Yamaha’s 2018 YZ450F breaks cover

Yamaha has divulged details of its 2018 YZ450F, with the model boasting the world’s first smartphone engine tuning app for a production motocrosser as well as electric start and a new engine, chassis, bodywork and more.

The smartphone tuner app connects the bike with its rider like never before, affording fuel and ignition mapping changes via the on-board Wi-Fi system. The system also allows the rider to monitor a range of bike settings along with diagnostics, maintenance schedules and engine run time.

Compatible with Apple or Android smartphones, the system even has the ability to share settings with other YZ450F riders.

New power
The new single-cylinder engine has a lighter cylinder head and the cylinder slant has been altered to accommodate the bike’s updated frame for optimised front weight distribution, while electric start has also been included thanks to a new, ultra-lightweight lithium-ion battery.

Inside the engine features new cam profiles, a new crankshaft, and a stronger high-compression box bridge piston design with DLC (Diamond-like-Carbon) coated pin, and it now breathes through a new 44mm Mikuni throttle body.

The transmission and clutch have also come in for an update, as have the radiators and exhaust.

Chassis update
Yamaha says an all-new bilateral beam frame has boosted upper rigidity while the rear frame spars and new engine mounts help centralise mass.

The Launch Control System has been retained for 2018, allowing riders to achieve smooth race starts first time, every time.

Meanwhile the seat is 9mm narrower and nearly 20mm lower at the tail end, while the ’bars are 5mm higher.

New KYB suspension has been employed at each end: a spring fork with speed-sensitive damping up front and a monoshock at the rear. A new top triple clamp reduces offset by 3mm to 22mm, increasing trail to 121mm for superior stability.

The swingarm, meanwhile, is 5mm shorter and 350g lighter.

In fact, weight has been shaved from a number of components, meaning the new bike is 1kg lighter than its predecessor – despite the addition of electric starting.

Finally, servicing the new YZ450F is even easier, thanks to a new quick-access airbox now secured by a single clip, instead of three. The filter cage is now clipped in, not bolted – so filter changes can be carried out completely tool free.

The 2018 Yamaha YZ450F will be officially released in Australia at the Coolum motocross track in Queensland on July 20, 2017, with stock available from dealers from August.

Priced at $12,399, the model will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, with a limited number (100 units total) available in Special Edition White.

See your Yamaha dealer for more information.

Related reading: 2017 Yamaha YZ250F