Finally we can talk! Are you looking for a place you can view ALL of the changes Yamaha made to the 2026 YZ450F model and if those changes can be felt on the track? Look no further! Below are all of the changes and what they could mean to you, the rider. We have calculated all of the changes below and then after spending several hours on the new bLU cRU machine, we let you know if those changes mean anything in the real world (AKA, out on the track).
Yamaha’s goal for 2026 was to gain more controllability as improve the chassis comfort. The 2025 YZ450F was no doubt the king of the engine department but also could be a handful for a lot of riders. The 2023-2025 chassis although better than the older 2022 at cornering was a little less planted feel at speed (straight line).
Engine:
- Intact Tract: Resonator and duct added for reduced intake sound. Can you feel this? Yes! There is less noise coming directly from underneath you near the airbox. The hollow/loud sound is muffled somewhat and is not as noisy in your helmet while you’re riding.
- Throttle Body intake joint shape change to match new intake port. Can you feel this? I personally DO NOT know if I can feel this or it’s the intake and muffler change that I am feeling, but the YZ450F is definitely more manageable to ride in 2026. Less jerky (or on/off feeling) rolling through corners.
Cylinder Head:
- New intake port shape
- Elliptical port shape opening
- Steeper port wall angle into cylinder for improved combustion.
- Intake camshaft timing changed 3 degrees (from 110-107 degrees)
Can you feel this? Yes! You can feel the engine is smoother than the 2025 version and that allows the rider to get on the gas sooner through/coming out of corners. Compared to the 2025, I don’t feel that the bike wears me out quite as much as the older model did.
Other Engine:
- Flywheel inertia increase by 8%. Can you feel this? Yes! I did this exact mod to my 2025 and by doing this it gave me less engine braking feel as well as a smoother roll on power.
- Rear sprocket went from 49T to 51T. Can you feel this? Yes. The 2026 YZ450F likes to be ridden in second gear more through corners instead of third gear like the 2025. Why? With some of the engine/muffler/intake changes, Yamaha had to make gearing changes to get some low end back. Did it work? Yes and No. Yes, in the fact that the YZ450F still has a fun/lightweight engine feel that is exciting to ride, but No in the fact that you still will be forced to downshift into second gear through most corners.
- New material on Conrad bearing. Can you feel this? No. Maybe for durability but we don’t know yet.
- Water outlet pipe material went from plastic to aluminum. Can you feel this? No, but this is for durability and heat reasons.
- Breather hose no longer routes to the airbox. Can you feel this? Yes! If you crash and your bike is upside down or on it’s side too long, your new 2026 will not blow a smoke screen out of your muffler. Why? Because if you crash, oil will now bypass out into the atmosphere and not back through the engine and out your muffler.
- Piston oil sprayer angle change for improved piston cooling. Can you feel this? No…
- Nissin hydraulic clutch. Can you feel this? Of course you can. The new Nissin hydraulic clutch is less on/off feeling than the Honda clutch but still is not quite as linear feeling as the old cable system. Do I like it? Let’s just say, I don’t hate it and I have no complaints yet.
- Clutch internal updates (bevel spring rate increased 10%, pressure plate has added holes for weight reduction, retainer spring updated to match bevel spring, inner hub oil supply path has staggered hole layout for improved lubrication, push rod bushing added to main transmission shaft). Can you feel this? Yes, the clutch feel has a firm/positive for engagement purposes but to me it is lighter than the older cable system for previous years.
- Exhaust system has resonator chamber added to headpipe, new muffler internal structure with muffler being 50mm shorter, muffler mounting angle is also down 1.6 degrees. Can you feel this? Yes! You will immediately know it’s a quieter muffler system than the older stock system. This also helps smoother roll on power as well! We tried an older 2025 system on the 2026 model and it’s much louder and has more low end feel but also is more on/off on low RPM situations.
Chassis:
- Main frame down tube has new forged section
- Rigidity increased at steering tube neck area
- Less rigidity at cradle section
- Rear shock mounting bracket hole removed to increase rigidity
- Front engine bracket shape change and 2mm thinner (8mm to 6mm).
- Upper bracket uses different thickness on left and right side (right side 4mm thick and left side remains at 6mm thick)
Can you feel all of these chassis changes? Yes! This is the first thing that I notice when it comes to the 2026! The chassis is more planted, has more front end traction on lean angle and has more comfort when chassis is loaded (off throttle). There is less side to side movement from the rear end when hitting braking bumps. All of these changes are a welcome addition as the new YZ450F has more of a 2022 chassis feel when on straight line. Now, it isn’t quite as planted as a 2022 but it is A LOT closer and definitely corners much better than the older 2022 chassis.
Suspension:
- New rear shock with new base valve structure, piston size increased from 24 to 28mm, dedicated compression and rebound passages, main valve piston ports increased from 4 to 6, reduced shim valve deflection and stress, tool-less low speed compression adjuster
- Updated fork settings that match frame changes and new shock as well as a new scraper added between the dust and oil seal.
- Can you feel this? Yes! The shock has more traction than the 2025 rear end and more acceleration comfort. The fork is pretty firm through the mid stroke but feels soft initially. This gives the rider a perceived harsher feel than the 2025 fork spec. Once I stiffened up the fork a couple clicks and then sped up the rebound, the fork felt like it had more comfort when loading front end. If you’re a bigger rider, this ’26 stock KYB suspension is directed towards you (185 pounds and up).
Weight Reduction:
- Throttle cable holder went from steel to plastic (-10 grams)
- Chain roller has a 19mm diameter reduction (-50 grams)
- Rear brake hose clamps (bolt to insert clip attachment (-10 grams)
- Can you feel any of this? No, not at all…
Function:
- Right side chain block position change of alignment indicator marks went from side to the top of block. Does this help? Yes, I can actually see the marks as they are closer to the swingarm markings.
- Side number plates are one tool removal that requires only 8mm tool. Does this help? Yes, at least I don’t need an Alan wrench and an 8mm.
- Rear fender has more clearance to muffler for easier grab. Can you feel this? Yes! Easier to grab for sure!
- Seat cover texture has one way gripper material. Can you feel this? Yes! The texture is actually nice and is better on grip than last years material.
Yamaha Power Tuner:
- Now has ECU lock function for anti-theft. Does this work? Yes! I tried to steal my own bike and I couldn’t start it because of the ECU lock function. I tried to run with the bike down the street, but I got caught by the cops. It works!
2026 Yamaha YZ450F comes in 70th anniversary red/white for $10,499 and Yamaha blue for $10,299.
