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Sport UTVs:
Product Review
2009 Yamaha YFZ450R ATV
First Ride Review - From the United Arab Emirates:
While in the United Arab Emirates (more info -
trip report), I had the
opportunity to ride a new 2009 Yamaha YFZ450R in the dunes for a few days.
What a treat!
I own a Kawasaki
KFX450R with long travel and some other goodies, so I am pretty familiar
with 450 ATVs. My first impression after hopping on the 450R was that it
felt right at home. It took just a short time to get comfortable and I was
off.
Once in the dunes, I was pleasantly surprised with how
nimble the 450R felt. Even with long travel suspension, it still felt very
light and able to be tossed around. The extra width was really noticeable
over a stock 450 and made the quad handle really well while cornering.
The stock YFZ450R has plenty of power for the dunes, even
with the knobby tires. The engine loves to rev up high and really
pulls well. Throw some of the GYTR hop-ups and a set of paddle tires
on the YFZ450R and it will be quite the contender.
I was very happy with this ATV and would consider buying one
if I was in the market.
More YFZ450R Photos:
Features:
2009 model year machine, built to be the world’s best all-around
high performance racing and recreational sport ATV, comes loaded with
state-of-the-art suspension, fuel injection, a no-weld aluminum frame and an
all-new power packed engine set in a motocross-wide chassis.
The new YFZ450R meshes this history of dominance with the latest
in Yamaha technology and innovation. In its stock form, the YFZ450R is the best
all around performance ATV combining racing technology and features with
all-terrain sport performance. Starting with its motocross track-width, the
YFZ450R is immediately ready for the MX track. The no-weld cast aluminum frame
is lightweight and has a tension-steel bottom portion that helps keep the engine
as low as possible centralizing mass for excellent handling. The cast aluminum
frame is bolted together, rather than welded, for maximum durability.
The YFZ450R comes with newly designed front and rear suspension.
The front frame is narrow at the A-arm mounting points reducing changes in the
camber as the A-arms travel through their full range of motion. The front 44mm
KYB shocks have Kashima coating for smooth operation and impact absorption with
9.8 inches of wheel travel. The gravity-fed aluminum rear swingarm is matched to
a fully adjustable 46mm KYB piggyback shock affording the rear wheels 11 inches
of travel.
The YFZ450R has a powerful 5-valve DOHC liquid cooled single
cylinder 449cc engine that uses the cylinder head and cylinder from the
championship-winning YZ450F. The titanium five-valve cylinder head comes with
camshafts designed just for this machine that hammers out superior low- to
mid-range torque and pushes through to a high-revving, hole-shot grabbing top
end.
The technologically advanced 450R is also equipped with electronic fuel
injection featuring a 42mm Mikuni® throttle body, 12-hole Denso injector system
and a Mitsubishi 32 bit ECU, which provides exceptional atomization of the fuel
for maximum power, unrivaled throttle response and automatic altitude and
temperature adjustment. The system also includes idle speed control for easy,
reliable start-up. A stainless steel head pipe with a titanium heat shield and a
new oval muffler provide maximum performance while keeping the YFZ450R well
within current noise guidelines.
Yamaha Factory Racing experience led to a host of enhanced
features on the YFZ450R. One benefit is race prep and service made simple. Body
panels come off easily, and there is no need to remove the battery or other
components to take off the fenders. The oil tank is integrated with the
crankcase so it’s easier to service the engine.
The YFZ450R also boasts ProTaper® handlebars and all-new four-position
adjustability. There are two sets of holes in the handlebar crown and eccentric
clamps that allow the rider to choose between the standard setting, 10mm or 20mm
forward, or 10mm back. A newly shaped thumb throttle lever delivers smooth
throttle control requiring less effort and causing less fatigue. A new seat
design is thin yet roomy in the front and wider and more padded in the back for
a more comfortable all-around ride. The YFZ450R also comes with very large 65mm
wide foot pegs with kick-ups that provide maximum traction and added comfort
when moving around on the machine.
Newly designed Dunlop® tires have a superb combination of
compound, tire profile, tread pattern and sidewall-to-tread center stiffness to
provide outstanding comfort, bump absorption and precise cornering performance.
At 20 inches in the rear and 21 inches in the front, the tires also provide
maximum ground clearance for track, trail or dune riding. The YFZ450R has
excellent stopping power from dual front hydraulic disc brakes and a lightweight
wave-type rear rotor including dual piston calipers in the back as well as the
front.
Rounding out the ATV’s top features is an instrument panel located on the fender
in front of the rider including vital indicators signaling low fuel, coolant
temperature, check engine, and neutral gear in a straightforward LED display.
The 2009 YFZ450R comes in a standard color Team Yamaha Blue/White or in a second
color Red/White.
MRSP of $7,999.
YFZ450R Specifications:
Engine
Type 449cc, 4-Stroke Single, Liquid Cooled w/ Fan, Titanium 5-Valve DOHC
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports
market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and
Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings
also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft,
snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines,
accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a
nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, YMUS
also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory
operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha,
visit
www.yamaha-motor.com.
