GasGas MC 450F v Yamaha YZ450F 2023 Comparison

Things moves fast in the competitive 450cc motocross category.

But in 2023, it seems older machines are more exposed than ever to being eclipsed by newer technology, and the end user (you) is incredibly educated about what they need and what they don’t.

That brings us to the 2023 Yamaha YZ450F. It boasts all the headline features a new 450 ought to: smartphone-based power maps, switchable rider modes, sleek new ergonomics and holeshot-worthy levels of grunt.

At the national Yamaha YZ450F launch in Victoria late last year, the YZ also revealed a slightly more approachable side with the deployment of its power and the agility with which it could change direction.

In this comparison test, we plan to gauge the YZ450F’s progress by putting it against one of the elder statesmen of the competitive 450cc motocross category.

The GasGas MC 450F has run the same fundamental chassis and engine as when it launched in Australia in 2021 – underpinnings that have actually been around in KTM form since as early as 2019.

So, it’s new versus old (well, older) and relatively unknown versus proven technology.

We’re at the storied Wollongong Motorcycle Club at Mount Kembla, we have an intermediate rider on hand in your humble correspondent and a professional in enduro racer Glenn Kearney.

Let’s get to it.

New sensation

Yamaha pulled out all the stops during development of the 2023 YZ450F.

Keeping the reverse cylinder concept that has been in play since 2010, the 2023 Yamaha YZ450F employs an engine that is lighter, more powerful and with a 500rpm high rev ceiling.

It also brought to the table new dry sump lubrication, new exhaust and intake port shapes, a new crankshaft and balance assembly, larger diameter titanium intake valves and a new piston and cylinder – all fed by a lighter, reworked air intake and new air filter design.

Meanwhile, ergonomics were completely overhauled thanks to footpegs repositioned 5mm lower and 5mm rearward, while the seat is 5mm higher and 15mm flatter than before and the tank narrower as well.

Then there’s the tech wizardry.

Three levels of traction control can now be selected – high, low and off – while the updated launch control can be adjusted in 500rpm increments between 6000rpm and 11,000rpm.

Both systems are controlled through Yamaha’s smartphone-based Power Tuner App, which also offers a lap timer that is activated by existing handlebar switchgear but stored on your phone, and tuning guides for the engine and suspension. In our opinion, Yami is leading the pack where this level of integration is concerned.

In some respects, things could not be more different on the GasGas MC 450F. It employs a steel frame rather than the YZ’s aluminium structure, XACT 48mm air forks in place of storied Kayaba SSS spring forks, and opts for simplicity rather than the fang-dangled tech with a solitary riding mode, no traction control and no launch control.

Furthermore, the GasGas adopts a simple approach bling – in that there is virtually none! At least on face value: plain silver wheels, cast triple clamps and a relatively simple, straightforward colourway.

Look closer though, and it’s clear GasGas has put the emphasis on what matters: Brembo hydraulic clutch, ODI lock-on grips, Brembo brakes and braided brake lines. Neat CNC-machined hubs are another cool detail.

The MC 450F is shod with Maxxis MaxxCross MX-ST rubber, while the Yamaha uses Dunlop MX33 tread.

Then there’s the price. The GasGas currently retails for $14,118 ride-away, while the Yamaha is $14,499 ride-away. However, GasGas is currently offering a $1500 rebate that takes the MC 450F’s price to $12,618 ride-away.

The reason? GasGas is expected to update the MC 450F to the newer KTM/Husqvarna platform for the MY24 model year.

KTM Australia is keeping quiet on the subject at present, but don’t be surprised if an all-new MC 450F lobs in the second half of 2023.

Getting comfy

Our two combatants might tackle the 450 motocross brief from different angles, but they are both equally impressive in their execution.

The GasGas MC 450F and Yamaha YZ450F both boast quality plastics, excellent panel alignment and stand up strong in the couple of rides before our official test day.

In terms of cockpit layouts, both feel suitably narrow through the girth and around the frame-tank – the Yamaha slightly skinnier, offering broad sweeping handlebars and an appropriate rider triangle with umpteen adjustments.

The Yamaha edges ahead of its red rival with the flatness of its seat, which conspires with well-placed controls to allow seamless weight shifting into and out of corners. By comparison, the MC 450F lacks a little grip in its seat cover material, and it’s plastics feel slipperier through the middle for those that like to take control with their legs and knees.

Furthermore, the GasGas persists with less common Torxs-head fork bleed screws rather than the trusty Phillips head, which is plain annoying for the uninitiated.

That said the GasGas wins back valuable points with its tool-less air filter removal. It also boasts tool-less suspension adjustment for both fork compression and rebound; the Yamaha offers tool-less fork compression adjustment only.

The GasGas seemingly provides minimal adjustment to get comfortable and is also the lightest 450 in the segment at present – approx. 107kg versus 108.9kg for the YZ.

Track test

Stark fundamental differences between the MC 450F and YZ450F are highlighted virtually within 100 metres of track time at Mt Kembla.

Japan versus Europe, aluminium frame versus steel frame, spring fork versus air fork – the contrast is quite telling on track for your humble correspondent and Glenn Kearney alike.

“There’s a completely different feel to either bike,” Glenn admits. “Both are similar on the stop watch but it’s been pretty exciting to test them back to back”.

Beginning with the GasGas, since it’s a bike we’ve already spent plenty of time aboard, the red machine quickly affirms itself as the softer, mellower option.

In the hands of an intermediate rider, the MC 450F instils confidence with its predictable and surefooted demeanour, relaxed engine and approachable chassis. The lightness of its controls is another huge talking point, with one-finger braking and a light yet predictable clutch feel.

