Dirt Bikes

2025 Yamaha YZ450F Technical Information

Features and specifications of Yamaha’s MY25 450cc motocross bike.

August 13, 2024

Hard-working individuals just don’t take a break. Back in 2023, Yamaha released possibly the best production 450cc motocross bike ever produced. Extremely powerful, agile, and ergonomically comfortable were traits many had not associated with the Tuning Fork brand for quite some time.

The 2023 Yamaha YZ450F, and subsequent 2024 model, was a proven shootout winner. Which brings us to 2025: Instead of resting on its laurels, Yamaha further fine-tuned the already-potent YZ450F. Read on to learn more about the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F and see what changes bLU cRU made to an already-top-of-the-line package.

Back for more: the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F. With a local media introduction held at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, Dirt Rider was on hand to spin laps on the updated machine.Mark Kariya

A fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 450cc engine is the heart of the YZ450F. Bore and stroke returns with 97.0 x 60.8mm dimensions, as does the 13.0:1 compression ratio. The only visible engine-related update compared to the 2023 and 2024 models is the lack of a heat shield on the exhaust clamp.Mark Kariya

An exhaust shield returns on the shifter side of the engine, as does cable clutch actuation. Yamaha offers a hydraulic unit available through its Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) division and continues to recommend Yamalube oils, lubricants, greases, polishes, protectants, cleaners, and degreasers to keep your new Yamaha looking this factory fresh.Mark Kariya

Fuel injection is handled by a Mikuni 44mm throttle body. Yamaha has utilized this unique intake and exhaust orientation since 2010 on its 450cc motocrosser.Mark Kariya

The aforementioned reverse cylinder head design allows the muffler to be rather compact, and even the front of the can has to be indexed for rear tire clearance. Quite a bit of black plastic can be found on the YZ450F Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition (as pictured), though the Team Yamaha Blue option (which carries an MSRP of $9,999) retains a more traditional color palette.Mark Kariya

The only bulge in the otherwise sleek aesthetic is for muffler clearance. Be sure to reuse the rubber bumpers from the side panel when changing your plastics. Damage to the exhaust can or side panel plastic can occur without proper fitment.Mark Kariya

Air filter and gas cap arrangement on the 2023–2025 Yamaha YZ450F. No tools are required for removal/inspection of the air filter. The double joint and break in the seat cover is required for easier access to the gas tank, which returns with a 1.6-gallon capacity.Mark Kariya

Thin shrouds encompass the radiators and black louvers. A 1.1-bar radiator cap comes standard, though many factory mechanics prefer 1.8-bar alternatives.Mark Kariya

New lower engine mount brackets are claimed to increase rigidity with a single-piece design. Double stacked plates can be found on stock 2023 and 2024 models. Through-bolts still hold the triangular brackets to the main frame. Also pictured is one of two black plastic protection pieces Yamaha includes on every YZ450F: the water pump guard.Mark Kariya

The second black plastic protection piece is the rear brake caliper guard. A 240mm solid rear brake rotor and three-cross-spoke pattern return for 2025.Mark Kariya

There’s big news for 2025 at the front of the YZ450F: Updated fork settings and internal design. 5.0 Nm spring rates return, though new longer and softer pressure springs can be found inside. New delta-shaped rebound shims are said to provide more linear damping character at all piston speeds, while revised fork valving pairs with the revised settings and updated linkage ratio in the rear.Mark Kariya

No tools are required for fork compression damping adjustment; simply turn the black three-prong dial to suit your track’s conditions. Standard fork height setting is 5mm. Note the front brake line orientation in relation to other control cables: I’m tired of seeing riders, on all brands, get these important items crisscrossed and mixed up! Proper assembly and front brake line clearance are paramount to a smooth operating front end, clutch, and throttle hand.Mark Kariya

The rear suspension package also received numerous updates. An 18mm shock shaft returns, but the spring rate has been reduced from 58 Nm to 56 Nm. A new linkage ratio warrants the change, which is said to improve holdup when exiting corners, thereby increasing traction when accelerating.Mark Kariya

Pictured is a close-up of the new linkage assembly. Note that Yamaha still provides owners with a welded-on skid plate tab for future protection installation.Mark Kariya

