Living With The 23/24 Yamaha YZ450F And Things You Need To Know!

I've had plenty of time on this machine. I walk you through my 100 hour experience with the Yamaha YZ450F. Talking points include how the bike feels in stock form, what mods are the best for this bike as well as problem areas that I have experienced. If you have a YZ450F or maybe are looking to buy one, this video can help guide a little.

[@GYPSYTALES]

Thank brother. This stuff is insanely valuable.

[@JasonNaughton]

Kris... Thanks for showing us where the water gets in the handle bar switch.. And by that, I mean thanks for putting Heather in the frame 😂

[@matthewtravis387]

Thanks Keefer!! Oh, and at 18:37 there is a great cleavage shot. That can't be accidental.

[@zayaya3594]

Дуже велике дякую! Класне і корисне відео! Хочу собі брати такого велосипеда! Дякую за підсказки! Лайк і підписка!

[@Braaap117]

What would we do without Keefer! This dude keeps it real 100% 24hrs and 365 days! Nobody in the testing world does it better.

[@Keeferinctesting]

Appreciate those nice comments. Thank you.

[@mikeb4708]

You are spot on with those 3 suspension companies! People may have luck with others but the three you mentioned are consistently the best.

[@Joe-pb3lx]

the only hate comment ill say is im watching jett race his qualifier and it pisses me off Eli is out.....i wanted to see how those 2 do in outdoors

[@mike_paschos]

When you guys purchase stuff on Rocky Mountain ATV/MC make sure you use this dude's link off his website to purchase stuff. Helps support his fam's racing. Gotta keep this sport alive!

[@rossmerritt9212]

In K?pJ ,]l

[@srt4driver181]

I'm a quad guy but can listen and watch your stuff all day long. I'm a nerd for the details and suspension setup.

[@1911ang]

100 Hours same piston and rings no rebuild?

[@mikeb4708]

It makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one with a boot fetish!

[@kawiman561]

Any videos about the 2024 YZ250f?

[@Keeferinctesting]

There is over on Racer X. Hope to have some more coming here on this channel.

[@1911ang]

How often do you change your engine oil?

[@mike_paschos]

Kris, thanks for all the info! On the 23' YZ250F and thinking of going to the 450 next.

[@KaulierFuller]

I miss my 23 had it for a few months and then some bum stole it from my garage

[@toddrobison8929]

Do you know much about the guys over at mxtech suspension? I've watched a few of their videos and coty schock seems to rave about them

[@user-mo8tm4jw2l]

As a 6’2 guy I ended up with-5 -5 raptors even still. Really helped me, was getting bad arm pump on the with the stock bar and pegs. Went to a 999 bend. Forward mount flipped back. -5-5 pegs. Enabled me to get up over the front without feeling like the bars were in my lap.

[@Keeferinctesting]

Crazy that a lower bar bend feels better for taller guys on this bike, but you are correct. You sit on top of this bike more than others, so going to a lower bar at times does help. Especially if you're dropping your pegs...

[@user-mo8tm4jw2l]

@@Keeferinctesting yea I had extreme arm pump until I did. Now I’m comfy and dialed in. Interesting stuff.

[@dlocomx783]

Great video keefer

[@nickwebb4957]

Thank you for the video, and good info!

[@MClyne24]

Great info thanks again mate!

[@torr-michaelbennetta9785]

Kris, just to inform us, how much is a preventative rod replacement w/ labor through someone like Chad @XPR? And BTW, don't worry about length of videos! These are SO good, that if they were 30 minutes, we all still would invest the time and enjoy. Thanks!!

[@Keeferinctesting]

Cost of this would be around 1500 without cost of rod. I mention that not every bike needed a rod, it's just hit and miss and I rev my bike a lot. I hav gone 60 plus hours with zero maintenance done to the engine on at least 2 bikes but have had trouble with one.

[@JesseK410]

Awesome video. Now im a lil nervous about my 2023 😂 How come you don’t have the FMF spring connecting the header to slip on?? Last time i didn’t have it on the header ended up moving a lot and then cracking the rubber mount bracket..

[@Keeferinctesting]

They pop off and break. No reason. Another is back on.

[@JesseK410]

@@Keeferinctesting rite on, thanks for the reply 👍🏼

[@Rodneysnwridesandreviews]

Always enjoy your videos. I have a buddy that just purchased a 2018 WR250F. It’s all choked down so he was going to add a Vortex ECU from Twisted, but evidently there isn’t any mapping that they have for it. He can find the competition kit for it, but can’t find the GYTR power tuner. Do you know of anyone that has the power tuner for sale?

[@tannerlind1563]

Liking more content on this channel. Good work keefer!