All told, it’s a bike that is less forthcoming with suspension feedback but offers stability in droves: a combination of the older steel frame design and its WP air forks, which can occasionally feel a little dull at the initial part of the stroke (even when running the recommended 156psi  or 10.7bar on test) but offer linear progress thereafter.

A dead-feeling fork is hardly suspension nirvana, but in a strange way it conspires to deliver a calmer, more predictable riding experience on the MC 450F. Less manic at the controls, we found we could hold stronger speed across longer 20min motos, and felt less tired in general – a boon for vets or intermediate racers.

Furthermore, the engine eeks no nasty surprises in its delivery, working well with the five-speed transmission and hydraulic clutch to deliver predictable, seamless traction. Of the current 450 crop, it feels arguably less prone to overbearing engine inertia, and less susceptible to conking out through low-speed corners.

It makes for a decidedly different 450cc experience to most other contemporaries – KTM and Husqvarna’s newest offerings included.

“Initially you get the feeling that the GasGas is the heavier, more planted bike,” says Glenn. “It really absorbs everything and it’s probably more forgiving in terms of flex with the frame, the softer suspension and the more mellow power from the engine.”

How different the Yamaha YZ450F is as a direct comparison. Although Yamaha has sought to build a more user-friendly machine for 2023, in this company the blue bike still feels racey and aggressive.

The YZ450F engine has an incredible knack for delivering big power punches just as you need them, like recovering in time for a jump having just stuffed the corner beforehand or finding go-forward through slop.

The YZ450F mill is incredibly precise and accurate. But with power comes great responsibility: your throttle hand is ultra-connected to the rear wheel, and the YZ isn’t short on grunt.

“It is really responsive and one of the first things I noticed was the length of the gears and the tall ratios, it feels quite tall,” Glenn observes.

“You’re a gear lower on the Yamaha everywhere compared to the GasGas. It’s a different style of riding. So responsive.

“It revs a lot longer, so you can pull really hard out of corners, but by the flip of the coin, if you haven’t got your throttle control right you can be quite jerky out of turns. Where the GasGas is mellower and more rideable out of turns.”

In intermediate terms, the Yamaha’s eagerness to rev means you never quite screw on the throttle with the same confidence as the GasGas, and conversely you’re more wary of it conking out through slow turns. But a solitary 30 minute moto at the end of the test day reveals its does have a softer side that bears itself with some patience on your throttle hand, detailed gear selection and considered body positioning.

In short, work to the Yami’s strengths and it will work to yours. There’s lots of scope for building speed.

“It’s very precise, and it feels like you could change direction wherever you wanted, but it also takes a lot more effort to stay on top of it and keep it rolling like that,” says Glenn.

The Yamaha’s KYB SSS forks are feel relatively busy on test compared with the slower softer WP air forks fitted to the GasGas. But in the working-progress theme, we can safely say there’s huge scope to better tune the KYBs outside the standard sag measurement performed on test.

For proof, look no further than the gold-valved SSS forks fitted to our project Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke machine. They have been a revelation.

Otherwise, the YZ feels like a machine that would be less agreeable to amateur riders, but offers a great breeding ground for intermediate riders and above. Quicker guys especially will appreciate the balance, precision and electronic smarts.

Japan or Europe?

You could easily justify either of these machines for different styles of rider – the GasGas favouring guys and girls who might only ride once a month, the Yamaha rewarding the aggression and the higher demands of faster pilots.

In either case, the stopwatch reveals there’s little in it with Glenn Kearney aboard. The GasGas laps a 1:48.92min lap followed by a 1:49.62min lap, the Yamaha the serves up a 1:47.70min time followed by a 1:48.43min lap.

It makes for a hard decision, but ultimately, Glenn and your correspondent agree the Yamaha is the superior option.

With some more fine-tuning the 2023 Yamaha YZ450F can be all things to just about all 450 riders. Yet it is a bike the develops speed and rewards with its accuracy and agility.

The GasGas MC 450F still makes a convincing proposition – especially with current rebates – but the Yamaha YZ450F is a better execution of the brief, pushing it straight to the pointy end of the ever-changing 450 class.

ENGINE
Type: Four-stroke, single-cylinder
Capacity: 449.9cc
Bore x stroke: 96/63.4mm
Fuel supply: Keihin EFI, 44mm throttle body

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate, hydraulic
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Double-cradle steel
Front suspension: 48mm WP XACT air fork, 310mm travel
Rear suspension: WP XACT Monoshock with linkage, 300mm travel
Front brake: 260mm disc
Rear brake: 220mm disc
Tyres: Maxxis MaxxCross MX-ST – Front 80/100-21, Rear 120/80-19

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed kerb weight: 107kg (approx.)
Seat height: 950mm
Ground clearance: 370mm
Fuel capacity: 7.0 litres

OTHER STUFF
Ride-away price: $14,118 (or $12,618 after current rebates)
Colour: Red, white

ENGINE
Type: Four-stroke, single-cylinder
Capacity: 450cc
Bore x stroke: 97/68.8mm
Fuel supply: Mikuni EFI, 44mm throttle body

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate, cable

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Bilateral beam aluminium
Front suspension: 49mm KYB SSS spring fork, 310mm travel
Rear suspension: KYB single shock with linkage, 315mm travel
Front brake: 270mm disc
Rear brake: 240mm disc
Tyres: Dunlop Geomax MX33F – Front 80/100-21, Rear 120/80-19

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed kerb weight: 108.9kg
Seat height: 965mm
Ground clearance: 336mm
Fuel capacity: 6.2 litres

OTHER STUFF
Ride-away price: $14,499
Colour: Blue, white