Honest Thoughts On The ALL NEW 2023 Yamaha YZ450F...

The Yamaha YZ450F is without question the most highly anticipated bike of 2023. All-new from the ground up, the bike is six pounds lighter, noticeably thinner between your legs, more powerful than before, and better looking, to boot! There is no denying the fact that the Yamaha engine has been a beast ever since the brand reversed the cylinder head. Something about the design - we suspect the super-straight, downward air intake - and the rearward-slanted cylinder head; produces massive horsepower and enjoys better forward traction than any other powerplant in the class. The new YZ450F engine is even more wicked, with a big hit down low that transforms into a massive mid-range and top-end that doesn't quit. The power is so abrupt, though, that most of our testers rode with the optional second map which is smoother and more tractable.