The 2024 Yamaha YZ450FX is an all-new off-road competition bike, from the engine to the frame. It builds on the updates to the YZ450F motocrosser, and it is more compact, powerful, and versatile than the previous version. It also works as a high-performance trail bike, particularly in California, where the WR450F isn’t available.
Rideability is the theme, even for riders who never race. Suspension travel is about a half-inch shorter at each end, and the power delivery is easy to tailor.
The 450cc single has reshaped intake and exhaust ports, titanium intake valves that are 2mm wider, a new forged aluminum piston and cylinder, and a new crankshaft and balancer. The rev limit is 500 rpm higher. Mikuni fuel injection responds cleanly at any throttle opening, and two standard power modes swap on the fly.
The free Yamaha Power Tuner smartphone app connects over Wi-Fi to modify either mode, with a seven-step slider or fueling and ignition settings at 32 points. Traction control and launch control are in the mix, and the app adds suspension tuning suggestions, a maintenance log, a race log, and a lap timer.
The wide-ratio 5-speed transmission uses a new, more compact tri-shaft design. First gear is low enough for technical terrain, and top speed is ample for open desert. A new disc-spring clutch has a light pull, and the clutch assembly is 1.6 pounds lighter.
The new 10-piece aluminum twin-spar frame comes with 0.2 degrees less rake, 0.2 inches more trail, and a wheelbase 0.4 inches shorter, trading a bit of high-speed stability for agility on tight trails. Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires are standard.
The footpegs move a quarter-inch back and down, the bodywork is a couple of inches slimmer, and the seat is flatter. The handlebar mounts have four positions, and the air filter changes without tools.
KYB speed-sensitive suspension returns with new settings, and the fork now has tool-free compression-damping adjustment. Yamaha intends the YZ450FX for cross-country racers and for trail riders who think a 450 is too much motor.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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