Opinions
Overall, the YZ450F is very good, but I generally like to pick out a few strong and weak points I find during my first riding impression. A lot more strong points come to mind and hardly any weak points. The ergonomics and suspension fit my riding style and size perfectly. When I compared the '07 with the '06, I could feel the rigidity was less in the chassis, and that is a noticeable improvement for me. I am not an aggressive rider. I prefer comfort over stability, yet this bike had good comfort without the sacrifice of stability. I would recommend this bike for any level of rider.
The chassis was more comfortable from being less rigid in the front end without losing stability. Concerning suspension, there was no bottoming issues or harsh feeling. I am not very tall, but this bike fit me very well. I never had a problem starting this bike hot or cold.
Among the bike's weak points was acceleration. This is hard to justify as a weak point, but I feel it could use more low-end to speed up the reaction time coming out of corners. The track had good traction, so wheelspin was not a problem. I am sure that if the track was dry, I would not have noticed this as much. The grips were hard for my noncallused hands; I like a soft compound.
-Joel Albrecht/5'7"/150 lb/Vet Pro
For me, the 2007 YZ450F is a waiting game. I'm waiting for the other riders to get done so I can move the bar mounts forward and go have some fun. The new bar bend is a help, but I'd still need to move the mounts forward and up a bit. Then I could have some real fun on this bike. I'm not sure that I don't like the '06 engine spec better, but these new Yamahas work very well for me. I like the solid and stable feeling they impart. They turn fine at my speed, and they work great in the rough and over jumps.
-Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/Senior Intermediate
I'm going to tackle the power/sound thing head on right here with this bike. It takes balls to do what Yamaha did. It actually sacrificed some power feel for making a quieter bike. Now I know every one of you really thinks that you need all the power you can get. Well, before you bolt on that loud aftermarket pipe to "boost" your YZ's pull, take some lap times, before and after-I dare you. If you and some of our test riders think this YZ isn't pulling, why isn't the throttle turned farther? Twist it more! This thing is as much of a rocket as any 450 out there, and it is going to help keep tracks open. I have no issues with the power; it is smooth, fast and quiet! Oh, and it has way better steering feel, too!
-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/180 lb/Vet Pro
Specifications
MSRP: $6999; white/silver, $7099
Weight (ready to ride, no fuel): 232 lb
Seat height: 37.2 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 20.7 in.
What's Hot
Quiet exhaust note and smooth power that is easy on the rider.Solid chassis feel.New tapered bar bend adds room to the riding position.Great front-end feel.Easy-to-move-around-on ergos.What's Not
Pulling a tall gear doesn't always work.Some riders' boots catch on radiator shrouds.