This new "X" version of the fuel injected YFZ450 has a narrow track chassis for tight woods and trail performance.

Where the YFZ450 R has an extra wide track for motocross racing, it wasn't really designed for woods riding, and in some cases might be too wide for a particularly tight trail. So if you wanted all of the great new features on the latest YFZ for hare scrambles or cross country racing, you would have had to modify the ""R"" version... until now.

The YFZ450 X has all of the same great features as it's "R" sibling, including the powerful 5-valve 449cc race engine that had been updated in 2009 with fuel injection and a bunch of goodies from our YZ motocross bikes. This high performance engine is cradled by the same hybrid aluminum chassis as the 450 R for improved strength and reduced flex, making the new YFZ450 X the most capable woods racer we've ever developed.

The YFZ450 X also has the same top shelf long-travel suspension components as the 450 R, with triple adjustable shocks, gull-wing style front a-arms and a super strong gravity fed aluminum rear axle. The 450 X also shares the latest 65mm wide footpegs, controls and cushioned body panels, not to mention the most powerful brakes around.

So what makes the 450 X different? Well for one it is 3 inches narrower than the 450 R, so it's going to be a lot easier to navigate through the tight trails. And the suspension settings have been modified to better match woods style riding. The X model also gets new rims that are even lighter than those on the 450 R, and with less overall mass the 450 X will out accelerate and out brake the wider 450 R.

Other than that, they are pretty much the same. Both designed to dominate the competition... one on the motocross track, the other in the woods.

"With GNCC racing making serious headway in both manufacturers' and buyers' minds, the 450X is a surefire hit for Yamaha and will no doubt join the long list of best selling Yamaha Sport 4-wheelers." - All Terrain Vehicle magazine
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