|
By: Jason Giacchino
October 2009 - Off The Pegs
Yamaha Strikes Again
YFZ450X |
If there’s one pattern that can be found in
my columns each month it would probably be
optimism toward the entire state of the industry
thanks to the rejuvenation of the 450cc class
race ATV. I won’t deny the red-hot lust for side
by sides of late either, but as an amateur racer
since back in the 3-wheeler days, it’s the
performance segment that gets me worked up with
excitement.
To that end Yamaha has gone and upped the
ante once more! After proving themselves with
models like the Raptor 250 and 700R and two
variations of the YFZ450 formula (the all new
450R as well as last year’s YFZ450), it comes as
major news that the “boys in blue” have dropped
another 450 on the scene!
This latest model, being called the YFZ450X
appears to follow suit of brands like KTM and
Can-Am who have realized that woods racers are
looking for a slightly different setup than
MX-track riders.
The technology of this new steed comes
directly from the YFZ450R but don’t expect an
identical spec sheet, as the 450X will feature a
nimbler 46-inch width (down from 50),
specifically tuned (and shortened) suspension,
and changes to the steering geometry.
The end result of all of these factory mods
is to create a model that trades width for
maneuverability, and stability for nimbleness.
Woods racers often find themselves in situations
where the only feasible line requires that they
“thread the needle” between trees or foliage. It
is here that the additional width of a full MX
machine works against the rider. Tight trails,
double track, and GNCC-style racing is where
this new model is expected to excel.
So exactly how did Yamaha take nearly four
inches from the YFZ450R without sacrificing
stability? The answer is they designed a new,
narrower front end and slapped a 50mm-shorter
rear axle out back. Surprisingly, at 46.1
inches of width, the new YFZ450X mimics the
width of the standard YFZ450.
Additional swaps include the front A-arm,
which have been shortened 43.9mm (now 395.2 mm
total) and the front KYB shocks come in at 426mm
versus the 462mm length of the YFZ450R (a 36mm
reduction). The goal here is to achieve a lower
ride height to accompany the nimbler chassis.
While the engine is essentially the same
titanium 5-valve DOHC liquid cooled single
cylinder 449cc that powers the YFZ450R, changes
have been made to the fuel map. The YFZ450X
receives a new fuel injection setting
specifically designed for situations unique to
technical woods riding (think gradual traction
over wild wheel spin). This coupled to camshafts
designed specifically for the demands of an ATV,
we expect the new X to hammer out superior low
and midrange performance without sacrificing the
high-revving top end. The system also includes
idle speed control for easy, reliable startup.
Like with the engine, the frame is
essentially identical to that of its new R
cousin: The lightweight, no-weld cast aluminum
unit with a high tension-steel bottom portion.
Despite the fact that many of the odds and
ends remain the same to the R model, the X
actually does manage to tip the scales a few
pounds shy of the R. In addition to the
reductions made with the smaller rear axle and
front A-arm and shocks, the front and rear
wheels have been updated to reduce weight while
also increasing structural rigidity where you
feel it most: down low. In all, five pounds have
been dropped from the YFZ450R, which brings the
YFZ450X overall weight in at an even 400 pounds.
Another nifty little move was to flip the
seam of the wheel inward which not only makes
the wheel more rigid; it also prevents debris
from sticking that could otherwise build up in
woods riding conditions.
Finally, and in addition to the standard
Yamaha-blue scheme and red & white option, the
YFZ450X will be available in a Bill Ballance
Special Edition model which comes with a special
color pattern, graphics, wheel color, shock
color, badging, a GYTR front bumper and Bill
Ballance-inspired #1 plate (keeping that # is
your responsibility).
While I haven’t had a chance to spend time
behind the X’s bars yet, the moral of the story
remains: This is indeed a great sign amidst
economic turmoil of the manufacturer’s optimism
of the overall state of the ATV industry. While
I realize that many riders out there couldn’t
care less about the performance-segment of the
quad industry, each and every innovation means
great things for us all as increased ATV sales
means continued R&D funds across the entire
line. Best of all, each new 450 that hits the
scene puts but another nail in the coffin to
those dark days of yesteryear when
factory-backed ATV racing had nearly deserted
North America entirely.
|
