Posted: 07/13/2010
By: By Jerrod Kelley Photos by Adam Campbell Photography
The Yamaha YFZ 450R SE Review
Yamaha released the totally redesigned 2009 YFZ450R in late 2008 and marketed it to sport quad enthusiasts as the competition and comfort king in the 450cc four-stroke ranks. As part of an exclusive media event, I rode the ATV YFZ450R at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area and Los Angeles County Raceway (LACR) on back-to-back days. The redesigned YFZ450R won me over with its aggressive look, stellar ride, versatile abilities and more comfortable package.
Yamaha showcased a Special Edition version of the YFZ in 2009 at the Imperial Sand Dunes (aka Glamis) but did not have units to test. At a similar event held in January 2010, however, Yamaha gave me plenty of seat time of the YFZ450R SE. I also had time in the saddle on the Yamaha Raptor 700R SE, Raptor 250 and a couple of YFZ450Rs decked out in GYTR accessories. It was three days of fun riding, but more importantly it gave me more time to test ride the YFZ450R SE model and learn about its sand skills.
2010 YFZ450R Special Edition Package
The 2010 YFZ450R SE differs from the stock 450 in both price and its overall package. The SE retails for $8,999 or $500 more. Instead of either a white or blue color scheme, the SE model gets a more unique graphic and color motif. The updated Midnight Blue is mated with black and projects a bruising image. It’s not one of my favorite SE colors, but it’s definitely a distinguishing look. Plus, its golden highlights (lettering, graphics, shock springs) and subtle graphics are a cross between an urban motif and tribal decoration.
Additional upgrades for this version include a new rolled inner lip on the front wheel. This improves durability, resists debris sticking in the rim and slightly reduces the weight. The 2010 YFZ450R also borrowed a few things from its new sibling, the 2010 YFZ450X (narrower machine design for woods racing and trail riding). The first is the tapered shock body to improve efficiency and reduce friction. The 450R’s EFI system was also updated with the X’s mapping. “[The mapping] On and off throttle going through the trees, it’s smoother and easier to transition,” explained Yamaha’s Travis Hollins. “On the R model, for motocross, you usually ride it more wide open, so it didn’t have much of an effect. However, it wasn’t a negative thing and was a positive for when you ride it down low.”
YFZ450R SE Differences Compared to Stock
- Quick-release fasteners
- Color and graphics (Yamaha describes it as “striking.”)
- GYTR front bumper and rear grab bar
- GYTR heelguards and extensions
- Vibrant blue frame
- Gold shock springs
- Black swingarm & shock reservoirs
- Gold D.I.D. chain
- Standard aluminum rim color
In keeping with our proven format – we present the review from three separate perspectives: 1) a Beginning Riders , 2) an Intermediate Rider , 3) and an Expert Rider . We hope you find this format helpful.... The Yamaha YFZ450R SE Review for Beginning Riders - Click Here . Yamaha YFZ450R SE review for Intermediate Riders- Click Here . Yamaha YFZ450R SE review for Expert Riders- Click Here.
Beginning Riders
For me, a beginner is someone who has never ridden an ATV or has minimal seat time. The YFZ450R SE is for riders 16 years of age and older. While a beginner could start on the YFZ platform and learn to safely ride it, they would be wise to check out Yamaha’s more entry-level friendly offerings in the Raptor 250 or Raptor 350. Either of these machines would suffice for trail riding or playing around on a motocross course until the novice rider gains more experience. This decision ultimately comes down to the buyer’s overall riding abilities, height and weight, strength, conditioning, general knowledge of off-road situations (Read: experience with a manual clutch and dirt bikes) and necessary aptitude to handle a machine of the YFZ’s caliber.
If you can’t ride under control and respect the sport, then I recommend a smaller displacement quad. Until you’re ready for the best, buy something else, take an ATV training course and work your way onto Yamaha’s flagship racer. Plus, you’ll be happier growing with and spending less on either of the aforementioned Raptors ($4,599/$5,499, respectively) than you would investing $8,499/$8,999 for the high-performance YFZ450R/YFZ450R SE.
