that include GYTR by HGS exhaust systems, launch master holeshot buttons and alloy rear sprockets. Both models will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, pricing and availability are to be announced.
2020 YZ85/LW and YZ65
Yamaha’s YZ85/LW and YZ65 are ready to tackle the track with winning performance out of the gate. They are respectively powered by confidence-inspiring 85cc and 65cc two-stroke engines featuring YPVS for broad, tractable power across the rev range without losing peak power at high RPM — improving rideability and reducing the need for frequent shifting.
Industry-leading 36mm KYB spring type forks and KYB rear shock are fully adjustable for compression and rebound and contribute to class-leading handling and performance in a wide range of conditions. 4-way, adjustable handlebar positioning as well as lever reach adjustability are designed for ultimate rider comfort regardless of size. Finally, with 2-stroke ease of maintenance and Yamaha’s proven durability, the 2020 YZ85/LW and YZ65 are built to keep kids on the track.
The 2020 YZ85/LW and YZ65 come in Team Yamaha Blue – pricing and availability are to be announced.
