Cypress, CA (9/14/2011) - Yamaha
Motor Corp., U.S.A., the world’s leading
sport ATV manufacturer, is introducing a new YFZ450
with increased power and performance. The 2012
YFZ450 is priced at $6,799 – approximately
$200 less than the original YFZ in 2004 and more
than $1,200 less than the closest competing 450cc
model – making it the most affordable high-performance
450 ATV on the market today.
“The YFZ’s price is aimed squarely
at the many sport ATV enthusiasts who have been
affected by the down economy and may not be in
a position to purchase today’s premium-priced
450-class quads,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s
ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “We
know these guys are either still riding or at
least still want to ride, and we want to give
them an affordable option right now.”
The new YFZ features an updated 449cc liquid-cooled,
double overhead cam four-stroke, five valve engine
featuring 95mm bore and 63.4mm stroke. Yamaha
engineers significantly increased the low- and
mid-range power (compared with the previous 2009
YFZ450 model) by revising the cam profile and
timing and developing new ignition mapping. The
new larger 42mm Mikuni® BSR carburetor with
throttle position sensor maintains the top-end
performance while improving throttle response
and significantly reducing throttle effort.
“Our core sport customer’s first priority
right now is price, but they still demand performance
and quality,” Nessl said. “Yamaha
is able to combine all of these customer’s
priorities in the new YFZ450.”
The YFZ’s power is complemented by its light
weight, compact steel frame with aluminum sub
frame and its proven handling characteristics.
The new YFZ with its rigid cast aluminum swingarm
and aluminum upper A-arms help keep weight down
while maintaining performance.
The new KYB front shocks feature 9.1 inches of
travel while the rear suspension system uses a
piggyback Showa shock with 10.6 inches of travel.
The new wheel was designed with the inner lip
rolled in increasing rigidity and allowing a reduction
in weight while maintaining strength, and the
new Dunlop® tires (21x7R-10 in front and 20x10R-9
in back) were designed specifically for this YFZ.
Twin hydraulic front brake calipers with 127mm
discs and a hydraulic dual-piston caliper 173mm
rear disc bring the stopping power.
The 2012 YFZ also has a ratchet-type five-speed
transmission and heavy-duty clutch adding to the
machine’s improved comfort on long rides.
The standard push-button electric start and Yamaha
flip-style parking brake are added benefits. Its
large capacity air box features no-tool access
to the extra large oiled dual-foam filter for
easy maintenance.
“The 2012 YFZ450 is the right sport ATV
for the right price at the right time,”
Nessl said. “This machine has a powerful,
quick-revving engine in a lightweight and nimble
chassis. Yamaha is more involved in the world
of sport ATVs than any other manufacturer, and
the new YFZ is another way we can support these
customers.”
The new YFZ450 will start arriving at Yamaha dealers
by the end of September, and it launches into
an immediate pool of parts and accessories –
more than 90 GYTR® items from Yamaha and countless
aftermarket products.
The YFZ450 comes in Black Metallic or all White.
The White models come with the customer’s
choice of one of eleven available free custom
graphics kits from One Industries. More information
on the YFZ450 is at
www.Yamaha-Motor.com.
More information on the graphic kit promotion
is at:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/atv/atvgraphics.aspx
Yamaha will also continue to offer the highest-performance,
race-dominating YFZ450R for 2012, which was previously
announced in June. A new black and yellow special
edition has been announced for this fall.
About Yamaha Motor
Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a
leader in the motorsports market, makes the
toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and
Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding
product offerings also include motorcycles,
outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles,
boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines,
accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products
are sold through a nationwide network of dealers
in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress,
Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha
also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia,
as well as factory operations in Tennessee and
Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit
www.yamaha-motor.com.
