Yamaha Motor Australia have announced the 2020 YZ MX range, highlighted by the redesigned and updated YZ450F. The new model features a lighter and more compact engine, redesigned frame with new flex characteristics and host of other features, aiming to deliver a lighter, more powerful and better handling overall experience.
2020 Yamaha YZ450F announced!
Also returning for 2020 is the championship-winning Yamaha YZ250F, along with Yamaha’s two-stroke lineup featuring the YZ250, YZ125, YZ85/LW and YZ65. 2019 saw a major update to the YZ250F, with 2020 colours to be Team Yamaha Blue and White, as well as Grey, with pricing TBA.
The 2020 YZ125 and YZ250 also come fitted with race kits that include GYTR and HGS components, with pricing of the YZ two-stroke range to be announced as well.
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F boasts a host of updates for the new year model
2020 Yamaha YZ450F updates at a glance
- Lighter and more compact high-compression cylinder head
- New high compression, bridge-box designed forged piston with DLC coated piston pin
- More aggressive cam profiles
- New bar mounted map switch – blue button, dual function
- New free flow, high seal air filter system
- Yamaha bilateral beam aluminium frame featuring updated main spars
- New engine mounting points that centralise mass and provide an ideal rigidity balance
- Refined, speed-sensitive damping in KYB twin chamber forks
- Larger diameter front brake piston and increased caliper rigidity
- New brake pads with expanded pad area
- New lighter front brake rotor with expanded braking area
- New lighter and wider diameter rear brake rotor
- Lighter bar clamps
- New lighter front axle and triple clamp
- Stiffer seat foam for ease of rider movement
- New pattern Dunlop tyres for increased corner traction
- Weight shaved everywhere – from the footrests to the electrical system
- New graphics and grey colour option
2020 Yamaha YZ450F
2020 Yamaha YZ450F Update
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F has seen a major update and redesigned to provide a lighter, more powerful, and better handling motocross experience. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact and lighter cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles and more aggressive cam profiles.
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F features a redesigned engine
The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crank breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power.
2020 Yamaha YZ450F
The new motor is housed in the latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame, which has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics and provides improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder.
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F features Yamaha’s newest evolution of the lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame
Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class-leading KYB suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics are further refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance.
To bring the new package to a stop, the 2020 YZ450F features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear discs. The overall changes of the 2020 YZ450F deliver increased power output with more controllable linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics that mimic a YZ250F.
The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F also features updated brakes
Featuring Yamaha’s advanced racing technology, the 2020 YZ450F has been updated to give racers the edge right out of the gate. Standard equipment including electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, advanced fuel injection, and a wrap around rear-positioned exhaust deliver powerful and reliable performance featuring industry leading mass-centralisation.
Racers can also achieve quicker, smoother race starts with Yamaha’s Launch Control System, and adjust their on-track performance using a smartphone thanks to the Yamaha Power Tuner App, and choose between two user defined ECU maps on the fly with the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch.
2020 Yamaha YZ450F – Electric start is standard with a ride mode toggle and smart phone tuning available
The new 2020 YZ450F will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and White, and Grey – full pricing and availability information are to be announced.
2020 Yamaha YZ250F
Last year, the 2019 YZ250F introduced an all-new engine, frame, and bodywork with features never-before seen on a 250cc class motorcycle to deliver class-leading engine performance. Yamaha’s championship-winning design returns with the 2020 YZ250F.
2020 Yamaha YZ250F
Sporting an electric start, 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine housed in an aluminium bilateral beam frame and rolling with industry leading KYB suspension, the 2020 YZ250F provides the ultimate balance of race-winning performance, rideability and comfort. YZ250F also continues to feature Yamaha’s advanced racing technology including dual-mode switchable engine mapping and smartphone tuning capability.
2020 Yamaha YZ250F powerplant
You can check out our full launch report for the 2019 YZ250F here:
Review: 2019 Yamaha YZ250F Launch Report
The 2020 YZ250F will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and White, and Grey, availability and pricing is to be announced.
2020 Yamaha YZ125 & YZ250
Yamaha’s YZ125 and YZ250 models return for 2020 to complete Yamaha’s full-size lineup of motocross bikes. Lightweight aluminium frames, Yamaha’s patented Power Valve System and reed-valve inducted engines provide an incredible power-to-weight ratio while maintaining Yamaha’s excellent reliability and durability. Both the YZ125 and YZ250 each sport industry leading KYB spring-type fork and KYB rear shock for unmatched comfort and performance on the track.
2020 Yamaha YZ125
For Australia, both 2020 YZ125 and YZ250 are fitted with race kits that include GYTR by HGS exhaust systems, launch master holeshot buttons and alloy rear sprockets. Both models will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and White, pricing and availability are to be announced.
2020 Yamaha YZ85/LW & YZ65
Yamaha’s YZ85/LW and YZ65 are ready to tackle the track with winning performance out of the gate. They are respectively powered by 85cc and 65cc two-stroke engines featuring YPVS for broad, tractable power across the rev range without losing peak power at high RPM — improving rideability and reducing the need for frequent shifting.
2020 Yamaha YZ85
Industry-leading 36mm KYB spring type forks and KYB rear shock are fully adjustable for compression and rebound and contribute to class-leading handling and performance in a wide range of conditions.
2020 Yamaha YZ85
Four-way, adjustable handlebar positioning as well as lever reach adjustability are designed for ultimate rider comfort regardless of size. Finally, with 2-stroke ease of maintenance and Yamaha’s proven durability, the 2020 YZ85/LW and YZ65 are built to keep kids on the track.
The 2020 YZ85/LW and YZ65 come in Team Yamaha Blue and White – pricing and availability are to be announced.
2020 Yamaha YZ65
