Boys,
I am read up on the pros/cons of the new-generation 2023-2024 YZ450F, but my read between the lines assessment of this bike is a love/hate relationship, buoyed by hope that through trial-and-error one can arrive at a setup that works everywhere like the 2020-2022 YZ450F, but with the added benefits of a slimmer and more nimble chassis + more usable engine.
I happen to have a well setup 2020 YZ450F that I really like, but like many of you, I spend more time thinking about my next bike than I do actually riding ... 
... so this poll is to entertain my idiotic pursuit of perfection in an MX bike.
More specifically, I am asking if the 2023-2023 YZ450F is a better bike than my old 2020 YZ450F with XPR-tuned Vortex, A-kit suspension, Rekluse RadiusCX clutch, Pro Circuit Ti-6 full system, Twin Air billet intake, FCP engine mounts, WC titanium footpeg lowering mounts, Motostuff V2 caliper and rotor, on and on. Or is it a wash, not as good overall, or?
WHAT I AM TRYING TO ASSESS:
Is the 2023-2024 YZ450F enough of an improvement over a well set up 2020-2022 YZ450F that it's worth buying?
For reference, the attributes I personally most value in MX bikes are:
(1) Reliability and low maintenance
(2) Stability
(3) Motor usability / rider friendliness
(4) Overall handling / safety (i.e. good at everything, not bad at anything)
(5) "Just ride it!" setup ease for all types of riding
For people who have experience with both models, please share your thoughts!
I am not a 450 guy and haven't ridden the 23 450 (but have ridden the prior gen.) But being a YZ250F guy, I think about this type of stuff also. My take on the 20-22 450 is it is the perfected variation of that platform. They really got that bike dialed both in stock form and at the Factory level. But the bike comes with some slight flaws. Most ppl that are already Yamaha riders, either got over the weird ergos or fixed them via lowered pegs or tall seat. But regardless, the ergos and refinement of the layout is just the knock on the bike. The new bike adresses those and while it doesn't sound perfect, it at least makes the bike feel lighter and thinner, which is great. The sharper cornering is also welcomed by most but the now narrow set-up window and less stability is the drawback. So I'd say if you love the 20-22 as-is and don't mind the ergos and feel, then it's probably the one you would prefer. If you've always been bothered by the ergos and just always wished for a little more carving from the bike, then it's probably worth getting a '23.
Some of this (but not all) is sort of my thought process with the 250F, as I have a nicely dialed, low hour '21 and thinking if I want to jump to a '24. Right now, I'm leaning towards keeping mine because I can't fault the chassis, for how/where I ride. And it's not worth the gamble. Also, the ergos don't bother me (but I do welcome the ergo change, on the new bike.)
Man I like this post. I'm currently on a 22 yz450f and was wanting to get a 23 or 24 yz450. But I've gotten to the point now where I would just like to keep my bike. But I'm actually highly considering getting a 350. But might also go back to a 250. I need to ride my buddies KTM because the other 2 ktms I rode I hated it and the stiff rigid feel of it. Vs my aluminum frame that feels plush and forgiving and no vibration
I'm on a 21 yz450, rode a mates 24 ktm 350 on Sunday. Compared to the yz it corners incredibly well. I was actually turning too tight coming in to corners and had to learn to use less input to initiate the turn. That was about all I liked about it though. The forks weren't as good as the yz, the engine had way too much engine braking in both maps and it lacked excitement out of corners. It would be much less fatiguing over the course of a longer moto though
I have the 19 and the 24, I'm 6'2" and 210, and like the 24 better. The 19 is similar to your bike - A kit, rekluse, etc. The 24 is stock and I already like it better - faster, lighter, corner entry is great, corner middle is really good, exit ...well, I need to get the suspension done.
The Shop
I can see that but at the same time, the 20-22 seemed like it was a big difference to the 18-19 bikes. I personally don't have a ton of time on them to compare but my friend went from an 18-21 and said it was a bigger difference than he expected. Even the shootouts and pro results sort of reflected that.
That being said, if those changes made that much of a difference on the prior gen, it shows that maybe some small mid-gen tweaks to this new bike might really let it take another step forward. It'll be interesting to see what they do for '25.
I had a 2022 and a 23 yz450f. And all I can say is if you really like the character of your 20-22 you most likely won’t like the 23. The 22’s strengths are the 23’s weaknesses and vice versa. I sold the 23. I did like the motor, lightness, and cornering better from the 23, but I prefer the less busy stable 22.
Post a reply to: Real-world YZ450F Owners: Do you prefer 2020-2022 OR 2023-2024 Models?