[@postmortemspasm]

I just dont understand how engine mounts can make a difference? they cant flex, and even if they could it would be like thousands of an inch of flex.. how would that make a difference? like explain the physics behind it.. or is it just placebo effect?

[@nch-wf3tu]

Oh, keep us posted on fuel used too. Thanks!

[@Keeferinctesting]

Have been running ETS MX18

[@andrewbecker3700]

I think the key to getting the factory front brakes to work effectively, is all in the lever adjustment. I set it as soft as possible, while still being able to lock the tire up if nessessary. If your not used to that soft feel, and jam on them like a freak. It's your own fault. The old model has a way better clutch. I barely use the damn thing. Once I'm moving, I'm only blipping the clutch during certain shifts. Otherwise it stays engaged at all times. I've always felt that having to constantly feather the clutch. Means your on the wrong machine for the job. It's either to powerful, or not powerful enough. How can the engine put the power to the ground. If your constantly interrupting the transfer of tourqe. Same with braking. If your always jamming on the brakes, your in the wrong gear at the wrong rpm. Being in the right gear before you enter the corner is everything. If your frantically downshifting while in the corner already, you've lost all momentum.

[@michelecaneschi2296]

Hi, I wanted to ask you, in your opinion, which map makes the 2023 YZF450 easier and more usable for an amateur? do you have a reference map for this purpose? Thank you

[@UnsungThermidor]

Just picked up a 24 YZ450F. Honestly after my KX450X Im almost considering tossing an 18 inch rear tire on the YZ450F for MX stuff

[@andyanderson7626]

Are you still running the triple clamp spacer mod ?

[@Keeferinctesting]

I am not on this bike. I go back and forth. I had them on at GH last week. Depends on conditions. Hard pack, chop, I put them on.

[@matthewtoes6433]

Could do with some graphics check S.K.D.A OUT & there's two sets of David pingree kits there the 23 nice blue or the, 24 50th anniversary white and red kit. ping said the Yamaha was too much power

[@BikesandBlickeys]

Listened to todays podcast about the W.E. Gotta change the KZbin name to KeeferIncTested. Keep the brand consistent across platforms. 🙏🏻. Just changed bars on my new ktm from 827 (what I ran on my Yamaha) to an 839. That 1cm less wide makes such a difference, thanks so much!

[@thdeckerjr]

Hi, when you got water in the kill/map switch causing the engine to sputter, did the computer throw a 33 diagnostic code?

[@Keeferinctesting]

@@thdeckerjr It would blink 8-9 times. I’d have to look at the code number when I’m back in office.

[@thdeckerjr]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[@justinolechowski7442]

Couldnt agree more on this bike being a soft feeling setup, especially the shock/ ride a 2023 yz450f inquired about a stiffer setup and was told the valving would handel a stiffer spring rate, and to stick with oem springs vs other types. How much nitrogen pressure do you run/ how often does it need to be checked?

[@Tukball]

Fantastic video, a lot of great info in this video! Sounds like I'll be going with the new Yz250f and do a vortex ecu and exhaust to get a bit more power since this 450 is such a powerhouse

[@TOMMYBAVAMX]

I would like to know if the rear fender gets folded and ran over by the rear wheel in US bikes also i live in Greece and every 23-24 yzf i know have the same issue

[@mx118racer]

i had the neutral switch fault every wash , but otherwise i havent done anything to mine as yet other than oil/filters/susp fluid.

[@user-mo8tm4jw2l]

Why does the brembo front brake need to be a specific year. I put a 22 ktm brembo master on a 23 yamaha nisin caliper, it worked great gave killer feel. Is there a specific reason for it being an 08 on both ?

[@damonreliga3129]

My seat hurts my ass to I said the same thing.. didn’t know u could go with a fatter seat and I’m trying those motor mounts too

[@I.Dereta]

Switching crank arm? Na just gonna go with another brand

[@dakotamillwood893]

Rad video. Thanks for the insight on the rod. I’m gonna be looking into this.

[@fox13z400]

Chris how much of a difference does moving the rear wheel back in the swing arm help with wheeling? I know you've talked about the swing arm pivot to rear wheel length before and how key it is to proper handling so I was wondering what your thoughts are on moving the rear wheel back without sacrificing to much turn in ability.

[@Keeferinctesting]

I’ve moved it back with 14/52 gearing but it doesn’t help that much with wheelie under load. It does help acceleration comfort however.

[@joekickass7326]

I can't imagine riding a yz with a sick front brake. I'd rather have nothing

[@rickywoods3101]

What??

[@JustinStarlingMotocross]

I’ve sent this to three Yamaha guys… Have you tried the longer swing arm?

