First Impression: 2025 Yamaha YZ450F
Words and Photos: Scott Hoffman
Let’s cut to the chase of what most of you want to know. Is the 2025 YZ450F better than the 2023-2024 model? They are mostly identical but not totally the same—the 2025 has been updated. Spending one day on the bike at Glen Helen with two different test riders, and having the chance to ride both the 2024 model back-to-back with the 2025, both test riders said they are different.
The biggest changes took place with the chassis and the suspension. The rear linkage has been updated with a stiffer linkage curve and they dropped the spring rate to 56NM from 58NM. The front fork has updated valving, new delta-shaped rebound shims, as well as pressure spring length and preload. The lower engine brackets go from a two-piece design to a single solid mount.
Although it’s not specifically noted, the 2025 power delivery is different than the 2024 with a revised standard engine map setting.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
In simple terms, More Better Motorcycle. The chassis stability has been improved and there is slightly less pitch in the bike and the front end is more stable, especially on downhills and while entering Glen Helen’s classic chop-filled corners. The suspension is more compliant through squared-edged bumps and seems to float over the chop better than the 2024. It’s not night and day but it’s all noticeable changes all in the right direction. The 2025 is set up very well regarding clickers. Yes, we made changes and we noticed subtle changes to clickers do make a difference on the track. Be sure to only make one click or no more than 1/8 on the high-speed compression at a time when testing. We had no issues setting the bike up for a 165-pound rider and a 195-pound rider.
We also believe that some of the new chassis feel also contributes to the slight mapping changes to the 2025. The YZ450F is a rocket ship and the 2023-2024 is a beast to some riders, especially vet riders. Yes, they are a blast to ride and you feel like a hero, but after a handful of laps that can wear on a rider depending on skill level. We often did some mapping in the past to mellow out the hit and sometimes even turned on the traction control using the app.
The 2025 is still fast and has the same power character as before, yet it feels more rider- friendly. Combined with the suspension changes, the engine is not as explosive exiting corners and is less apt to wheelie as before. The power is robust in the mid yet slightly smoother and easier to ride. One of our test riders commented that it still has over-rev to hold a gear (mostly second) but because it kind of flattens out a little more than the 2024, it’s way easier to control.
The slight change in the mapping was well-received during our one-day impression. Yet note that the Yamaha Power Tuner is still right there to customize the power delivery.
It’s not easy to beat the YZ450F because it does so much well. When you have a solid engine and suspension, it’s hard to critique other parts of the machine. The YZ takes a day to adjust to the intake sounds if you are not familiar with it. Other bikes might turn slightly better mid-corner, some might feel a little slimmer around the tank area, but none of these things are deal breakers.
Yamaha has always been one of the bikes many of our test riders would pick if they had to race a bone-stock 450 motocrosser with no changes. In the end, the more compliant suspension settings combined with a slight tweak to the power delivery has kicked the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F up another notch when it comes to straight-off-the-showroom 450s.
