450 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2022 Yamaha YZ450F

READ OUR DETAILED REVIEW OF THE 2022 YAMAHA YZ450F: www.swapmotolive.com/450-sml-...
The Yamaha YZ450F is - as always - a solid package, and the blue machine enjoys some refinements for 2022 that made it an even closer contender for the SML Bike of the Year honors. The newest YZ450F has firmer settings in its KYB suspension components, as well as a new rear wheel with a triple-cross spoke pattern that is said to yield a softer, more compliant ride out back.
Is the new 2022 YZ450F better than the 2021 model it replaces? Yes! The firmer suspension allows the bike to ride higher in the stroke, yielding a plusher feel under braking and over acceleration chop. The bike has good hold-up throughout, and bottoming resistance is superb. All told, the YZ may have the best suspension package in the group.
Power-wise, no one could fault the Yamaha’s engine as it delivers a wide spread of power with an unbelievable amount of low-end torque. Adjusting the bike’s style of power delivery is as easy as sending a text message thanks to the Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app; that said, we have found it tough to beat the performance of the stock exhaust system. So versatile is the Yamaha’s powerband, in fact, that it is tough to write about its engine character since it all depends on the settings.
With the stock map installed, the Yamaha produces ample power everywhere, with an exciting delivery that is so linear that it feels electric. Throttle response is instant, and the engine revs quickly and freely, giving the bike a lighter feel on the track than one might assume when sitting on it in the pits. Transmission gear spacing is ideal, and the clutch - the only cable-actuated system in our five-bike comparison - has a light pull with a great feel and modulation. One characteristic of the YZ450F that all of our testers agree upon is the bike’s ability to enjoy excellent rear-wheel traction; we suspect it has to do with the rearward-facing cylinder engine design…
Is there a fault in the Yamaha YZ450F? For years, testers have noted the bike’s wide feel at the radiators, and that is again a big complaint with this most recent generation of YZF bodywork. Sure, it’s a distinctively different feel that takes some getting used to, but once you get familiar with the unique feel, the blue machine is all comfort.

[@TwistedTriggerEnduro]

Yamaha was my first dirtbike. Still have deep passion for all things blue. 🔥💪

[@husky7117]

I'm a Suzuki guy myself but i grew up on Yamahas riding them and loving them. they will always have a special place in my heart!

[@yodavizion]

I was waiting on buttery to say “wi pshhhhh and then get pitted “

[@jonsheets6392]

Would you say the 250 or the 450 has better improvements to it than last year?

[@user-nw7kf6nl2y]

Suzuki next 🙏

[@Scrubdaddy135]

Big girls need love to 🤣🤣🤣 what’s that saying…. That your going big in 22

[@drtschker3072]

Donn, how long are you going to drag this shoot out for? This is the 15th video. 🙄

[@MatthewC137]

The shootout was two weeks ago and we know the winner. That's the opposite of dragging it out. You don't have to watch the videos that give more details. 🙄

[@michaelgroves3900]

Our 2021 YZF450 connecting rod broke at about 25 hrs. Heard of this happening on other guys bikes too. 3 grand worth of damage, junk, don't buy.

[@jonathondavis170]

I've seen TONS of dudes destroy their Yamaha engines AND subframes for the 2021 & 2022 YZ450F! This totally baffles me, because my Yamaha's really went through the ringer and I never broke anything aside from my levers - valves stayed in spec for a long while as well! I've since owned a Husqvarna, and now a TM Racing and I must say that I was impressed with ergos in euro bikes coming from the Yamaha...it has been bumming me out, because I wanted to talk myself into getting a 2022 GYTR modded YZ450F, however, with the enormous amount of broken Yamis I've seen last and this year, I will probably jump ship to Kawasaki KX450X, Gas Gas MC350F/EX450F, Sherco 500 SEF Factory, Beta 480RR Race Edition, or Honda CRF450RX for my big bore 4 stroke. All of those bikes are kick @$$, but something about the unsung hero of 2021 dirt bike models - the Sherco 500 - has stood out to me because I've heard they are monsters bred only for Desert/Hare & Hound/Rally, and one of Australia's top Rally Pro Champions swears by these bikes ever since he jumped ship from KTM 500's.

[@anthonytgod659]

You probly can’t ride to save your life

[@andrewbecker3700]

Any engine may fail when your using garbage oil and never changing it.

[@andrewbecker3700]

You were probably running 87corn fuel and expecting a high compression engine to live under severe abuse with zero maintenance.