Did the BEST 450 Get Even BETTER? First Test of the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F!

The 2025 Yamaha YZ450F returns with more updates and refinements than expected because it swept through our 2024 450 MX Shootout and scored a dominant win. What needed to be fixed? Yamaha worked on the suspension settings and changed the shock linkage for a more progressive ride, added a new longer and softer (107mm to 112mm, 22 N/mm to 20 N/mm) pressure spring in the fork, and went down a rate (58 N/mm to 56 N/mm) on the shock spring. The front engine mounts are now one piece instead of a stacked pair, for increased stability at speed and control in corners. The footpeg brackets have been streamlined because some riders complained that they stepped on them in the past, and for greater durability, the clutch assembly has a greater oil flow. Smaller detail updates include a new throttle tube with 10mm of additional clearance to help eliminate the dreaded Yamathumb, a revised map switch, and a new seat cover and graphics.  Tallon LaFountaine and Alex Ray took to the track at Glen Helen Raceway last Thursday to put the new bike through its paces...