2020: FIRST LOOK AT THE YAMAHAS

2020 YAMAHA YZ450F

The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F has been redesigned to provide a lighter, more powerful and better-handling motocross experience. The new 449cc, electric-start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles and more aggressive cam profiles. 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. The lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire rpm range for stronger and more linear pulling power.

The new engine is housed in the latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminum bilateral-beam frame, which has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics. Other chassis components, such as engine mounts, the top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the KYB suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics, were refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance. To complete the new package, the 2020 YZ450F features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads, and front and rear discs. 

Racers can also achieve quicker, smoother race starts with Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using wireless connectivity through the Yamaha Power Tuner App on their phone, and choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch. The new 2020 YZ450F in Team Yamaha blue and gray is $9299.

2020 YAMAHA YZ250F

Last year the 2019 YZ250F had an all-new engine, frame and bodywork, as well as electric start. For 2020, Yamaha kept the changes to a minimum with dual-mode switchable engine mapping and BNG. The 2020 YZ250F will be available in Team Yamaha blue and gray for $8199.

2020 YAMAHA YZ125X 

An all-new model for 2020, the Yamaha YZ125X is optimized for the unique demands of hare scrambles and GNCC racing. It sports Yamaha’s Power Valve System-equipped (YPVS) 125cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, reed-valve-inducted engine combined with a six-speed transmission tuned for smooth, wide and controllable power characteristics across the rev range. This backwoods racer is built on an ultra-lightweight aluminum frame carefully engineered for the perfect balance of rigidity and flex.

Cross-country performance of the YZ125X is optimized with model-specific digital CDI ignition settings, a new power-valve shape, open timing, open duration and a new cylinder head combustion chamber shape, all of which are designed to create a broad power delivery that suits off-road terrain and a wide range of rider skill levels.

The 2020 YZ125X is further equipped to endure the punishing terrain of cross-country racing with durability- and comfort-enhancing features, including a sealed O-ring chain, a standard kick stand and fuel tank petcock with reserve position. The fully adjustable Kayaba speed-sensitive spring-type suspension has been tested and tuned specifically for the needs of cross-country racers. Enduro-specific Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires with an 18-inch rear wheel are ready to head straight to the races. A large, 270mm front disc brake, coupled with high-performance pad material, offers outstanding braking performance for tight, wooded trails.

The all-new 2020 YZ125X will be available in Team Yamaha blue for $6699.