2025 450 MX Bike Shootout | In Depth

The 2025 Yamaha YZ450F.

450 MX BIKE OF THE YEAR: 2025 YAMAHA YZ450F

Test Rider Scores: 1-1-1-1-1

Before the final day of comparison testing we weren’t sure that the changes made to the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F’s suspension package were an improvement. And to be honest, we’re still not sure. What we are sure of, though, is that for better or worse the YZ450F still stands above the rest and won this year’s Bike of the Year honors with a unanimous test rider vote. The Yamaha stands head and shoulders above the competition in the engine department; it’s fast-revving, boasts loads of torque, and is widely adjustable via the Yamaha Powertuner smartphone app. The YZ450F powerplant revs freely and this gives the bike a light feeling on the track. The new suspension settings give the bike a more rearward weight bias; some testers remedied this by raising the fork in the triple clamps to 5mm and raising the shock linkage to 103mm. (1-2mm and 106mm sag is suggested by Yamaha.) Bottom line? The YZ450F is versatile and responds well to a wide range of chassis setups to accommodate the preferences of most riders. The Kayaba fork remains the best in class with unrivaled plushness and great control through the stroke. Ergonomically, the Yamaha is narrow and easy to maneuver on…it’s almost hard to remember the days of previous generation YZFs that were obnoxiously wide and tough to corner on. The 2025 Yamaha YZ450F is tough to find fault with; it produces tons of power that is easily tuneable, has the best suspension in class, and handles among the best in class.   

Pat Foster on the Yamaha YZ450F.

“The Yamaha engine is nearly flawless with its combination of excitement and tractability. It hits hard, has good torque, and carries third gear better and more effectively than any other bike. At the same time, the YZ may not be the best cornering bike in the class but it is respectable and offers an agile feel that remains planted and confidence-inspiring in all conditions.” – Pat Foster

“I rode the Yamaha YZ450F last when the track was in the worst shape of the day, and I was honestly feeling the KTM 450 SX-F as my first choice. Within a couple of corners on the blue bike, though, I was reminded of how great the Yamaha performs in all aspects from power to suspension to handling.” – Donn Maeda

“The Yamaha YZ450F is unbelievable! The engine is so strong, with next-level aggressive power. The bike is super stable but predictable and easy to control in corners and super rough sections of the track. The fork is the best in class with great feel and comfort. – Eric Mascho

 “It took me a few laps to get comfortable on the Yamaha but I gained trust in it by the end of my first moto on it. The engine produces the best power in the class with amazing response down low that never stops pulling. The backward cylinder puts power to the ground like no other. It also has the best suspension of all the bikes- both ends are very plush with great holdup.” – Kyle Puerner

“Once I found the correct suspension balance for myself, the bike rode awesome. The new linkage helps the comfort but I had to run the sag at only 100mm to get enough weight on the front of the bike for my liking. The engine is the best in class. It produces exciting power with so much excitement and tunability via the Yamaha Power Tuner app.” – Alex Ray

TEST RIDER HITS

Massive power that is easily customized via the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app.

Best fork in class with unrivaled plushness.

Great cornering abilities with strong stability at speed.

Nice ergonomics that are easy to maneuver on.

Tool-free air filter access.

New throttle tube eliminates the dreaded “Yama-thumb” syndrome.

TEST RIDER MISSES

The crossbar pad offers minimal impact protection and is difficult to remove and reinstall after bar adjustment.

The stubby front fender still hasn’t grown on us.