Do modern YZ F's look worse than older ones, or is it just me?

I don't care for the new look, especially the side plate areas. The fender doesn't bother me as it reminds me of an early 2000's RM...

All subjective, of course but I think the newest YZFs are too round and too soft of body lines. They still look cool but I think the prior 2 generations had a more aggressive styling. The airbox area in the OP does bother me, also. 

Honestly,  the 14-17 bike w the cycra shrouds is a great looking bike. I prefer the smaller frame spars of that generation. 

The '22 bike mostly looks awesome too but where the tank meets the sidepanels, is a bit weird. The chopped sidepanel on the pipe side looks rad though.

I understand progress and all, but they look gay, stupid and hideous compared to something like the '97.

I’ll bet you rode around on that back in the day…

Sportin’ the finest mullet…

Singin’…

Hold on Loosely

🤣

I bought a '98 250 for nostalgia purposes and that is a sweet body-style. I think the design has stood up well, over time.

That thing is sexy. I think the 23+ front fender would actually look even better on it.

I had a white '08 450 and I still think that looks better than anything since.

BUT, '97 is the best overall.

The steel generation and the 2006-2009, were the best bikes. Balanced, reliable, elegant...

The reverse motor has no advantage. 16 years to make a slimmer airbox and radiator covers.

And the header wrap around the cylinder.

I disagree about the reverse head having no advantage, especially on the 250F. From the moment they did it, in '14, those bikes have had a very unique way that they make power and that's where they started winning shootouts and when Star really took off. I do think the looks and the rider triangle sort of suffered a bit, especially when going from a 10-13 gen to a '14. As the 10-13 chassis and rider triangle was awesome. The newest bike feels more "normal" to most riders now, at least. But I think there are ways to dial in the prior 2 gens, in that area. I've done it without issue. And that quick rev and instant response is really the main reason that I've bought several YZ250Fs, over the years.

Not sure if the older 4 strokes look better, but I am 100% positive that this is one of the best looking bikes ever, end more beautiful than the current 4 strokes.

My only complaint with the yz450 (I have a 22 and had a 15) is the width. I still find it difficult, as a smaller rider, to get a good grip with my knees while seated. Every time I take a few months off the first thing that stands out and I have trouble adapting to is the uber wide shrouds

I don't think where your knees land is any wider than most other bikes, I believe keefer or someone took a tape measure to several bikes back in 2020ish. Everyone says the newer gen is narrower, but I don't notice it riding my 19 and 24 back to back. I do notice the seat is higher and the bike seems to lean side to side easier. 

It’s definitely noticeable to me. Felt like my buddies ktm was a bmx bike in comparison