Yamaha's race-proven YZ450F remains unchanged for the 2011 season.

There’s no doubt there was a lot of hype surrounding last year’s release of the revolutionary new Yamaha YZ450F, a factor that resulted in the model topping the motocross sales charts for 2010.

One year on and Yamaha has opted to retain the exact model when it comes to the technical specification, however the brand has brightened things up in the looks department by adding white highlights to the ‘Team Yamaha Blue’ colourway and also updating the red, black and red ‘Yamaha Black’ option with more of a stealth look.

The latest YZ450F features the unique 7.5-degree rearward-slanting cylinder in the engine department. The locations for intake and exhaust have been reversed and create an all-new engine layout, which is done to ensure a straight intake tract for efficient cylinder filling.

Put simply, the airbox is now located where the tank was, so the intake tract has a straight shot into the cylinder-head. To achieve the proper exhaust pipe length from the rearward-slanting cylinder, the pipe twists in a coil before reaching the silencer.

The liquid-cooled DOHC, single-cylinder four-valve engine is designed to be more efficient, and Yamaha has very much focussed on improving mass centralisation throughout the model.

Handling is (obviously) just as impressive as last year since the bike remains unchanged, its flat seat perching you toward the front-end of the bike and enhancing rider control while in the turns.

It just feels right, and does so for a number of different height and weight riders, which indicates the relationship between the controls – seat, handlebars and footpegs – is spot on. The tapered aluminium Pro Taper ’bars are also a sweet bonus.

The engine power is smooth in the Yamaha, but ultimately very powerful.

It has a tendency to wheelie under power at times, but keep smooth on the gas and you’ll appreciate the stability it offers at speed, as well as the confidence it inspires on a whole.

While some have claimed over the past year that the open class YZ feels quirky at times and can be difficult to set up, for me it has been ultra comfortable and easy to ride each and every time I’ve climbed aboard.

The fuel injection is a treat to ride with, responding to any minor throttle twist that you apply. What’s even better regarding the Yamaha’s engine though is that is has the YZ Power Tuner capabilities, which allows you to make changes to the EFI at the track with next to no hassle.

In its standard mode the bike is rideable and smooth throughout the powerband, but those interested in racing will probably want to make it a touch more aggressive in the mid- to top-end, all while retaining smoothness off the bottom. Likewise, you can tame the power down in an instant – the choice is yours as its fully adjustable.

The gearbox is precise and lever control functions refined, meaning you’ll feel at home within a few minor adjustments without the need for a major overhaul straight off the showroom floor.

Yamaha has produced a very technically advanced Open class motocross contender for 2011, one that has proven to be a race winner already and the type that can be modified to suit your absolute needs.

It’s difficult to go wrong with that…

Click here to read our full Launch Test from 2010 (includes specifications)

Click here to check out our Film from this test

With racers such as Jay Marmont and James Stewart proving the capabilities of Yamaha's latest 450, it's hard to ignore the enjoyable technology this bike features.