70 Years And Counting
Yamaha unveiled the 2026 YZ, YZ X, and WR models with significant changes to their flagship model, the 2026 YZ450F, as well as some minor updates to the YZ125 and 70th Anniversary colorways to commemorate the birth of Yamaha Motor Co in 1955. All four-stroke competition models including the 2026 YZ250F, YZ450F, YZ250FX, YZ450FX, WR250F and WR450F now receive an industry-first ECU lock function providing theft deterrence by allowing owners to prevent unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock function accessed through the Power Tuner app.
The flagship YZ450F boasts a revised frame, suspension settings, engine updates, and styling cues. The goal for the updated 450F was to increase ridability, making it “easier to ride faster for longer.” The YZ engine is one of the best in class, but it receives a “revised intake port design, air intake and exhaust achieving a more connected, linear response in the low- to mid-range for enhanced control, while still maintaining the YZ450F’s renowned top-end power.” As sound regulations change, the OEMs are all implementing quieter mufflers at their own pace. Kawasaki was the first to do so with the 2024 KX450, and Yamaha has now joined the party for 2026 with their 450F. Being the fastest engine in the class, there was power to spare for most riders and we hope to see a similar engine character on track with the updates the motor has received.
The chassis has also been updated with a revised frame that features a thinner downtube is claimed to increase stability and offer better front end feel and cornering. The front end of the current chassis has a firmer feel to it and has taken us some time to learn and find comfort in an off-road setting, so this could be a positive change to increase comfort out of the YZ. To match the new frame, Yamaha updated the KYB suspension settings.
The new 2026 YZ450F will be available from dealers this August in Team Yamaha Blue for $10,299 MSRP; and the 2026 Yamaha 70th Anniversary Edition YZ450F will be available from dealers this October for $10,499 MSRP.
The 2026 Yamaha YZ125 features key changes aimed at engine performance with “updated intake design and revised carburetion and CDI settings for more consistent performance in varying conditions, more linear power delivery and enhanced rideability.” The new 2026 YZ125 will be available from dealers this August in Team Yamaha Blue for $7,199 MSRP; and the new 2026 YZ125 70th Anniversary Edition will be available from dealers this October for $7,399 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ250F will be available from dealers this August in Team Yamaha Blue for $8,899 MSRP; and the new 2026 YZ250F 70th Anniversary Edition will be available from dealers this October for $9,099 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ250 will be available from dealers this June in Team Yamaha Blue for $8,099 MSRP; and the new 2026 YZ250 70th Anniversary Edition will be available from dealers this October for $8,299 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ85 will be available from dealers this June in Team Yamaha Blue for $5,099 MSRP. The new 2026 YZ85LW will be available from dealers this June in Team Yamaha Blue for $5,299 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ65 will be available from dealers this June in Team Yamaha Blue for $4,499 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ450FX will be available from dealers this September in Team Yamaha Blue for $10,199 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ250FX will be available from dealers this September for $9,099 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ250X will be available from dealers this June in Team Yamaha Blue for $8,199 MSRP.
The new 2026 YZ125X will be available from dealers this June for $7,299 MSRP.
The new 2026 WR450F will be available from dealers this September in Team Yamaha Blue for $10,299 MSRP.
The new 2026 WR250F will be available from dealers this September for $9,199 MSRP.
