Almost race-ready
I tested the 2011 Yamaha YFZ450R in Duhamel, Quebec, the ideal spot to push this aggressive machine to the limit. Anyway, you can't ride legally on regulated trails since there's no speedometer or mirrors.

Mud, sand, steep trails, ultra-tight closed tracks – the YFZ450R overcomes any obstacle and maintains a fast pace regardless of conditions. I immediately fell in love with the machine's rider-friendly and intuitive operation that contrasts with previous sport ATVs from this Japanese manufacturer.

Mud, sand, steep trails, ultra-tight closed tracks – the YFZ450R overcomes any obstacle and maintains a fast pace regardless of conditions. (Photo: France Ouellet)

It handles wonderfully in sand pits, especially around tight downhill corners where the nose remains firmly planted and the tail can slide exactly the way you want. In addition, the YFZ450R shows perfect balance during jumps and even requires no apologies after some rider distractions.

The engine delivers strong accelerations at medium revs and keeps pushing harder and harder as you near the redline. I felt like it could go on and on and never stop.

Gear calibration poses no problems at lower speeds, such as when crawling up or down a steep grade. Unlike many competitors, the first gear is better suited to the trail, and the second gear proves long enough to shoot you out of corners without the need to upshift. However, there are times when gear changes demand a certain effort and you surprisingly have to upshift twice.

What about traction? I threw the Yamaha YFZ450R into super-dry conditions including gravel and dusty sand, yet it fared pretty well despite not-so aggressive tires. The suspension also does a nice job provided that you allow it to cool down between rides. One thing's for sure: there's no shortage of travel.

The suspension also does a nice job provided that you allow it to cool down between rides. (Photo: France Ouellet)