FIRST LOOK! ALL-NEW 2020 YAMAHA YZ450F & 2020 YZ250F

On Aug 18, 2019 Last updated Aug 18, 2019

The 2020 YZ450F and YZ250F side by side.

THE 2020 YAMAHA MOTOCROSS MODELS (YZ250F & THE NEWLY REDESIGNED YZ450F)

The 2020 Yamaha motocross models are finally here. For 2020 Yamaha newly redesigned the YZ450F, featuring a new engine, frame and host of other features to deliver a lighter, more powerful, and better handling motocross experience.

Click here for 2020 Yamaha two-strokes

Click here for 2020 Yamaha off-road models

“The 2020 Yamaha YZ450F features design changes which resulted in a lighter, faster, and more nimble handling machine that will once again raise the bar in the 450 class,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “Yamaha’s 2020 lineup of four-stroke motocross bikes boasts the most advanced, race-ready machines of their respective classes.” Also returning for 2020 is the championship-winning Yamaha YZ250F four-stroke motocross bike.

2020 YAMAHA YZ450F

The 2020 YZ450F may look very similar to the 2019 YZ450F to the naked eye.

The new 2020 Yamaha YZ450F has been 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 cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles and more aggressive cam profiles. The reward-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.

You can now switch maps on the fly with the on-board duel-mode engine map switch.

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 and provides improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder. 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 were carefully 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 disc. 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 YZ450F engine offers a new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles, more aggressive cam profiles and more.

Featuring Yamaha’s advanced racing technology, the new 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 while balancing weight for excellent mass-centralization. Racers can achieve quicker, smoother race starts through Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using wireless connectivity through the Yamaha Power Tuner App right from their phone, and now choose between two user defined ECU maps on the fly through the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch.

The easy to use, free, Yamaha Power Tuner app.

The new 2020 YZ450F will be available from dealers in July of 2019 in Team Yamaha Blue and Gray for $9,299 MSRP.

The 2020 YZ450F also comes in grey.

2020 YAMAHA YZ250F

The Yamaha YZ250F was all-new in 2019. For 2020, Yamaha didn’t touch a thing, save for the graphics.

Since the 2020 YZ250F is the same as in 2019 check out the full YZ250F MXA race test from last year.

Last year, the 2019 YZ250F introduced an all-new engine, frame, and bodywork designs with features never-before seen on a 250cc class motorcycle to deliver more mid-range and top-end power, and class-leading engine performance. Yamaha’s championship-winning design returns with the 2020 YZ250F.

The YZ250F engine.

Sporting an electric start, 250cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine housed in an aluminum bilateral beam frame, and suspended by industry leading KYB spring type forks and KYB rear shock, the 2020 YZ250F provides the ultimate balance of race-winning performance, rideability and comfort. The motorcycle also continues to feature Yamaha’s advanced racing technology including dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity for the Yamaha Power Tuner App.

The air box of both the 2020 YZ450F and YZ250F.