Intermediate Riders
For those with ATV riding experience, specifically extended time on a sport quad, the YFZ450R and SE versions would be an splendid fit. With excessive levels of comfort, control and the convenience of electric start and EFI, this quad is good for those looking to play or for the rider seriously considering making his MX hobby a career. You probably already want more from your current ATV or you wouldn’t be looking at the YFZ450R.
If you possess the conditioning, strength and knowledge of how to properly ride and control a top-tiered sport machine, then by all means explore the YFZ450R. However, if you’re still learning the ropes based on how (conservative trail speeds) and where you ride (types of trails, no tracks, no major hills), then perhaps you should wait to buy this machine or explore its sibling the YFZ450X, which is designed for recreational rides and racing in the woods. If ATV MX isn’t your gig, explore the ultra-plush and exhilarating Raptor 700R.
Expert Riders
Obviously, I feel the most comfortable recommending the YFZ450R and R-SE model to highly skilled riders who respect their machine and their fellow riders. The Yamaha Raptor 700R is truly the only other option for expert riders. If the larger, heavier Raptor is not your cup of tea, then the YFZ450R or Special Edition model is your ticket. The YFZ450R has the perfect combination of power and comfort and is designed to maximize performance for competition and recreational riding. The SE model only adds to that prestige with its own custom look.
The 449cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, which features a titanium five-valve cylinder head, is a solid performer and designed to deliver impressive low and midrange power and torque. This machine carries over the 2009 internal engine changes, including EFI (42mm Mikuni throttle body, 12-hole injector and Idle Speed Control), new crankcase, crankshaft, camshafts, integrated oil tank and updated counterbalancer. The YFZ is impressive for its engine, but more so for its entire package!
The all-new chassis is bolted together (stronger), is mostly aluminum (steel is used for the lower frame member beneath the engine) and helps the YFZ-R sit lower than the old unit and improves mass centralization. Yamaha engineers said this improves handling and stability. At the A-arm mounts, the front frame is narrow to allow for longer A-arms and improved suspension travel, according to Yamaha.
The high-quality Kashima-coated 44mm KYB front shocks feature full tuning abilities, including low- and high-speed damping. Yamaha says the front shocks offer superb bump absorption and excellent anti-bottoming characteristics and an impressive 9.8 inches of travel. The rear suspension features an aluminum swingarm with its own fully adjustable 46mm KYB piggyback shock supplying 11 inches of travel.
In its stock form, the YFZ450R may just be the most comfortable sport quad in its class. Contributing to its stable 50-inch width are four-way adjustable Pro Taper handlebars, 2.6-inch wide foot pegs with a generous kick-up, the industry’s best seat and integrated-and-replaceable inner plastic panels that flex while you ride hard and use the tank. In addition, the newer YFZ platform gives off a larger feel than the machine it replaced yet maintains that aggressive configuration any proficient rider would enjoy.
The quad features racer-friendly features like removable plastic (quick-release fasteners on the SE), the aforementioned aluminum frame without welds and an integrated oil tank. These features not only simplify normal maintenance, but they also have performance in mind. The non-welded frame is stronger and the oil tank means a reduced center of gravity.
The only parts you’ll need to add to enter a race are a tether cord, number plates, nerf bars and a perhaps a set of MX tires. Other than that, this quad is race ready. Oh, and if you’re really intent on competing, you may want to add a slip-on exhaust or check out Yamaha’s full line of GYTR accessories at your local dealer.
The 2010 YFZ450R SE offers the same feel and performance level as the standard YFZ-R, yet brings a custom look to the table. It’s more than man enough for experienced riders, including highly skilled MX racers. Whether it’s a MX track, sand bowl, desert wash or recreational trail, this “bruiser” comfortably and controllably entertains for hours on end and looks good doing it. The question you must ask yourself is, “Is it worth the extra $500?”