2009 450 MX Shootout

Yamaha YZ450F
Yamaha is on the brink of big change. Its 2009 YZ450F features only modest changes from 2008, and the intelligent tweaking to chassis and drive components are those that can easily be put into radically new bikes featuring a new generation of engines more in trend with all this electronic business. But does it need another year to break into the top spot? Can a slightly redesigned bike beat all-new models? James Stewart says yes. Or maybe he's looking forward to next year.

Engine
* Smoothness returns for 2009, as it should since the powerplant is virtually unchanged in delivery and output.

* Traction hungry with an endless top-end and solid mid-range pulse of power.

* Quietest bike in real-world situations.

* Carbureted so well you could almost be fooled that it's fuel injected.

* Clutch work is necessary to boost bike off the bottom.

* Engine noise, especially in the clutch, is less than in previous years.

* Missing shifts still plagues this 450 on some tracks.

Chassis
* No longer the heavy bike in the class, the YZ-F feels lighter for '09.

* Stability leader in 450 motocross bikes with the top-end speed to match it.

* Almost magically, the YZ-F has gone from unpredictable turner two years prior to a bike that loves ruts-the deeper the better.

* Excellent bar bend and rider compartment geometry.

Suspension
* Plush and controlled initially with great bottoming resistance

* Arguably the best overall suspension in the class, though it's not far in front.

* Slight mid-stroke harshness in the fork is the only flaw.

Why The YZ450F Should Win
* This bike is just as fast as every other bike in the shootout. You just have to forget what you think fast feels (or sounds) like.
* Best suspension at race speed.
* History of durability looks to continue with updates to vulnerable engine components.
* Sometimes the bike a company builds right before a big change is the best bike they'll make in two or three years.

Why The YZ450F Shouldn't Win
* This is the last current-generation YZ-F. It's essentially a bike on the way out and is missing technology other bikes have embraced.
* If you despise catching your boot on the radiator shroud in deep turns, you'll curse the Yamaha.

This Is Your Bike If...
* You're smart enough to know that noise and an aggressive powerband do not equal faster lap times and stronger moto finishes.
* You own a 2007 or older YZ450F. This is an insanely better overall package.
* Traction turns you on.
* Suspension performance means more to you than having the newest trick pony.
* You're not really into energy drinks but love helmet cams.