In addition to improved shocks from the original
YFZ, different frame geometry also affects the
handling of the YFZ450X. The wide arc design
increases ground clearance, which was more than
adequate for our day out on the trails. The
eleven degree rake and longer a-arms of the
YFZ450X, give it improved suspension action,
reduced camber change and allows much easier
turning.
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The
Yamaha YFZ450X handled extremely well
under nearly every condition from high
speed turns to low speed technical trails |
The caster angle on the YFZ450R is set at 5
degrees, but the YFZ450X is set at 4 degrees,
which makes it much better suited for the woods
than the “R” model, and the YFZ450X
was a blast to ride on the Big Buck trails as
it handled extremely well in most situations,
and the only issue that we experienced was that
while dicing through some tight trees the front
end tended not to be responsive enough, which
we improved by increasing the toe-in by a ¼”
from factory spec, but we still wished that
it had a tighter turning radius for some 90
degree turns on the track. Despite these minor
issues, the YFZ X overall handling was great
for most 99% of the GNCC style course..
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testing out the YFZ450X for 2 laps around
the 10 mile long track, we decided to
move the handlebars to the forward mounting
position, which was done quickly and easily,
which is a really nice feature on the
YFZ450X, but afterwards, it was decided
the stock position worked best for Harlen
Foley who is only 5'10" tall, but
for taller riders or shorter riders there
are a total of 4 different mounting positions.
Also, Yamaha's Pat Biolsi adjusted the
wheel toe & slowed down the rebound
on the rear shock, and both improved the
feel on the track for the next lap |
The fuel injected engine of the YFZ450X is
the same as the YFZ450R, which sports a titanium
five valve head, integrated oil tank and lines,
a beefier case design, and a smoother counter
balancer, but the only difference between the
YFZ R & YFZ X is the fuel injection mapping
for each ATV. The YFZ450X has a more linear
power curve, which provided plenty of power
throughout the throttle range. We were really
impressed with the new throttle design compared
to the YFZ450 as it is easier to push, eliminating
“throttle thumb”.
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The
Yamaha YFZ450X performed extremely well
in the wet conditions during our test,
and after splashing through the creek
several times, the YFZ450X never sputtered,
so Yamaha appears to have done a nice
job with water protection |
The power of the YFZ450X is much smoother than
the original YFZ, yet it is very responsive, which
helps to decrease rider fatigue. We also really
liked that you can lug the YFZ450 X around through
the trees at low speed with out it wanting to
stall, and you didn’t need to be constantly
feathering the clutch to keep it running, which
will be really appreciated by anyone that rides
on tight trails. The other plus is that once he
hit a wide open sections and stab the throttle,
the YFZ 450X will immediately come to life and
deliver instant power to get moving in a hurry.
In the high speed sections, we felt the quad had
more than enough power from bottom to top, and
never once did we feel that it was under powered
for a stock machine.
