2024 Yamaha YZ450FX MX First Ride Impressions

First ride on my buddy Scott's brand new 2024 Yamaha YZ450FX. This bike is a BEAST!!! This engine revs with almost 2-stroke like quickness and snap anytime you open the throttle. Yamaha supposedly dialed back the base engine map from the 450F moto version but the engine is still very responsive and powerful feeling. We dialed back the power using the GYTR tuner app and made it much easier to ride, especially in the woods. The KYB suspension has a firm well damped feel with the stock clicker settings. We opened things up a little and that really helped settle the bike at speed. This all new YZ450 chassis is very reactive and responsive to any inputs and the front end feels a little busy at speed. The 10mm lower ride height is noticeable and a nice improvement. The firm and rounded seat takes some getting used - wish it was just a little flatter on top. Great brakes, kickstand, Dunlop MX33's are good tires though I think the new Dunlop MX34's are better, full protection skid plate, o-ring chain, 18" rear wheel, and wide ratio gearbox are all nice changes on the FX model.
The YZ450FX is a beastly 450F....wonder if the WR450F is really tamed down?

[@josephcefalu176]

Yeah. I’m buying one. Thanks for the review!

[@mxengineer1]

Enjoy your new YZ450FX!

[@SAS_3419]

I got one back in February, I absolutely love it, although like you mentioned the suspension is a little stiff but hopefully that will get better with time. Super powerful, nimble, and sounds awesome when the exhaust echoes through the woods.

[@mxengineer1]

I was kinda hoping the 24 YZ450FX would be a bit more dialed back compared to the 24 YZ450F....Yamaha did refine the FX but it is still a beast and fun bike to ride!

[@RobPafford]

I have been hoping you would post this review one day! Thank you! sounds like a fun and tunable bike!

[@mxengineer1]

The engine is still very responsive! We put my "YZ350F map" (here are the details... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3PWnGBpitR4ftE ) into this YZ450FX and it was much more rideable on the GP track and in the woods. The wide ratio gearbox is helpful for off road situations too. Yamaha puts a lot of effort into the FX models.

[@billsharko3007]

I ordered a new 2024 WR450F in February and I should get it in a week or two. I also ordered the competition ECU so I can program it like the YZs. I trail ride only and wanted the softer suspension and other WR accessories. Should be fun.

[@mxengineer1]

This YZ450FX is still very powerful and firmly suspended....makes me think the 24 WR450F might be just right for off road! Let me know how the WR works for you!

[@billsharko3007]

@@mxengineer1 Will Do I should get it next week. Thanks.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Can't wait for 25 yz250fx!

[@Travis_125]

Me too.

[@josephcefalu176]

Taking delivery of mine in November.

[@-boska]

Hey mate, appreciate your videos! I am tossing up 3 bikes. Husky FE350, WR450F and WR250F. our WR's here in Australia are more similar to your FX as ours are uncorked and ECU from factory. anyways just seeing if you have any plans to ride the new 2025 Yz250fx which shares all the good upgrades the 450 got in 24. Just trying to work out which ones going to be the go for all round bike. Thanks

[@mxengineer1]

Glad you enjoy the channel! You have some great bike choices there! I want to buy a 25 WR450 after watching your Master of All Trades video from Yamaha Australia... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZC0qKGMf66AeZI But I know that effortless power will come with the inertia and weight feel of a 450F. The WR250F will have that added agility and lower inertia of the smaller engine along with what feels like "enough" power most of the time and perhaps leaves you wanting more power some of the time. The Austrian 350 might be the best combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke. I always have an Austrian 350 (usually the XCF version) in my garage along with a 300 smoker (which for some reason is not one of your choices). I did ride a 24 YZ250F which should be similar to your 25 WR250F and the new chassis makes it more fun and playful to ride..kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX2nqWqtrqh1gbM Nice to have choices!

[@-boska]

@@mxengineer1 Yeah thats a pretty cool video, Yamaha does have an awesome package there but just not sure about the effort its going to be to ride. Would be awesome if we could get the xcf here registered but thats why im looking at the husky Fe350 which is going to be pretty similar to the xcf you have just without the updated frame until next year I guess. So overall you just keep going back to your 350 even tho the new 450 offerings are getting much better and user friendly in a way. I have seen some videos of people loving the new closed cartridge forks and putting them close if not better than kyb so stoked to hear that. it might end up being a husky by the looks! Thanks mate!

[@pwrcycles4735]

If you had to pick just 1 for all type of riding, what would it be 24 yamaha 450fx or 24 beta 300 race edition...? Im just having mental dilemma on which poison to take..

[@mxengineer1]

I would pick a 25 model Austrian 350 (350XCF or FX350 or EX350). Between the Beta 300RE and YZ450FX....well I own the Beta so that answers that question!

[@erick5327]

Do you think going up a spracketbor to would calm that punch for trail riding? Or wood thro off all the gearing?

[@mxengineer1]

I don't think it is a gearing thing - the reverse head YZ450F/FX breathes so well it has 2-stroke like quick throttle response. Tuning the engine back helps but it is still a very responsive engine. The standard FX gearing is good.

[@សុជិពុលិ]

All brand motor the best you love?

[@mxengineer1]

Yamaha reverse intake head engines (YZ450/250F) have very quick throttle response and engine RPM build that makes those bikes exciting to ride. The Austrian 250F engines are a strong mid to top with more peak power while the Austrian 450F engines make 60hp feel easy to ride with smooth linear power. For 250F's I like the Yamaha engine power character and for 450F's I like the Austrian power character.

[@danblekeberg2470]

How does it compare to the KTM ?

[@jimmycrowell8854]

Id love to know how it compares to the KTM 35o Kalib Russel edition

[@mxengineer1]

The latest YZ450F/FX have such responsive engines with almost 2-stroke like quick throttle response and can be too responsive for some riders. Dialing back the response with the GYTR app is helpful. The chassis is firm and very reactive with a busy front end at speed. The KYB suspension has a firm well damped setting - firmest I have felt on a stock Yamaha. The ergos are much better than previous generation YZ450F/FX models. The KTM 450SXF makes a 60HP engine feel easy to ride - so smooth with linear build of power with increasing RPM. Tunable with the new Connectivity Unit Offroad (reducing engine braking really frees up the chassis). The KTM chassis is a great combination of cornering and stability. The WP suspension is polarizing but is adjustable for a wide range of riders. Some riders simply prefer the feel of a spring fork over air. Both are fun bikes - just different character.

[@jimmycrowell8854]

@@mxengineer1 thanks for the great reply how would you compare the yz450fx to the ktm 350 xcf?

[@mxengineer1]

@@jimmycrowell8854 The YZ450FX is a beast in the woods. The engine can be dialed back a little but still has 450 level inertia. The 350 feels much lighter statically and in motion. Easier to ride in the woods. I think 350's are the best overall balance of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4qQqnmsaZ6Ub9E

[@jimmycrowell8854]

@@mxengineer1 thats what i thought you might say. I have a 350 and love it but have always been intrigued by the FX Yamaha models. I enjoy watching your reviews thanks

[@Joe-pb3lx]

you are flying in the wood section

[@mxengineer1]

The 450FX is a beast in the woods!