Dirt Bikes

2026 Yamaha YZ450F Technical Overview

Highlights of Yamaha’s 450cc motocross bike in 2026, and some of its features and specifications.

Updated: October 9, 2025

The 2026 Yamaha YZ450F received significant updates aimed at enhancing its handling and power delivery. Visually, the differences on the 2026 model are hard to notice, so we’ve compiled the updates and technical highlights that Yamaha has incorporated into the 2026 YZ450F in this article.

The 2026 Yamaha YZ450F features a new frame, bodywork, a revised power delivery, and more.Jeff Allen

The 2026 YZ450F engine has a new cylinder head with a redesigned elliptical intake port shape. It features a steeper port angle to produce a stronger tumble into the cylinder, resulting in improved combustion.Jeff Allen

The 2026 YZ450F engine features a heavier flywheel, increasing inertia by 8%. The intake camshaft is advanced 3 degrees for improved low rpm power. Inside the crankcase, piston oil sprayer angle has been changed for better piston cooling.Jeff Allen

The engine temperature sensor housing has been updated from plastic to aluminum for reliability.Jeff Allen

A resonator has been added to the header pipe. Muffler core size increased by 3.6mm to 48.6mm, featuring a cone baffle at the inlet and perforated tailpipe at the outlet. Mounting angle of the muffler is 1.6 degrees down and overall length of it is 50mm (2 inches) shorter. This is all in an effort to meet the 109-decibel sound regulations.Jeff Allen

Yamaha redesigned the airbox by adding a resonator and duct to help reduce intake noise.Allan Brown

The 2026 YZ450F comes standard with an all-new Nissin hydraulic clutch. This system on the 2026 model is not interchangeable with the Brembo option available as an accessory through Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) for 2023–2025 YZ450Fs.Jeff Allen

Because the new main frame has a larger downtube to increase rigidity around the steering stem and is thinner at the bottom of the wishbone front engine mount area, the engine mounts have also been updated. Front engine brackets are thinner by 2mm (8mm to 6mm) and the upper head stay brackets have different thicknesses—the right one is 4mm thick and the left one is 6mm thick.Jeff Allen

KYB shock on the 2026 YZ450F is completely redesigned with a larger body, bigger base valve assembly, and a new six-hole main piston. It also features a tool-free low-speed compression damping adjuster. Shock spring is unchanged with a rate of 56 Nm.Jeff Allen

The KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) 48mm coil-spring fork has revised valving to match the new shock and frame. Spring rate remains the same at 5.0 Nm.Jeff Allen

Engineers lightened and relocated the upper chain roller without changing chain torque effect on the chassis.Jeff Allen

The 2026 YZ450F has a new, unique one-way gripper seat cover. It allows the rider to move forward easily but prevents them from sliding backward.Jeff Allen

With all the engine changes to meet sound restrictions, Yamaha increased rear sprocket size from a 49-tooth to 51-tooth.Jeff Allen

The YZ450F continues to offer four different handlebar mounting positions.Mark Kariya

Electronics suite includes Wi-Fi to connect with Yamaha’s Power Tuner app, which features tuning software that allows users to personalize EFI settings.Mark Kariya

A rider-activated lap timer is another feature of the Power Tuner app, which is accessible via the handlebar-mounted engine map switch with blue light on. Also new for 2026, the user can lock the ECU, meaning the bike will not start until unlocked by the owner’s personal PIN code.Jeff Allen

Except for the radiator shrouds, bodywork has been updated throughout. A new rear fender makes it easier to grab and lift the bike onto a stand. Side panels are two-piece, making it easier to service the shock, and the new front number plate has a slimmer design.Jeff Allen

The Tuning Fork brand offers the 2026 YZ450F in its standard Team Yamaha Blue and a 70th Anniversary Edition with white and red speed block livery. The former retails for $10,299 while the latter is priced at $10,499, and the bike is available in both colors now.Jeff Allen

2026 Yamaha YZ450F Specs

MSRP:	$10,299/$10,499 (70th Anniversary Edition)
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:	450cc
Bore x Stroke:	97.0 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio:	13.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel System:	Mikuni EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Aluminum bilateral beam
Front Suspension:	KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) 48mm coil-spring fork, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.6 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/80-19
Rake/Trail:	27.5°/4.8 in.
Wheelbase:	58.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.6 in.
Claimed Seat Height:	38.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	243 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com