"Best Mods" for the 2020-2022 Yamaha YZ450F You've Personally Tried

Rider 5280
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Rider 5280
Edited Date/Time 1/6/2022 7:16am
Happy New Year Guys!

I've got a 2020 YZ450F and am always on the hunt for some effective modifications to make the bike easier to ride fast safely + last longer ... both me as a rider to last longer AND the bike to last longer in terms of longevity/durability.

Please drop your thoughts into this thread regarding improvements YOU have personally made on the 2020-2022 YZ450F models that other owners could benefit from.

For starters, I am aware of these related articles/product tests:

(1) http://pulpmx.com/2019/12/10/2020-yamaha-yz450f-top-5-mods/#:~:text=%20…

(2) http://pulpmx.com/2021/01/04/top-5-mods-2021-yamaha-yz250f/

(3) https://www.keeferinctesting.com/motocross-testing/2021/9/7/2022-yamaha…

(4) https://www.dirtrider.com/story/tests/2021-yamaha-yz450f-gytr-mod-bike-…

(5) https://motocrossactionmag.com/ask-the-mxperts-how-to-give-your-2020-ya…

(6) http://pulpmx.com/2019/11/25/2020-yz450f-pro-circuit-vs-fmf/

(7) https://motocrossactionmag.com/mxa-team-tested-pro-circuit-2020-21-yz45…

(8) http://pulpmx.com/2020/03/25/65-hours-on-the-2020-yamaha-yz450f/

(9) http://pulpmx.com/2020/10/19/slater-skins-air-box-cover-yamaha-yz250f-4…

Looking forward to hearing what you guys have tried and liked!
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mx317
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mx317 1/3/2022 1:08pm
1/3/2022 1:08pm
The TwinAir filter kit was worth the money for me. It is so much easier to change filters and know you have it sealed. I bought the No-Toil one at first and sent it back because it seemed so flimsy. I also had the suspension set up by Enzo and added a bit taller seat.
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murph783
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murph783 1/3/2022 1:40pm
1/3/2022 1:40pm
I’ve got the twin air kit, had no toil, twin air quality is better but they do the same job.

FMF muffler on mine but they’re all the same, pick a brand.

Slater skins intake cover.

I run a 20mm offset clamp and factory connection link. It’s a nice combo but not for everyone. Front end gets a little twitchy but the back deadens out so it’s pretty planted.

I go to a 14t front sprocket. It’s a big jump but it’ll pull it with the other mods.

Switch back and forth between TP3 and TP5 maps depending on track. Run race fuel, I like T4.
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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 1/3/2022 2:03pm
1/3/2022 2:03pm Edited Date/Time 1/3/2022 2:04pm
murph783 wrote:
I’ve got the twin air kit, had no toil, twin air quality is better but they do the same job. FMF muffler on mine but they’re...
I’ve got the twin air kit, had no toil, twin air quality is better but they do the same job.

FMF muffler on mine but they’re all the same, pick a brand.

Slater skins intake cover.

I run a 20mm offset clamp and factory connection link. It’s a nice combo but not for everyone. Front end gets a little twitchy but the back deadens out so it’s pretty planted.

I go to a 14t front sprocket. It’s a big jump but it’ll pull it with the other mods.

Switch back and forth between TP3 and TP5 maps depending on track. Run race fuel, I like T4.
I assume you need to remap for race fuels like T4?

How about remapping for intake mods and exhsusts?
Moto520
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Moto520 1/3/2022 2:08pm
1/3/2022 2:08pm
How many hours are you guys going before doing a top end on these things? I'm at 85 hours and haven't touched the motor.

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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 1/3/2022 2:17pm
1/3/2022 2:17pm Edited Date/Time 1/3/2022 2:34pm
I'm going to go ~100-125 hours and then assess. I am learning my "Vet C status" may not require as frequent of rebuilds as in the past. My 2 older CRF450Rs (2007 & 2008) are on the "100+ hour top-end plan" and seem to tolerate it very well when I keep up on oil changes.

