The bLU cRU’s Red And White Version
Photos by Scott Hoffman
Yamaha introduced the 2017 YZ450F and Dirt Bike Test was at Glen Helen Raceway to ride it. The YZ450F didn’t receive many changes from the 2016 model year. The differences include new Dunlop MX3S tires, new rear brake disc rotor material for better durability, a new countershaft oil seal and oil strainer, recessed dzus fasteners on the airbox cover, and of course some new graphics. Most of the changes to the YZ450F were made to improve the reliability of the machine.
Time on the YZ450F was very familiar and that is a good thing for most. The bike has a lot of power everywhere and it is frankly explosive off the bottom. In a well ripped and loamy track like Glen Helen was prepped, this was fine. But we got out our trusty GYTR Power Tuner and worked on a few maps to tame the bottom so it was faster and easier to get to the bigger throttle openings without having to fight the bike in the turns.
The 450F is not a featherweight on the scale and looks are deceiving when riding the bike. It has a very light feel, even in the front end, although those use to the now common air fork can feel the slight weight difference up front. The YZ has been praised for the front fork performance (and even won some shootouts just because of this) and this year is no different. The suspension has a very plush and familiar feel and rivals air forks in the progressive nature without being too much so.
The 2017 Yamaha YZ450F retails for $8699 (the blue and red ones are the same price this year) and comes with a 30-day limited warranty. There are the bLU cRU benefits if you are racing with contingency and track-side support at a lot of the major events too. We’ll be working on a full test with more setting information in the coming days.
