Yamaha adds new anti-theft tech to 2026 off-road range

Yamaha’s updated 2026 off-road range includes a “world-first” lockable ECU function aimed at preventing theft. 

The innovative new technology allows users to lock the ECU and prevent the engine from being started, with Yamaha calling it a first for the industry. 

It will be standard fitment on all of Yamaha’s four-stroke off-road models including the WR enduro, YZ motocross, and FX cross-country models. 

Meanwhile, the Yamaha YZ450F motocross model has been reworked for 2026 with a new frame, a new hydraulic clutch, engine updates, and revised suspension.  

The engine benefits from a redesigned intake port that produces more “tumble effect” for more efficient combustion and improved torque, while the new hydraulic clutch replaces the traditional cable actuation and offers lighter feel and smoother action. 

Also new is the KYB rear shock, which is designed to enhance low-speed damping and improve damping transition between low and high speeds. The shock also now comes with a hand-operated low-speed compression clicker. 

The all-new frame is designed to balance rigidity and flex characteristics for “a calmer front-end feel” and enhanced stability. 

Elsewhere, the bike remains very much the same but there is updated styling and a new honeycomb-pattern seat cover to give the bike a fresh look. 

Pricing for the new MY26 YZ450F model starts at $15,549 ride away.

The Yamaha YZ125 has also been updated, and the YZ450FX now comes with a four-stage traction control system, but the remainder of the YZ, WR, and FX lineups remain largely unchanged. 

However, Yamaha is offering its YZ125, YZ250, YZ250F, and YZ450F models in a special-edition 70th Anniversary livery to celebrate the birth of Yamaha Motor Company in 1955.