Bikes

2018 Yamaha YZ450F Debuts with Tuner App

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Not one to let the other brands have all the fun, Yamaha has debuted its all new 450cc class motocross bike, the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F, which features the first engine tuning app available for a production MX bike.

The new Yamaha YZ450F is truly an all-new machine, with a new engine, frame, and bodywork. For bonus points too, the new YZ450F comes with an electric starter, which means MX riders can now skip leg day at the gym, and still get their bikes running on race day.

Available in July, in either “Team Yamaha Blue” or “White” color schemes, the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F will cost $9,199 MSRP. This price includes the onboard communication control unit (CCU), which allows the rider to connect to the bike via smartphone.

The CCU is a first for a production motocross bike, and works on both iOS and Android devices. The app allows for the modification of the fuel and ignition mapping on the engine, connecting to the YZ450F via its onboard wifi.

The app also includes a logging feature, and it can also monitor basic functions like engine RPM, throttle position, coolant temperatures, etc. Lastly, the app monitors maintenance intervals, based on miles and hours ridden.

On the mechanical side, the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F features an all-new engine design that has a new cylinder head, high-compression “box bridge” piston, camshaft profiles, crankshaft, cylinder geometry, which Yamaha says leads to class-leading power.

Yamaha continues with its rear exhaust / forward-mounted downdraft design, which incorporates a new 44mm Mikuni throttle body. Additionally, Yamaha has mated a new electric starter to the 2018 YZ450F as well, which uses a compact lithium-ion battery, for less added weight.

Yamaha has also made refinements to the transmission and clutch, with revised gears that have a wider surface area, updated clutch plates, and a stiffer outer pressure plate.

On the chassis, the YZ450F’s continues to use a beam frame, which is also all-new in its design, and has a new engine mounting position that Yamaha says improves the bike’s rigidity, which affects cornering and traction. Fully adjustable KYB suspension pieces are also in play, with coil-spring forks, and a standard rear shock.

The bodywork has also been revised with lighter panels, that are also narrowed than before, for better knee grip. The seat height has also been lowered subtly, by 8mm towards the front, and 20mm at the rear.

For our part, the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F looks like it has the makings for a great supermoto project, if one doesn’t want the turn-key solution that just debuted from Husqvarna.

Source: Yamaha

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