The 2026 Yamaha YZ450F receives a significant update, including a refreshed look for the 70th Anniversary Edition model that pays homage to Yamaha’s involvement in motorsports. These models showcase a modern interpretation of Yamaha’s iconic white and red speed block livery. (Several of Yamaha’s 2026 MX and off-road models will offer this option.) The new YZ450F boasts a redesigned frame, updated suspension that includes a new KYB shock and revised fork settings, engine enhancements, and bodywork refinements.
They YZ250F returns unchanged except for updated graphics, including 70th Anniversary Edition coloring.
The new 2026 YZ450F will be available from dealers in August in Team Yamaha Blue for a $10,299 MSRP. The 2026 Yamaha 70th Anniversary Edition YZ450F will be available from dealers in October for a $10,499 MSRP.
2026 Yamaha YZ450F Specifications
| MSRP | $10,499 |
| Engine | 450cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke; 4 titanium valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 97.0 × 60.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Mikuni fuel injection, 44mm |
| Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Front Suspension | KYB spring-type fork with speed sensitive damping; fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel |
| Rear Suspension | KYB single shock; fully adjustable, 11.6-in travel |
| Front Brake | Hydraulic disc, 270mm |
| Rear Brake | Hydraulic disc, 240mm |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 Dunlop Geomax MX33F |
| Rear Tire | 120/80-19 Dunlop Geomax MX33 |
| Seat Height | 38.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 58.1 in |
| Rake | 27.5° |
| Trail | 4.8 in. |
| Max. Ground Clearance | 13.6 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gal. |
| Wet Weight (claimed) | 243 lb. |
| Warranty | 30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty) |
From Yamaha:
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is proud to announce an extensive update to its industry-leading flagship Motocross model, the new 2026 YZ450F. Faced with the complex challenge of improving on a bike already widely considered the benchmark of the ultra-competitive 450cc four-stroke class, Yamaha engineers put significant focus into refining power delivery and handling performance to achieve a level of precision, control and tuneability that sets a new class standard: the easiest bike to ride fast.
“When developing the new 2026 YZ450F, our goal was to create an intuitive, rider-friendly character that unlocks a racer’s full potential while not upsetting the exceptional balance of power and handling performance that’s kept the YZ at the top of the class,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “On paper the changes may appear subtle; however, the enhanced feeling of connection and control on the bike is huge. This new YZ is easier to ride faster for longer.”
Updates to the YZ450F center around a new frame design, revised suspension, engine updates and body refinements. The new frame is matched with a new high performance KYB rear shock and revised fork settings which give the rider confidence to charge harder and corner faster. Engine character is also refined with the addition of a revised intake port design, air intake and exhaust achieving a more connected, linear response in the low- to mid-range for enhanced control, while still maintaining the YZ450F’s renowned top-end power.
A new frame design for 2026 focuses on the balance of rigidity and flex characteristics. Revised inner and outer structure including a thinner front downtube results in a highly stable ride with enhanced front-end feel for improved cornering performance.
To accommodate the YZ450F’s new frame, a new shock and revised fork settings developed jointly with KYB® offer an enhanced damping feel with less bump reaction, providing the confidence to ride harder for longer. The updated shock also has a new hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments. These combined chassis updates result in greater usability in everything from slow, tight corners to high-speed sweepers and a motorcycle that’s easier to tip in, easier to choose and hold a line, with a higher level of overall cornering performance.
Engine performance for the new 2026 YZ450F is also refined with the addition of a redesigned intake port which produces a stronger tumble effect in the combustion chamber for more efficient combustion. The result is a more linear engine response for enhanced control and feeling of connection between the throttle and rear wheel. There is also a new resonator and duct added in the air intake, and a new resonator included within the exhaust system to reduce noise in compliance with FIM/AMA regulations and increase rider comfort.
Adding to rider comfort and ease of use is a new hydraulic clutch for smooth, consistent engagement with less effort while eliminating the need for on-track adjustments. In addition, a new clutch inner hub design lubricates over a larger area for more stable performance and longer life.
Marking the new model’s evolution, updated styling cues for 2026 now include a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics. There is also a new honeycomb-pattern seat cover material which maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration.
Finally, an industry-first ECU lock function is now adopted on the 2026 YZ450F for theft deterrence, allowing owners to prevent unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock function accessed through the Yamaha Power Tuner app. CN
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