With increasingly competitive ATVs such as the QuadRacer LT-R450 and the two SX models from KTM, Yamaha had to respond. Their answer? The YFZ450R, a machine aimed at the most demanding riders on the most technical and challenging trails.

Looks like it works, considering the multiple victories and top 3 finishes earned by this Yamaha since the latest redesign, which included a cast-aluminum swingarm, electronic fuel injection, as well as a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The YFZ450R has managed to rise above the competition and plans on staying there for a while.

The YFZ450R has managed to rise above the competition and plans on staying there for a while. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Sharper chassis
There's no denying it at first glance: this is a race-minded ATV. Low, wide and tightly assembled, it provides the rider with plenty of room and freedom to move over the machine. What's more, the revised and improved geometry really impresses. The squat rear end and slightly jacked front (courtesy of a double-wishbone suspension) seem like the perfect combination to enhance grip in corners and under braking.

Built mostly from aluminum and using tubular steel bits in the lower section, the chassis is now bolted instead of welded, allowing easy repair and replacement in the event of a collision. The three shocks (two front, one rear) offer adjustable preload, low/high-speed compression, and rebound; factoring in the sag, they keep the tires on the ground when riding over small bumps. Available travel amounts to 249 mm up front and 279 mm in the back.

Advanced engine
While the folks at Yamaha mainly focused on the chassis, they made sure not to overlook the engine so as to maximize the potential of the YFZ450R. The result is a cutting-edge, 449cc, fuel-injected single-cylinder.

The dry-sump lubrication system carries oil inside an aluminum tank directly in front of the engine. Five titanium valves and a short-skirt piston help boost the compression ratio to 11.6:1. Meanwhile, the 5-speed manual transmission benefits from new gear ratios to make better use of the more abrupt power curve.

The 449cc single-cylinder now benefits from state-of-the-art technology, including electronic fuel injection. (Photo: Yamaha)