[@Keeferinctesting]

Yes. But that is way too advance for the type of rider this video is for. Shock change is required with that swingarm

[@Randy_Cox]

8 hour clutch plates, new rod on an engine at 30 hours.....what a money pit. My 2022 Kawi kx450x is at 90 hours and all i have done is change the oil at 4-6 hours and fill the gas tank.

[@Kuhliifa]

LOL 4,6 hours…. 8 hour clutch plates wtf are you doing

[@toddrobison8929]

You probably don't ride your bike like keefer does. Hence parts last a little longer

[@JenniferKelly-r5f]

Thanks KK, very much appreciate all your content.....trusted adviser is a rare find these days'. My suspension was harsh as hell both front and rear (23 YZ450) had it revolved way stiffer and it's super plush now. (who knew lol) As for the power - i just can't come to terms with it, i'm whupped fast. It just wants to get there before i'm ready to get there lol which is fun for a few laps. I'm not getting a vortex - can u suggest what map from your site tames this beast best ?

[@Keeferinctesting]

Keefer Control or Control Torque. Also the default slippery map is good too.

[@ClarkStar866]

let's not for get to reroute the oil breather hose so oil doesn't go into the airboot and throttle body if you end up upside down!

[@littemisscarrage2909]

dude give out more for ya house to avoid living in a desert getto hows your traffic outside

[@nch-wf3tu]

Thnaks!!!!

[@48ona2006]

162 lb vet rider ,have read from 97mm to 108 mm sag! i ride in the north east loam and or deep sand! sugestions please!

[@Keeferinctesting]

104mm is best

[@johnrathjen36]

Kris - great video - thanks for doing these. Couple things: I see you’re back to stock triple clamps. What happened to the Ride Engineering 23.5 clamps? And did you ever try the 23.5 clamps on the ‘24 250F?? Secondly, on the FCP motor mounts, have you tried them on the ‘24 250F yet? If so same benefits?? Thanks

[@Keeferinctesting]

I go back and forth depending on tracks I ride. Prefer stock offset of soft/rutty tracks. Like 23.5s on faster/choppy tracks.

[@johnrathjen36]

@@Keeferinctesting thanks Kris

[@hsscha]

actually a great video, thank you!

[@jonphotos8631]

Same for the kx please!!!!

[@michaeldill7620]

What’s your height?

[@jbg92]

Kris, how are you liking the anchor tape, seem durable? Are you using the “skate” material or “rubber” material?

[@Keeferinctesting]

Anchor Tape is awesome. I use the rubber tape but the skate tape is grippier but doesn’t last as long.

[@jbg92]

@@Keeferinctesting excellent, thanks for the feedback!

[@stevesmith756]

I hear the JBI suspension is really nice

[@lw3918]

Kris, i would love to see your thoughts on the CRF 450X and the WR 450. Some of us desert riders gravitate to these bikes.

[@Keeferinctesting]

Yes sir. Noted. I have a FX now so will do more on that

[@lw3918]

@kkeefer165 Oh, awesome man. Thanks for the quick response. I was on Honda 450X' for years, got a KTM 300 and I hate it. 53 years old, looking for something else.

[@Frankie-ni2oj]

Keifer is the best, thank you!

[@cristiannaser212]

Exelent! I just get the fmf slip on, do you cut the spark arrestor grill or leave it as stock.? Im from chile and here we dont need spark arrestor, but meaby the insert helps the Bike more Than remove it!!!! Cheers

[@cristiannaser212]

any new maps ?

[@Keeferinctesting]

Leave insert in and cut out screen.

[@cristiannaser212]

@@Keeferinctesting thanks !!!

[@actZR900]

How do you feel that yzf compares to the 24 ktm and the 25 with uodated frame?

[@Keeferinctesting]

Yamaha is much more comfortable than 24 KTM. With the new FE the orange bike is a little more comfrotable but YZ still has more comfort in small bump absorption.

[@actZR900]

@kkeefer165 thanks, I bought a 23.5 GG 450 FE because it was $4500 off msrp. Great bike but stiff. I'm still running in in hopefully it softens up some.

[@rwa3114]

THANKS !

[@alexoreo718]

Appreciate the transparency

[@blbills]

Keep up the great content Keefer!

[@moto3463]

Sweet bike

[@KentBaum]

Thanks

[@dansimpson222]

What bars are you running?

[@Keeferinctesting]

Fatbar 672

[@dansimpson222]

@kkeefer165 I'm on a 23 looking for more front end steer any suggestions? 6ft 2 still on standard bars/clamps

[@Alex_Hill37]

I see a beta

[@Keeferinctesting]

Yes. Coming soon.

[@vincentcort5747]

@@KeeferinctestingLooking forward to this!