I like the tool-less airbox and filter setup ; servicing looks simple enough to be fast . The fuel cap could be a bit of a pain mid-race if the FX model has the same filler . The forks have tool-less compression clickers , which is something of a step forwards in convenience . Potentially , my only real dislikes are the prone water pump lines with a flimsy deflector on the YZ250F engine and radiator bracing - which may not affect most people , but I ’ ve had one too many random knocks over time to ignore that completely .
YZ450F - ENGINE Yamaha claims the engine has a very broad range , but I was still expecting arm wrenching power . I was actually impressed with the power delivery and throttle response , which left me wanting to feed it gear after gear . I didn ’ t find there was too much punch on this partially slick track or that it was tiring to ride . I didn ’ t have the front wheel lifting too much or find a touchy throttle that lurched from low revs . It ’ s a full-on , full-fat motocrosser , but it has real manners , delivering power to the ground so it ’ s able to be ridden harder for a longer time . Notably , I think the 450F has the kind of power that I ’ d be able to trail ride my kids without frustration , then it could be thrown at a race without pissing about - and it won ’ t disappoint . Flipping between the maps loaded on the bar switch was easy while riding . You could set up two very dramatically different power settings and swap between them ( rather than some factory test rider ’ s preference ). If you go back a few years , this would have taken significant engine changes and cost , but it ’ s now at your fingertips . If you ’ re less fit , it can still be a funmotor ... just remove the bit that leaves skids in your undies and job done .
YZ450F - CHASSIS I found the bike immediately comfortable . I weigh 84kg ( plus gear ) and it didn ’ t take much to feel somewhat safe on the bike and , to tell you the truth , jumping on an unknown bike on an unknown wet track did have me a little
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