First Impressions: 2023 Yamaha YZ450F

First Impressions: 2023 Yamaha YZ450F

2022 YZ450F vs 2023 YZ450F comparison:

The most anticipated bike of the year is finally here, and I have been lucky enough to be one of the first to get my hands on the all-new 2023 Yamaha YZ450F. They have completely revamped this bike from the ground up and it is easily the most comfortable 450 I’ve ridden straight off the showroom floor.

What’s new?
The biggest changes from 2022 to 2023 is the frame and engine revisions. The bike is a little more nimble, easier to ride, and allegedly 5 pounds lighter than the previous model. Updated chassis allows the flex & feel of the bike to be modified more accurately to give the rider more overall customization and comfort. The option to switch over from a cable clutch to a GYTR hydraulic is also now available, which is also all-new to the Yamahas. 

First ride thoughts:
Immediately from the moment I hopped on the bike, I noticed that it still has the familiar Yamaha feeling – which I was stoked on because I am a diehard Yamaha fan. However, the updated chassis introduced a much more sleek feeling that, in previous years, was holding the Yamaha 4-strokes back in comparison to their competitors. The sleek feeling of the ‘23 eliminated that and added a more nimble and “futuristic” feeling to the chassis. I did notice though that with the slimmer chassis & body it took away some of the stability the previous ‘22 had & the front end wanted to twitch a lot more on me. I found it a bit easier to carry roll speed into my corner entrances and I was able to hop through some of the rougher sections without it feeling like I was stuck in the same line and had to ride it out until I was out of that section. The ability to move the motorcycle around is light years ahead of the previous model and (in my opinion) is the biggest improvement.

Cons:
One of the most common complaints I’ve heard is the shape of the plastics and, specifically, how the front end looks. I will agree that the shape of the front plate could use some work, but I really dig the progressive and minimalist feel that the bike gives off. If it really bothers you, the Cycra Stadium front number plate helps with the look, and you’re even able to pick one of those up for about $50 on MX Locker. Aside from the looks of the bike, the only other downfall I picked up was the slight instability I felt with the front end. Keep in mind, the bike I rode is straight off the showroom floor with only minor adjustments, and this could easily be fixed with aftermarket clamps and some small suspension testing.

Pros:
I fell in love with just about everything this motorcycle has to offer. From the updated weight reduction, to the slimmer and progressive feel of the chassis & updated motor package. I was extremely impressed with how familiar the bike felt to me within minutes of hitting the track as well. Probably the first time I’ve hopped on a new model bike and didn’t feel uncomfortable.

Review after 20 hours:
After a total of 20 hours on the bike, I can confirm that it is easily my favorite 450 to date. I’ve played around with mapping a tiny bit, but have always reverted to the stock mapping as that map tends to the style of riding I am currently doing. In previous years I liked the Travis Preston maps for a more hard-hitting and aggressive feel, but for the ‘23 I continue to go back to the original stock mapping. The bottom end is hard-hitting, but the transition to the midrange is still pretty smooth & the top end seems to have slightly more pull, which I believe is due to the higher rev limiter. I have been spending the majority of my riding hours in the bottom-mid range of 2nd and 3rd gear, and I really enjoy the smooth transition – compared to the “all or nothing” feel I had on the ‘22.

I did have the suspension set up for my weight and riding style, but year after year Yamaha continues to provide some of the best out-of-the-box suspension. Obviously, if you’re a serious rider you will end up sending your suspension out  – but, if you just want to hop on and enjoy your ride, the stock suspension is awesome. Lastly, I am still choosing to run the stock exhaust over an aftermarket – however, if you are serious about weight reduction and getting that extra horsepower out of your machine, the ‘22 slip-ons will fit the ‘23 which can save the average consumer a good chunk of change. Plus, who doesn’t like the look of a fresh exhaust?

Is the bike worth it?
Without a doubt. The ‘23 model has seen almost a complete overhaul from the ground up and is night and day from previous years. If you are looking to switch brands or even move up from a YZ250F, this is the go-to model for 2023.