I primarily key on ease of starting / valve adjustments ... which I seldom check before 100 hours. But I had to check them in the past to build up my confidence in the approach for MY riding style/conditions.
TheGetFresh 1/3/2022 4:41pm
1/3/2022 4:41pm
I put a tall seat on my ‘21 and the suspension is currently in a box at the Enzo shop waiting for a revalve. Once it comes back it’s getting some new Pirelli mx32 mid/softs (the Dunlop 33s that come stock we’re awful) I don’t think I’ll do anything more unless I end up with some money burning a hole in my pocket. This bike is really good out the box, but after break in the suspension had way too much pitch and the hold up was awful, particularly up front. The motor already offers more than enough power and the tuner app lets you massage it well enough to emulate 90% of what a pipe would give you. I’m kinda torn with this bike because I used to love dumping money into parts on my old bikes, but I can’t really justify it on this one.
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murph783
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murph783 1/4/2022 6:50am
1/4/2022 6:50am
murph783 wrote:
I’ve got the twin air kit, had no toil, twin air quality is better but they do the same job. FMF muffler on mine but they’re...
I’ve got the twin air kit, had no toil, twin air quality is better but they do the same job.

FMF muffler on mine but they’re all the same, pick a brand.

Slater skins intake cover.

I run a 20mm offset clamp and factory connection link. It’s a nice combo but not for everyone. Front end gets a little twitchy but the back deadens out so it’s pretty planted.

I go to a 14t front sprocket. It’s a big jump but it’ll pull it with the other mods.

Switch back and forth between TP3 and TP5 maps depending on track. Run race fuel, I like T4.
Rider 5280 wrote:
I assume you need to remap for race fuels like T4?

How about remapping for intake mods and exhsusts?
I haven’t “had to” per se, those two maps work pretty well. But I’m sure there’s more power and a cleaner running engine to be had if I do. I’d like to get it dyno’d
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murph783
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murph783 1/4/2022 6:52am
1/4/2022 6:52am
Moto520 wrote:
How many hours are you guys going before doing a top end on these things? I'm at 85 hours and haven't touched the motor.
I’m at 30 hours right now, I’m gonna throw a timing chain in over the winter because they don’t have the best reputation. 21-22 part number is updated so I’m just doing that.

I’ll probably do a piston at 50-60? They’re not crazy expensive and I like to stay ahead of the game. 250’s I’ll go 30 hours, but this is my first 450 in a decade so I’ll see how it goes. Could definitely go longer, they’re bulletproof
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Moto520
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Moto520 1/4/2022 7:40am
1/4/2022 7:40am
Top mods for me:

suspension revalve for my weight (try the different pull rod if you don't like the feel of the bike after revalve)
Works Connection clutch lever
Works Connection throttle tube
tall seat

That's it. This is the most stock i've ever kept a bike.
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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 1/4/2022 3:07pm
1/4/2022 3:07pm Edited Date/Time 1/4/2022 3:11pm
Moto520 wrote:
Top mods for me: suspension revalve for my weight (try the different pull rod if you don't like the feel of the bike after revalve) Works...
Top mods for me:

suspension revalve for my weight (try the different pull rod if you don't like the feel of the bike after revalve)
Works Connection clutch lever
Works Connection throttle tube
tall seat

That's it. This is the most stock i've ever kept a bike.
Remind me what the pull rod mod feels like? It seems EVERYONE (Pro Circuit, Ride Engineering, Factory Connection) does a length of 143.5 mm. To me this say "they've all come to the same conclusion that this is the best 'average' length for improvement."

Given this ^^^, what does it feel like + do you need to change anything else to benefit from this mod - like triple clamps/offset?
Polish Power
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Polish Power 1/4/2022 4:57pm
1/4/2022 4:57pm
This is a good thread. A few weeks ago I just jumped ship to a 21 yz450, after 3 seasons on a 19 kx450. I wanted more excitement/power and better forks. Rather than dump more money into the kx and take a big chance of not being happy, i decided it was time to try something else. My 21 yz250f helped sway my decision as well as talking to kris keefer numerous times and asking some peeps on here like Moto520. After installing springs for my weight on the yz250f, I was really impressed with how the kyb sss felt in comparison to my factory connection revalved showa stuff on the kx. Even though im a little heavy(275) for the 250f, it hauls me around just fine, but I still love the power and thrill of riding a 450.

