2023 Yamaha YZ450F vs 2019 YZ450F Back to Back

23 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition vs 19 Yamaha YZ450F ridden Back to Back!

Back to back rides are a great way to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike. Thoughts on each bike and how they compare...

2019 YZ450F
This bike belongs to my buddy Mark and working with Levi Kilbarger at Kilbarger Suspension they have really dialed in this 19 YZ450F. This YZ450F engine runs clean with strong initial throttle response and lots of barky low to mid power . This is a very strong running YZ450 and feels little more strong low to mid compared to my '23 YZ450F. The KYB forks with Race Tech Gold Valves are planted and plush with excellent bottoming resistance - I like this setting . The rear shock felt plush on the little chop. With 75 hours on the bike the chassis and the suspension felt very comfortable to ride. The YZ450 has an excellent stability at speed.

Negatives: The 2019 YZ450F felt heavier in motion - less playful and took more effort to change direction. The more compact rider triangle and wider radiator shrouds are noticeable


2023 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition
The YZ450 is all new for 2023. For me the engine stands out on the YZ450 and dominates the character of the whole bike. The engine is so free feeling with 2-stroke like throttle response that builds RPM and power quickly and controllably and with low engine braking and very little engine vibration. With 12~14 lbs of fuel located under the seat at the center of gravity (CG) of the bike, the tilted back cylinder head, and the air box behind the steering head overall mass centralization plus the free feeling engine combine to make the YZ450F feel very agile and lightweight in motion - more like a 350F. The KYB suspension is firmly damped and minimizes fore/aft chassis pitch under acceleration and braking. This is the most agile and quick handling YZ450 to date with a chassis that responds to rider inputs. This quickness helps in the corners and makes the front end feel a little busy and less planted at speed. The updated ergo's feel thin with excellent footpeg/seat/handlebar layout especially for taller riders.

Negatives: The YZ450 is tall and this is noticeable especially in the corners. The front end can feel a little busy at speed.

Summary:
The previous generation YZ450F is a well sorted moto bike with a stable and predictable chassis, plush suspension, and powerful engine.

The all new 2023 YZ450F has a unique layout with a focus on mass centralization and quick revving engine...a 450 that feels like an agile 350