KIWI RIDER JULY 2020 VOL.2 | Page 15

and cornering performance while out the rear the KYB shock gets revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis. Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter front and rear brake calipers, larger surface area brake pads, and redesigned front (270mm) and rear (240mm) discs. Wireless tuning again makes an appearance via onboard wireless connectivity through Yamaha Power Tuner App. Once settings are dialled-in, riders can then choose between two userdefined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebarmounted dual-mode engine map switch. “ALSO NEW FOR 2021, THE YZ250F AND YZ450F WILL BE OFFERED IN SPECIAL MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA RACING EDITIONS BRINGING EVERYDAY RIDERS ACCESS TO A FACTORY RACE TEAM-INSPIRED AESTHETIC OFF THE DEALERSHIP FLOOR YZ450FX The 2021 YZ450FX features a new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine with an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crank breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power. The latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics that provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in any offroad condition. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class-leading KYB suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics, have been refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance. To bring the new package to a stop, the 2021 YZ450FX features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear disc. The combined changes to the new 2021 YZ450FX deliver increased power output with more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics that mimic the YZ250FX. To further showcase the YZ450FX’s cross country edge, electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, and advanced fuel injection are all standard features. The front-positioned intake and rear-positioned exhaust layout deliver the widest spread of reliable power while balancing the weight for excellent mass centralisation The 450FX also scores Yamaha’s dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity through the Yamaha Power Tuner App. This is in addition to the Yamaha Launch Control System. 2021 YAMAHA YZ PRICING YZ65 - $6999 YZ85 - $7899 YZ85LW - $8399 YZ125 - $11,199 YZ250 - $12,799 YZ125X - $11,499 YZ250F - $13,699 YZ250F (Monster Energy Edition) - $13,799 YZ250X - $13,199 YZ250FX - $13,999 YZ450F - $14,799 YZ450F (Monster Energy Edition) - $14,899 YZ450FX - $15,299 KIWI RIDER 15