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I thought I’d share my thoughts on the bike after 3 rides. All at Tampa MX which is relatively hard pack but is really well taken care of and almost always had loads of traction…
For context I got back in to Moto a few years ago after about a 6 year hiatus. I had been on Yamahas since the new ‘03 YZ250F came out and never looked back as far as bike brands. My last two bikes prior to this new ‘23 we’re a 2019 and 2021 YZ450F. I was a little nervous to hear all of the talk about how different this bike was as I really enjoyed the previous platform. I turned 48 in July so I’m old and I really like the consistency and predictability of the previous gen bikes. I weigh ~190lbs with gear and set the bike up based on Keefer’s last ‘living with’ pod after 20 hrs. 102mm sag and all the other settings he prefers.
After my first Moto I was pumped to learn that it’s still a Yamaha. The ergos are spot on and overall improved over the last bike. I didn’t have much of an issue with any of the ergos of the old bike but this new one is better.
Since those first couple slower motos to break in the bike, my opinions on the bike have gotten a bit tougher to nail down. I’m still attributing a lot of my discomfort to it just being new (my old bike had 120hrs and was very comfy) and me not riding as often/consistently as I’d like to be as of late, but here are a few pros and cons as I see it right now…
Pros
- Ergonomics are spot on. I was extremely comfy sitting on the bike right away.
- Fit and finish is everything you’d expect out of a Yamaha. This is why I keep coming back.
Cons
- I think I may like the old motor better 🤷♂️ The new one is a bit more mellow down low, which is nice, but hits super hard in the middle. After that it seems to sign off a little quicker as well. Maybe a gearing issue…
- As for gearing, I have ran 50t sprockets for years as I enjoy making more use of 3rd gear. I know folks are saying that 2nd is super long, but I’m not finding that to be the case. It’s really good and usable in telhe middle, but I don’t know that I trust it way up top. Maybe I’m just overthinking it but I feel a more noticeable gap between 3rd and 2nd. I’ve got a 50t on the way for this one. This one could be all me.
- The rear end is… tough. I am having tracking and traction issues alike. It’s very reactive in ruts where the old bike would track so predictably. Seat time and gearing changes will likely make a big difference here but thought I’d mention it.
- Forks are stiff. They work well, but it’s been tough to get the front end comfy.
Overall I really like the new bike and I’m sure a lot of the issues I’ve been having are more ‘me’ problems than anything else. Old dog, New tricks. I’ll get there 👍
So you snag your boots on them more? No thanks. The new trend of inward pointing radiator shrouds is the way they should be.
It's curved like that so you don't hook your boot on the shroud in corners.
For Moto, I am hearing Fork Height +2-3mm, Sag 104-105, maybe soften Compression F+R until bike breaks in.
Still waiting for my dealer to call me on the new '23
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Yeah prices have increased a lot on certain exhausts. Check out HGS, the stainless steel version is relatively cheap and i think their performance to what they cost is by far the best on the market.
Thanks for the ride reports gents - it does seem like not everyone is a fan of the new bike. Have one on order - but there are some new 22's around also. (old vet racer - 6'6")
Being a tall guy you’ll like the ergos on the 23 more. Seems like most people that aren’t gelling are running sag numbers pretty far off from what Yamaha recommended. FWTW.
You might be right here, though it does seem counterintuitive. I’m at 102mm sag and I’m running the forks up at 4mm based on Keefer’s recommendation. I’ve not tried the Yamaha recommended 98mm sag and 7mm up, but I’m going to give it a shot and see what I think.
I have no doubt I’ll get the bike to work well for me. ‘All New’ bikes take time to get right. Overall I’m happy.
How would you compare the cornering between your 21 and 23?
How about the impact of the weight difference on your riding?
You seemed comfortable on your 21 ergonomics-wise ---> Is the 23 that much better (I actually like my 2020 YZ450F)?
Lastly, how about general stability?
Been on Hondas since 2009 and have been thinking about making a change to a different color. I've been combing through this thread for a couple days and I'm pretty suprised. So the majority of you guys who've bought one and rode it don't like it? Seriously?
I take Keefer's set up recommendations with a grain of salt because I'm on the east coast. Don't be afraid to chopper the bike out to gain stability. I usually run more sag and my forks lower in the clamps compared to Keefer.
I find the cornering a big improvement. A lot of the negatives people are stating here and elsewhere I have not found. Each to their own, you need to ride it and decide for yourself.
Weight wise, much lighter feeling.
Ergo's another big improvement.
I have not found any instability issues as yet, but I have not ridden the bike on a high speed track yet, only fairly tight tracks.
For me it is a winner.
My bike started working again before I swapped the sensor, but I replaced it anyway. Also I went through every plug and cleaned/applied dielectric grease. My main ecu plug had water in it which was probably my main issue. The new ecu is under the battery near the mud flap. I need to watch where I spray the hose.
For us taller guys this bike is way better IMO. The Keefer map completely changed the feel of the motor down low and takes the hard hit in the middle out. Amazing bike. Wouldn’t be worried about it.
I think the 2022 was so good for some people and the perfect bike for many.
The only thing I have ever really wished my Yamahas would do better was turn. I think I may be handicapping myself with the fork and sag settings I’m running though because initial turn in doesn’t seem all that much improved yet. Once I do get the turn started, it definitely will cut a tighter line. I need to play with the fork height and sag some more and work on getting the rear end settled down a bit and I’ll be stoked.
As for weight, the new bike feels more lively in the air for sure. I like it, but I never really thought the old one felt heavy on the track.
The ergos on the new bike are spot on. I never felt the old bike was wide or cramped unless I spun some laps on a buddies bike. The new one is definitely better, but I always thought that people made a bigger deal out of the width and foot peg to seat height than need be. It’s a non issue after a few laps.
