The 2019 Yamaha YZ450FX is the “bLU cRU’s” flagship off-road competition motorcycle. Based on the YZ450F motocrosser, the first-generation model was produced for three years, from 2016 to 2018. For 2019, the Yamaha has introduced a second-generation YZ450FX. The bike received a full face-lift and features many of the same changes that debuted on the 2018 YZ450F. The main points are an all-new engine, updated suspension settings, and a completely revised chassis. Like its predecessor, the latest YZ450FX is intended to be ridden and raced in closed-course events, such as the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series and the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS).
The electric-starter-equipped FX is also the first production off-road bike to come with a wireless, smartphone-based engine app, the Yamaha Power Tuner, which Yamaha says will connect you to the “victorYZone.” The app can be used with any iOS- or Android-based smartphone. Fuel- and ignition-mapping changes are made by uploading the revisions wirelessly to the bike via its onboard Wi-Fi system.
Likes: Strong, usable power and plush suspension
Dislikes: The ergonomics need a face-lift, too
Verdict: An already well-suspended, powerful bike receives an improved chassis
The press introduction for the 2019 Yamaha YZ450FX was held in South Carolina on property owned by off-road icon Randy Hawkins. The testing grounds featured GNCC-like conditions with obstacles ranging from single-track, faster-flowing areas, water crossings, and AA-level hill climbs. We came away very impressed with Yamaha’s all-new flagship off-road bike.
The Yamaha YZ450FX lives in the 450cc closed-course off-road-bike category, which means it completes directly with the Honda CRF450RX, Husqvarna FX 450, and KTM 450 XC-F. All four of these single-cylinder four-strokes are great off-road machines, and every one of them can also be ridden on a motocross track.
The YZ450FX has several off-road-specific features that differentiate it from the YZ450F MXer, including a wide-ratio five-speed transmission, different suspension specs, a larger fuel tank, unique ECU settings, an 18-inch rear wheel, a skid plate, and a kickstand. The YZ450FX costs $9,499, which is $200 more than the YZ450F.
Manufacturer Claimed Specifications
Cycle World Tested Specifications
