THE SMALL MOVERS The most updated bikes we rode were the YZ250F and YZ450F . Although both models have recently seen a full update , Yamaha has refined the packages ever so slightly , in the hopes to keep the competitive edge the brand has seen over the last few seasons . Both models feature revised suspension settings front and rear ( including the tool-free adjusters ), combined with a new rear linkage and revised rear shock lever ratio for improved traction and stability . Both models also went down with the spring rate on the shock , while the forks have newly shaped piston shims , plus they sport a new throttle tube , all-new kill / mapping switch and a grippy seat cover .
YZ450F 2023 saw an all-new chassis / bike for Yamaha ’ s big four-stroke . This 2025 model is the first with changes since the ‘ 23 bike hit the showrooms . I ’ ll say it … this motor has a lot of ‘ go ’. It ’ s damn powerful and keeping the front down during hard acceleration takes some technique . The re-designed shock linkage is said to help with rear wheel traction and potentially even raises the rear end a little , helping to keep the front end going more forward as opposed to more upward . This has been married to a softer spring to even out the changes . A riding position that ’ s a smidgen further forward results in being able to power out of corners and down straights with pretty good control of that wayward front end . The track we rode was a mixture of loam and powder , and throwing the 450 into the powder berms and powering out felt easy and controllable . Yep , I did get caught out a few times with too much traction and the front wheel lifting up , but I think after a few weeks I ’ d be able to understand the bike enough to eliminate those mistakes . The 450 forces a rider learning curve . Now , if you are thinking you can upgrade yourself a cheap ‘ 25 by bolting a new linkage on your 24 … you ‘ kind of ’ can . You also will need to update the shock spring ( which went down from a 5.8 to a 5.6 ) and also adjust the valving ( both ends ) to match the new linkage . Then
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