The YZ450F engine features a more compact cylinder head that has a redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles, and more aggressive camshaft profiles. The new piston has a higher compression, the connecting rod is longer, the transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a different crankcase breather system is designed to decrease pumping losses. According to Yamaha, these changes reduce the engine’s overall weight and enable it to produce increased power across the rpm range.
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The aluminum bilateral beam frame of the YZ450F has been redesigned to have different flex characteristics for better cornering performance, traction, and bump reaction. Other chassis components that have been revised include the engine mounts, top triple clamp, and front axle.
The KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) fork and KYB shock feature refined compression and rebound characteristics to improve handling and performance. A newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads, and front and rear disc round out the changes made to Yamaha’s flagship motocrosser for 2020. The YZ450F will be available in gray or Team Yamaha Blue beginning in July 2019 for $9,299.
After receiving a complete overhaul in 2019, the YZ250F gets new graphics for 2020 and will be available in gray or Team Yamaha Blue beginning in July 2019 for $8,199. Yamaha’s YZ125 and YZ250 two-stroke motocrossers return for 2020 with graphic updates as well. The YZ125 and YZ250 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue beginning in June 2019 for $6,499 and $7,399, respectively.
The YZ85 underwent a major overhaul in 2019 and the YZ65 was an all-new model for the Tuning Fork brand that same year. The YZ85 and YZ65 return for 2020 with new graphics and will be available in Team Yamaha Blue beginning in June 2019 for $4,699 and $4,599, respectively.