Vert MX in Ohio has the new template. More pics soon!
I fell in love with this bike when I got to test it in late november last year and after talking to just about every yamaha dealer in Europe for the past 2 months, I finally found one of these unicorns.
I'm 24 and skill wise somewhat above the average weekend warrior, yet not fast enough to actually become a pro. I qualified for an ADAC once, but that's about it. Coming off a 21 KXF450 with KYB A-Kit.
The nervousness everybody is talking about is certainly there. When letting off the gas going into a corner or coming down a hill with braking bumps, the bike likes to dance a lot more in all directions than the Kawi. You can certainly work with that and just ride very, very calm (or reducing your inputs as Ping says)- but- I generally have a smooth riding style and still have to stay very contious about that to make that work. With the right bike setup you can probably almost eliminate this problem.
What I like most about the yamaha is definitely the chassis- it just suits me. When it felt like other bikes transferred the energy of a bump directly into my hands and feet, the yamaha just absorbs it. Especially the rear feels so settled to me, maybe it's due to the linkage geometry- I don't know. I've ridden yamahas back in 2016-17 and remember those being just as good in this regard. The Kawi stands no competition there for me, especially in stock trim.
The cornering is also absolutely amazing. When you get it right, it's like going around a turn on rails- doesn't matter if it's a tight rut or big plush sand berm. Lean the bike over and it stays there- no front end kniving. It's been a bit tricky to figure out as first coming from the Kawi, where I had a lot of confidence going into the turn and then lost it in the turn, as the bike kept wanting to lean over and lose front end traction. On the yamaha, I'm less confident going in the turn, but must then commit to make the corner work. Otherwise the bike literally doesn't want to turn, which is a bit annoying if you overshoot the corner. But as I said, with a bit of practice, I started making up so much time in corners with the yamaha, because it feels planted if you get it right.
Also, leaning the bike over feels like a 125- it's unbelievably fun and handles so much better than the KX here.
The engine is plenty- with the hard hit in the mid it almost feels like it's boosted. I actually haven't tried out any maps yet after 2 rides but will do that next time.
It will take some time to completely get the suspension right for me, it's still bouncing around over small to medium braking bumps a little. But I think that goes hand in hand with the nervous feeling and is my only complain about the bike. For me, this bike is better than the KX 450.
And now just some small things I noticed:
- my green motul oil is still green 2h after the oil change. on the kx it was pretty much grey after one stint 🤔
- I'm starting to like the look of the front end, but there's a dent in the front fender right before the triple clamps that always collects a shit ton of mud, and you can't get it out without removing the front plate
- I was told acerbis plastics are available mid february
- the app provides great functionality but as an app developer in real life, the look and feel of that app annoys me and reminds me of early 2010s apps
- it's to me how everyone thought this was the greatest bike of all time when all journalists were flashed by the Carmichael compound, and now that it somehow "loses" shootouts, everyone is skeptical of it 😂 I also like how it came 2nd in some shootouts in 2021, with the remark that it just needs some little improvements, and now that it got the exact same improvements requested, it still comes 2nd to the green bike that is unchanged 🤔
Pit Row
That’s not a new feature for ‘23
Man, I just started mine for the first time for a heat cycle. It sounds meaner than my yosh piped Honda. Sounds like it's damn turboed too lol..
Has anyone found any of the gytr parts? I wanted to try the hydraulic clutch. I might get a nissin from a Honda or Kawasaki and I’m sure rekluse will make a slave cylinder eventually.
Hydraulic clutch was coming around March not sure if that is case. Was just looking softer springs and skid plate to get started. 6 days until first ride. Anyone gone from 5.0/58 stock springs to softer yet?
I got a UPS package today from Yamaha. Oil change kit, pretty cool. A lifetime riding red and never had a thing sent to me like this. It's the little things!
Great report, thank you for the detailed notes!
In regards to the Carmichael introduction hype; It’s doing pretty well in the Shootouts stateside, “winning” at least one already. Second in at least a couple as well with Dirtbike magazine and SwapMoto.
https://www.dirtrider.com/450-motocross-bike-comparison/
Or for just yamaha. Pretty standard.
anyone notice the built in supercharger.? the vent from the head is directed straight back into the airbox. i started mine without the airfilter after washing it and the airflow back into the throttle body is fairly noticeable.
Honda had that but when bike was laying when you crash etc oil found way to airbox.
Coming from my 21 WE, today was a success on the new big blue. Comfortable right away.
It was a pretty tight indoor track, couple good seat bounce booters, decent little whoops. Set sag at 104 and rode it. Left forks stock height due to being such a tight track. Stock map, no light on. Couple corners I was getting a little knifing. Springs are soft at my current 225 fat ass self, but bottoming resistance was great. Was able to confidentiality enter whoops as fast as my +30 brain would allow with no whacky stuff happened while skimming. Local A guy was on a 23 WE and got kicked hard and went for a ride in the same whoops. Had a "Same jump different year and bike", overshoot today. Honda I thought I broke my hands. Today, same jump, overshot the piss out of it and nothing abrupt happened and rode it right out.
Motor vs my Honda was a nice change. Smoother but not lacking immediate power either.
Wasn't a real suitable place for "testing" changes, so once I got comfortable I just wanted to get a little time in. It left me happy with my decision to switch at this point. I can only see it getting better.
New bike and new boot break in.
How do you adjust the idle? Only weird thing I noticed today on the first ride was it idles higher when I put it in gear. Another guy there on a 23 was doing the same. The cold start knob doesn’t seem to adjust like the previous ones.
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