Words: Caleb Tennant

Yamaha builds on an already-impressive platform with the latest YZ450F, further refining comfort, balance and rideability in its 2026 model. MotoOnline went on location at Cahuilla Creek at a media intro day to put the new YZ450F through its paces for this Tested review.

The YZ450F has been one of the strongest performers in the 450 class for several years now, and Yamaha has continued to refine it year on year. For 2026, the updates are about listening to feedback and making the bike even more stable and confidence-inspiring, without taking away the punch that riders expect from a large capacity motocross entry. Additional tech information can be found in Detailed.

Right away, I felt like the 2026 YZ450F was a bike that’s easier to trust. A 450 can be intimidating – they’re heavier, they’re fast, and they can punish mistakes quickly. But from the moment I rolled out at Cahuilla Creek, the Yamaha felt approachable, almost like I could ride it harder without worrying it was going to bite back.

Image: Foremost Media.

The track wasn’t overly rough, but it had a good mix of bumps, fast straights and jumps to get a feel for the package. The bike impressed me straight away with how planted and balanced it felt. Whether I was braking into rougher sections, over-jumping jumps, or driving hard into turns, it stayed composed.

I didn’t touch the clickers or sag all day, which says a lot about how good the stock setup is. The chassis gave me confidence under braking – it didn’t twitch or wander – and it still tipped into corners easily. That stability mixed with agility meant I wasn’t fighting the bike, which makes a huge difference over a full day of riding.

Ergonomics-wise, I found the cockpit really comfortable. It was easy to move around and I felt at home almost instantly. Combined with the balanced suspension, the whole bike just gave me that feeling of being able to push harder lap after lap without second-guessing what it was going to do. At times it honestly felt closer to a 250 in how nimble it was, which is rare for a 450.

The engine character is smoother again for 2026. I felt like the power delivery was very linear, with less vibration and a quieter, more refined note compared to the 2025. Rolling on the throttle, it gave me a very predictable connection, which helped me carry momentum and stay consistent.

I did notice it feels a touch softer off the bottom compared to last year’s bike, which some aggressive riders might miss, but for most people it makes the bike easier to ride longer and harder. Personally, I enjoyed the smoothness, but I could see myself wanting more snap on certain tracks. That’s where Yamaha’s GYTR parts come in – I tried the airbox cover and muffler combination and it definitely woke the bike up off the bottom.

Image: Foremost Media.

I also played with the Power Tuner App during the day. I tried three different maps and definitely preferred the more aggressive option when I wanted a bit more punch. The app is really easy to use – you can add power, smooth things out, or just go back to stock instantly. It’s a great feature that every YZ owner should spend time with, because the difference between maps is noticeable on track. I didn’t bother with traction control on the day because I already felt like the bike had so much grip, but I can see it being useful for less experienced riders or slicker surfaces.

The chassis and suspension updates were another highlight. I noticed the stiffer upper-clamp and stem straight away under braking – the bike stayed really stable when I was pushing hard into corners. At the same time, the extra flex lower in the chassis made it easy to tip the bike in and trust the lean angle.

The rear shock kept the bike straight and driving forward out of acceleration bumps, while the KYB fork had a really plush feel through the stroke. It soaked up braking bumps and chop without diving, and when I over-jumped, it held up well without punishing me. The balance between the two gave me a lot of confidence all day.

The new hydraulic clutch was another nice update. I noticed how much smoother the engagement was, especially when I was feathering it in technical spots. There was no fade during longer motos and the feel at the lever was consistent from start to finish. Having raced with hydraulic clutches before, it felt natural for me, and I think most riders will quickly appreciate the reliability and predictability compared to a cable setup.

Image: Foremost Media.

By the end of the day, the main takeaway was how comfortable and confidence-inspiring the 2026 YZ450F felt. I didn’t have any sketchy moments, I didn’t feel like I had to fight the bike, and I always knew what it was going to do underneath me. For me, that stability is the biggest strength of this bike – it lets you ride a 450 with the confidence you need, and that makes it easier to push.

Yes, if you’re an aggressive rider, you might look to the GYTR upgrades or play with the Power Tuner App for more bottom-end power, but for most riders, the stock package is more than enough. I think Yamaha has done a great job making the YZ450F stable, smooth, and accessible without taking away from its performance.

Overall, it was a great day on the 2026 YZ450, and the Yamaha team did an awesome job making sure we had everything we needed throughout the test.

Specifications

Engine type: 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve
Bore/stroke: 97.0mm x 60.8mm
Transmission: Constant-mesh five-speed
Starter: Electric
Clutch: Nissin hydaulic
Front suspension: KYB telescopic forks
Rear suspension: KYB single shock
Front brake: Hydraulic single disc, 270mm
Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc, 240mm
Tyres: Dunlop Geomax MX33
Weight: 243lb (wet)
Price: MSRP $10,299 (70th Anniversary Edition $10,499)
Availability: Available now
Further information: www.yamahamotorsports.com