CHASSIS
Yamaha’s engineers have been tweaking
away here, with the upper frame rails seeing
a reduction in wall thickness of 0.5mm,
while the engine cradle tubes are 0.5mm
thicker. Also getting an update are the engine
mounts. The top mounts are now 6mm steel
rather than 9.5mm aluminium, and the front
mounts have gone the other way from 8mm
steel to 8mm aluminium. Yamaha says the
changes reduced the frame’s reaction to hi-
speed impacts such as rhythm sections.
Also changed for 2020 are the fork top clamp
and front axle. Both have been redesigned
for a reduction in stiffness, which Yamaha
says, again, helps with hi-speed impact
reactions. This change to the top clamp also
moves the bars 15mm forward and 5mm
down helping the rider get over the front.
BAR-MOUNTED MAPPING SWITCH
New for this year is a map switch on the
bars, which, after being pre-programmed,
allows you to select one of two maps as you
ride, giving instant mapping changes. You
could, for instance, have an aggressive map
for fast, dry tracks and another with a softer
power delivery for slippery conditions.
SMARTPHONE POWER TUNER
Via Yamaha’s app, a rider can connect via
Wi-Fi to tune the fuelling and ignition, log
race settings, check diagnostic codes and
more. The app can monitor realtime engine
RPM, throttle position, battery voltage,
coolant temperature, air temperature and air
pressure.
Fuel can be added or removed according
to both throttle position and rpm, with up
to seven steps in either direction (plus or
minus). The ignition can be adjusted for
throttle position and rpm by up to -9°
and +4°.
BETWEEN YOUR LEGS
Yamaha has reduced weight from the frame
and softened the bottom chassis rails. I
think this definitely provides smooth and
comfortable feedback. The front fork setting
is slightly firmer to compensate for the
more flexible frame over last year’s model.
Depending on your weight and the terrain
you ride, you’ll have to work out a preferred
clicker adjustment setting.
At the back, setting the shock sag for your
own weight is really important. I found 104-
106mm rider sag to be the sweet spot for me
on this bike. There’s a very consistent and
predictable feel to the rear shock – it has a
typical ‘KYB feel’ to it to be honest.
Yamaha has put a big emphasis on making
the new generation bikes better balanced
and very planted. For a 450, getting this
bike turned feels like a breeze, and I’d say
it feels slightly more planted than the 2019
version, something which really gave me
the confidence to attack corners. Overall I’d
say the chassis is another step in the right
direction with all the small tweaks making a
noticeable difference to the bike as a whole.
OVERALL
I’m looking forward to throwing a leg over
the new bike here in NZ soon, and really
getting it fine tuned and dialled for me. The
ability to have such a well-balanced bike
straight from the factory with an engine that
produces such usable power is impressive to
say the least. Yamaha has taken another step
in the right direction with the 2020 450.
KIWI RIDER 63