Yamaha has released details on the 2016 Yamaha YZ450F, which has multiple upgrades for the new year including a limited edition 60th anniversary yellow colourway alongside the traditional Team Yamaha blue/white.

New for 2016

– Launch Control System: Launch Control System (LCS) uses high-precision ECU calculations to optimise power output, providing ideal acceleration off the gate, especially on hard track surfaces.

– New cam profiles: New intake and exhaust cam profiles and timing boost combustion efficiency and improve the engine’s ease of use in the low- to mid-rpm range.

– Updated shifter: Revisions to the clutch boss and shift stopper arm provide smooth clutch engagement feel and more precise shifting action when the gate drops.

– Revised frame: Revised engine mounts and a reshaped swingarm pivot section of the aluminum frame improve lateral rigidity, while 5mm lower footpegs help lower the rider’s center of gravity for improved machine balance and control.

– Revised suspension settings: New triple clamps reduce trail with a 25mm (formerly 23mm) fork offset, improving front-end feel, while the new shock spring provides an ideal balance between bump absorption and handling performance.

– New front brake: New 270mm front disc brake (up from 250mm) also features a new brake pad material for exceptional stopping power and control for aggressive corner entries.

Key features

– Launch Control System: New LCS optimises engine output for quicker, smoother race starts every time, boosting controllability out of the gate, while updated high-precision shifting components improve shifting feel, especially under race conditions.

– Innovative engine design: YZ450F’s revolutionary rearward-slanted-cylinder design achieves unmatched mass centralization. Concentrating the motorcycle’s key components – engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, and airbox – toward the center of the machine achieves superior, nimble handling of a 250cc machine and provides a straight down-draft intake for unmatched power.

– Advanced fuel injection: The engine breathes through a 44mm throttle body fed by a high pressure electric pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization and power for a wide range of riding conditions, instantly adjusting the air/fuel mixture for changing altitude or temperature.

– New frame rigidity balance: The aluminum Bilateral Beam frame features a new forged section at the swingarm pivot and 2mm thicker motor mounts to further improve the rigidity balance for more front-end feel, cornering traction and unmatched lightweight handling.

– New suspension settings: Industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping and KYB shock feature refinements to damping settings result in superior handling, now with additional fork offset to further refine the YZ450F’s legendary combination of bump absorption and controllable agility.

– New 270mm front brake: Larger 270mm front disc brake coupled with new pad material offers outstanding machine control and performance, with exceptional stopping power and controllability.

– Embedded graphics: Yamaha’s embedded graphics are built into the bodywork for extended durability, resisting both peeling and damage.

– GYTR Power Tuner ready: Accessory GYTR Power Tuner lets owners adjust air/fuel mixture and ignition timing maps to match engine performance characteristics to the rider and track conditions in a matter of seconds with the push of a few buttons, as well as monitor engine diagnostic codes.

Engine highlights

– Updated cam timing specs: New intake/exhaust cam profiles and valve timing increase low- and mid-range torque, resulting in added power and outstandingly controllable performance.

– Wraparound rear positioned exhaust layout: An innovative exhaust pipe design is adopted to increase mass centralisation and improve power development characteristics. This layout moves the rear end of the exhaust pipe farther forward and enables a muffler position close to the center of the mass. Adjustments are made in the pipe diameter in its various sections resulting in excellent exhaust pulse effect that contributes to high rpm power output, while a new muffler bracket reduces weight.

– Compact engine layout: The compact wet sump lubrication system with piston cooler spray jet eliminates the need for an oil tank, reducing engine weight. The water pump employs a new six-hole impeller with increased seal durability for long-term reliability. The reduced size of the crankcase enabled by this lubrication system design is a major factor in making it possible to mount the 450cc engine on the compact frame to deliver precise and instinctive handling.

Chassis highlights

– Bilateral Beam aluminum frame: A reshaped swing arm pivot area and updated engine mounts highlight updates to the Bilateral Beam frame that features overall dimensions that are roughly the same as the frame of the YZ250F. This gives the YZ450F a compact chassis that provides the most instinctive handling in the 450 motocross class.

– Updated suspension settings: Industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping features new settings and a new fork off-set, which works with the revisions to provide exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption. The rear KYB suspension also features settings optimised for ideal damping characteristics to match the new chassis rigidity.

– Race-ready construction: The large diameter 22mm front axle and beefy top triple clamp provide rigidity for unmatched handling and front-end feel. The handlebar mounts are rubber mounted to improve comfort and reduce handlebar vibration.

– New 270mm front brake: New 270mm front brake system is a huge 20mm larger than the disc fitted to the 2015 YZ450F and uses an all-new pad material for exceptional stopping power and braking control.

– Centralised fuel tank: The Yamaha-exclusive fuel tank and air cleaner box layout positions the fuel tank mass closer to the center of the bike which improves handling feel. Furthermore, the air box is positioned in front, away from the dirt kicked up from the rear wheel, and can be accessed without tools for easy serviceability of the air cleaner.

Further information on the models including local pricing and availability is expected to be released by Yamaha Motor Australia at a later date. For more on Yamaha in Australia, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au.