2022 Yamaha YZ450F & YZ250F Updates
Alongside updating the two-stroke YZ models, Yamaha have also unveiled a number of tweaks for the YZ250F and YZ450F four-strokes, which while not as big as the latest updates to the two-stroke YZ125, further polish these popular and proven four-stroke machines that forged the modern four-stroke revolution in motocross.
2022 Yamaha YZ450F
For the 2022 YZ450F, Yamaha’s focus was on reducing unsprung weight and revising the suspension to match.
Reducing that un-sprung weight is an updated rear wheel, which includes a new cast aluminium hub which is lighter and thinner without trading off strength.
Also new is the cush-drive, along with the use of a lightweight rear sprocket and chain to further reduce driveline inertia and reduce weight. A three-cross-spoke pattern is also found in the rear wheel, helping impact absorption and feel according to Yamaha.
The KYB coil spring fork and shock combo feature revised settings to take advantage of the weight savings, while offering full adjustability, with improvements made to corner stability and bump absorption.
New graphics are embedded for durability and scratch resistance, with compact bodywork incorporating a narrow tank and flat seat for better control.
Powering the YZ450F is the liquid-cooled 450 cc four-stroke powerplant, with Yamaha Power Tuner, electric start, Launch Control System and two mode adjustable engine maps, which can be switched through at the press off a button.
The aluminium bi-lateral beam frame continues, as does the 270 mm front wave rotor and 240 mm rear. Travel is 310 mm at the front and 317 mm at the rear, with 330 mm of ground clearance, and a wet weight of just 111 kg. Seat height is 965 mm and the fuel tank holds 6.2 L. Standard fitment are Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyres.
The 2022 Yamaha YZ450F is available in dealers now. The Team Yamaha Blue version for $13,499 RRP, or in the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition for $13,649 RRP.
2022 Yamaha YZ250F
Like the YZ450F, the YZ250F receives an update for 2022, incorporting the new lighter and thinner rear wheel hub, cross-three-spoke lacing and a new 2.15 inch rear rim, which will be running a 110 width Dunlop Geomax MX33 for an increased footprint, traction and absorption under hard acceleration.
The suspension settings have been revised to best take advantage of the updates and are fully adjustable units, alongside the aluminium bilateral beam frame and 270 mm and 240 mm front and rear brake setup, with a rigid front caliper and aggressive pad material for maximum braking performance.
New for 2022 is the updated graphics scheme on the Yamaha Blue with embedded graphics for scratch resistance and durability, as well as blacked out radiator louvres. Also available will be the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition colour scheme.
The YZ250F continues to run the liquid-cooled four-stroke 250 cc engine, with reverse cylinder head layout, aggressive cam profiles and high spec piston. The Yamaha Power Tuner app allows fuelling and ignition timing tuning via your smartphone, with two adjustable engine maps, switchable on the run, while an electric starter is also standard.
The air cleaner cover can also be removed without tools, there’s a large diameter clutch designed to withstand high heat conditions with cable operation, lightweight tapered aluminium bars, and four-position handlebar mounts.
Seat height is 970 mm and wet weight 106 kg.
The 2022 Yamaha YZ250F is available now in Team Yamaha Blue for $12,449 RRP, while the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition (SP Edition) won’t arrive till September, and will be $12,549 RRP.