A lot of the same mods that people do to the yz250f carry over to the yz450. On my yz250f i have a vortex ecu by twisted, slater skins cover, no toil air filter setup, raptor 7mm lower pegs and gytr tall seat. Aside from the no toil setup, is an ecu or air box cover even necessary on the 450?

I wont be ridding till the spring, so for now I will install the tp maps, change out the springs for my weight, no toil air filter setup and get a tall seat and/or raptor pegs.
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Moto520
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Moto520 1/4/2022 5:09pm
1/4/2022 5:09pm
Moto520 wrote:
Top mods for me: suspension revalve for my weight (try the different pull rod if you don't like the feel of the bike after revalve) Works...
Top mods for me:

suspension revalve for my weight (try the different pull rod if you don't like the feel of the bike after revalve)
Works Connection clutch lever
Works Connection throttle tube
tall seat

That's it. This is the most stock i've ever kept a bike.
Rider 5280 wrote:
Remind me what the pull rod mod feels like? It seems EVERYONE (Pro Circuit, Ride Engineering, Factory Connection) does a length of 143.5 mm. To me...
Remind me what the pull rod mod feels like? It seems EVERYONE (Pro Circuit, Ride Engineering, Factory Connection) does a length of 143.5 mm. To me this say "they've all come to the same conclusion that this is the best 'average' length for improvement."

Given this ^^^, what does it feel like + do you need to change anything else to benefit from this mod - like triple clamps/offset?
I never changed mine. This is what was suggested to me by FC. Enzo cuts the shock shaft down. I think the consensus is that the back end is to high.
Zycki11
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Zycki11 1/5/2022 6:23am
1/5/2022 6:23am
Pull rod changes the shock feel. Yamaha likes to have a rear that squats and the pull rod will deaden the initial part of the stroke. Essentially, you are getting less travel but the curve of the travel changes. More initial hold up in the stroke and a more planted firm feeling.
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FathomWorx_812 1/5/2022 10:14am
1/5/2022 10:14am
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks. Switched to Blud oil.

Made my choices to make things comfortable for my height & weight. Other items were things that I decided to add either due to maintenance and/or frequent adjustments.
1
Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 1/5/2022 10:18am
1/5/2022 10:18am
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks...
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks. Switched to Blud oil.

Made my choices to make things comfortable for my height & weight. Other items were things that I decided to add either due to maintenance and/or frequent adjustments.
Do the 7-mm lower pegs make a real difference?
FathomWorx_812 1/5/2022 10:42am
1/5/2022 10:42am
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks...
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks. Switched to Blud oil.

Made my choices to make things comfortable for my height & weight. Other items were things that I decided to add either due to maintenance and/or frequent adjustments.
Rider 5280 wrote:
Do the 7-mm lower pegs make a real difference?
Combined with the taller seat, Yes. I'm 6'4" so any help in the rider compartment for me is a must.
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murph783
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murph783 1/5/2022 1:13pm
1/5/2022 1:13pm
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks...
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks. Switched to Blud oil.

Made my choices to make things comfortable for my height & weight. Other items were things that I decided to add either due to maintenance and/or frequent adjustments.
Rider 5280 wrote:
Do the 7-mm lower pegs make a real difference?
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
Combined with the taller seat, Yes. I'm 6'4" so any help in the rider compartment for me is a must.
What’s up with that brake Clevis? Seen a lot of them floating around and never could figure out the draw
FathomWorx_812 1/5/2022 1:25pm
1/5/2022 1:25pm
Rider 5280 wrote:
Do the 7-mm lower pegs make a real difference?
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
Combined with the taller seat, Yes. I'm 6'4" so any help in the rider compartment for me is a must.
murph783 wrote:
What’s up with that brake Clevis? Seen a lot of them floating around and never could figure out the draw
Looks a hell of a lot better than the stamped stocker. I suppose its lighter. Just a cleaner fit for me. As far as the claims of it being tighter, we will see after some hours on it. Easier to adjust in my opinion. I have no reason to doubt it but we will see. Sort of like the Ti Racetech Peg pins. Decided to try them for shits and giggles.
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Pit Row

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MadsDausel 1/5/2022 1:59pm
1/5/2022 1:59pm
Tall Seat , -7mm Raptor pegs, revalve suspension , akrapovic , vortex ecu with Keefer vet map, Pirelli mx32 mid/soft
Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 1/5/2022 2:52pm
1/5/2022 2:52pm
MadsDausel wrote:
Tall Seat , -7mm Raptor pegs, revalve suspension , akrapovic , vortex ecu with Keefer vet map, Pirelli mx32 mid/soft
Vortex ecu with Keefer vet map ... tell us more about the difference you noticed!

