Yamaha says its 2018 YZ450F is all-new for 2018 including the engine, frame and styling, and gains a smartphone app to tune the motor.
While it’s sticking with the reverse-cylinder engine layout of the previous model, the 2018 bike has an electric start. The cylinder head is new and lighter than before, and the engine’s angle in the chassis is altered to improve weight distribution. A new crankshaft, cams and pistons, along with a new throttle body, add weight to the ‘all-new’ claim.
Below it, the gears are revised and strengthened, and everything is cooled via larger radiators.
Most notably, the motor is accompanied by an iOS and Android ‘Yamaha Power Tuner’ smartphone app. It lets riders dial in their engine map to suit their style and track conditions. Ignition and fuel map changes can be made wirelessly, with a log function to keep notes of settings, locations and conditions. It also operates as a limited datalogger and diagnostic system.
That new engine is bolted to an aluminium frame that’s claimed to improve handling. Changes to its bracing and rigidity as well as mass-centralisation are said to give better feel and response.
Over the top there’s a dressing of redesigned bodywork to give a sharper style than before. The fuel tank is shrunk to 6.2 litres, making the bike slimmer, and the seat width is reduced to match.
It all runs on KYB suspension. The fully-adjustable forks have speed-sensitive damping, while the rear shock gets a larger reservoir to give more consistent damping performance.
It’s all very clever, but the smartphone integration – while a headline-grabber – does beg questions over the 2018 YZ450F’s long-term longevity. Riders in future classic motocross competition might find it a struggle to find the hardware and software needed to access the system. It’s already a problem for people lucky enough to own old MotoGP bikes (not to mention old 1980s and 1990s racing cars), which are heavily reliant on now-outdated computer interfaces and unavailable software to keep them running.