YZ450F shock body and overall dimensions return unchanged for 2025. The blue 17mm nut is still the high-speed compression damping adjuster, with the silver screw housed inside being the low-speed compression damping adjuster. Rebound damping adjuster is still found down low, on the shock clevis.Mark Kariya

Another angle of the new, single-piece lower engine brackets. Also interesting to note is the width and strength of the frame Y. Yamaha’s reverse cylinder head design allows for more clearance in this area over any other modern four-stroke MXer.Mark Kariya

From this angle, one can see the foot controls and footpeg bracket shape change. Yamaha flattened out the top of the bracket, which interfered with some riders’ contact points on the 2023 and 2024 Yamaha YZ450F, and 2024 Yamaha YZ250F.Mark Kariya

Side view of the footpeg bracket and clutch cover. Although similar in appearance externally, the YZ450F clutch received numerous updates for 2025. An updated inner hub with increased oil flow (changing from 6 to 18 holes for improved cooling) and different rubber damper shape are said to improve reliability.Mark Kariya

The 2025 Yamaha YZ450F rear wheel and gearing remain the same for another year. Blue D.I.D rims continue to stand out.Mark Kariya

The 13/49 gearing and Sunstar rear sprocket return, as does the Dunlop Geomax MX33 120/80-19 rear tire. Historically, Yamaha’s YZ450F is one of the few 450cc MXers which benefits most from the increasingly popular 120/90-19 sizing.Mark Kariya

A Dunlop Geomax MX33 front tire in 80/100-21 sizing and 270mm floating front rotor return for 2025. While the rear wheel utilizes a three-cross lace pattern, the front wheel is a two-cross design. Nissin braking components are featured front and rear on the YZ450F.Mark Kariya

Nissin rear brake master cylinder and frame spar detail.Mark Kariya

Driveline shot of the YZ450F. The gold D.I.D chain is more durable than many competitors’ stock offerings. Orange roller affixed to the subframe: Yamaha continues to use an unsealed upper chain roller, though sealed units are available from aftermarket purveyors.Mark Kariya

“Thin” and “sleek” were two words rarely uttered in the presence of a YZ450F before 2023. This most recent shroud design is a very welcomed addition and one that allows riders of all shapes and sizes to properly grip their bike. The YZ450F has inlaid graphics on both the Team Yamaha Blue option as well as the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition we had the pleasure of shooting.Mark Kariya

Left radiator shroud and wiring orientation. Be sure to keep all connections properly cleaned and as dry as possible on modern EFI-equipped machines: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.Mark Kariya

On that theme, Yamaha beefed up its switch housing for 2025. Tripling as a map switch, kill button, and lap timer, the buttons are more recessed for durability and textured to increase feel. Don’t forget, Yamaha has one of the most tunable bikes in the class. Its Power Tuner app allows ECU adjustment, and offers varying levels of traction control, launch control tunability for starts, maintenance logs, an hourmeter, and more.Mark Kariya

The black electric starter button fires the YZ450F to life. A new throttle tube provides an additional 10mm of grip clearance, which Yamaha claims will decrease the dreaded YamaThumb wear and tear many riders have experienced in years past. Half-waffle, glue-on grips still come standard.Mark Kariya

Another returning item is Yamaha’s fun-size mini handlebar pad. A 1-1/8-inch handlebar remains OEM equipment and comes in a black finish.Mark Kariya

Yamaha offers four handlebar positions, allowing owners to customize their ride. Bar mounts in the rear holes and rotated forward is the stock orientation. Tall riders have two available positions which they can move the bar forward, while shorter riders have one option to flip the bar mounts rearward.Mark Kariya

The single texture, all-blue seat cover features a white Yamaha logo for 2025. From this angle, one can see the side panel and seat profile: Both the plastics and seat shape encompass Yamaha’s thin and sleek design objectives.Mark Kariya

If recent history is any indication, the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F will continue to impress new owners and test riders alike. With an MSRP of $10,199 for the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition that’s pictured, one of the most competitive bikes in class also features a competitive price tag.Mark Kariya

2025 Yamaha YZ450F Specs

MSRP:	$9,999/$10,199 (Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition)
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	450cc
Bore x Stroke:	97.0 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio:	13.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable 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; 12.4 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:	26.9°/4.7 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.8 in.
Claimed Seat Height:	38.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.6 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	240 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com