I am pretty happy with the stock ECU given I can try stuff that feels different ... but is that better? :-)
1
Polish Power
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Polish Power 1/5/2022 3:35pm
1/5/2022 3:35pm
MadsDausel wrote:
Tall Seat , -7mm Raptor pegs, revalve suspension , akrapovic , vortex ecu with Keefer vet map, Pirelli mx32 mid/soft
Rider 5280 wrote:
Vortex ecu with Keefer vet map ... tell us more about the difference you noticed! I am pretty happy with the stock ECU given I can...
Vortex ecu with Keefer vet map ... tell us more about the difference you noticed!

I am pretty happy with the stock ECU given I can try stuff that feels different ... but is that better? :-)
Im curious as well. I know how the vortex ecu from twisted, helped move the power and raise the rev limiter on my yz250f. It was definitely worth the investment. I kinda dont feel its necessary with the 450, but I also havent ridden the bike yet.
Bigfoot16
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Bigfoot16 1/5/2022 7:11pm
1/5/2022 7:11pm
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks...
22 YZ450F, 5 hours. Enzo revalve and springs, Raptor 7mm lowered pegs, Twin air power flow kit, Guts tall seat, RE Brake clevis, GYTR axle blocks. Switched to Blud oil.

Made my choices to make things comfortable for my height & weight. Other items were things that I decided to add either due to maintenance and/or frequent adjustments.
Rider 5280 wrote:
Do the 7-mm lower pegs make a real difference?
FathomWorx_812 wrote:
Combined with the taller seat, Yes. I'm 6'4" so any help in the rider compartment for me is a must.
Where did you purchase the raptor pegs? Thanks
headlightracer 9/29/2022 6:33pm
9/29/2022 6:33pm
Things I've done to my 21 450:
- Shockspring for my weight
- Revalved midspeed valve at the fork
- A mapping to detune the engine a little bit
- The chain slider rubs into the swingarm so I put silicone inbetween to save the swingarm.
- Twin Air Filters (stockish, no high flow kit)
Great bike right out of the box!

What I have planed:
- Read a lot about bad rods so this winter (30h) I will get a new rod just to have my piece of mind.
- When the engine is apart I want to install the GYTR oil sprayer to have more oil under the piston. Even when I don't use a high comp piston.
- GYTR tall seat foam (which is made by blackbird)

What I found at the www that is interesting:
- If you flip around the rubber mounts at the radiators you can make the bike 1,2 cm narrower.
- If you want lower pegs for cheap you cut the bottom of the stock peg at 23mm and put the cut off piece on top. Then you use these springs because they are lower compared to the stockers and stockers won't work: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/fastway-replacement-springs-fo…
The offset of this mod will be ca. 5mm lower and 3mm back.
Haven't tried these mods yet but it seems interesti g.
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Alaskan
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Alaskan 7/11/2026 5:58pm
7/11/2026 5:58pm Edited Date/Time 7/13/2026 10:09pm

Necro-posting a four year old thread to add my .02.  Have a '22 YZ450F.

This Winter I retarded my intake cam one tooth to reduce the anger management issues these engines have on the low end.  A mechanical solution solved what trying to map the ECU couldn't.

For disclosure, I no longer ride on MX tracks, just a trail rider now.  And not having my wrists pulled apart every time the throttle is cracked open an hour into a ride was the goal.  Success.

Other mods include:

Cutting the bars 1".

Lower foot peg mounts and lower footpegs (am 6'4")

Oversize tank.

Bar risers.

Stiffer rear shock spring; stock front forks work awesome.

Sidestand.

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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 7/12/2026 12:51pm
7/12/2026 12:51pm

All good @Alaskan - appreciate the share out!

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