Next-Level Foundation
The 2026 YZ450F is the most advanced Yamaha motocross platform to date — lighter in side-to-side feel, new chassis balance, a refined smoother engine character and sharper rider ergonomics straight from the factory. Yamaha has clearly engineered this bike for explosive race intensity, with improved centralisation, freer engine roll, and a chassis that rewards commitment. This along side the new hydraulic clutch is what we loved most about this new bike out of the box.
Suspension Setup - Two paths
Yamaha has clearly shifted the OEM setup towards a pro‑level, high‑intensity race attitude — firmer, more front‑biased, and demanding aggression to unlock its potential. A low rear with an aggressive linkage that promotes real hold up and accuracy. Big deep ruts and seat bounce jumps . That’s one path.
But we’re chasing the other.
The path of maximum traction, composure and instinctive connection to the ground — a setup that still delivers elite race pace, but doesn’t punish precision, doesn’t create chaos, and elevates what makes Yamaha… Yamaha.
This is why we began such aggressive R&D on this platform from day one — bringing across development work from both our YZ250F and YZ450F fork programs from 25, refining linkage behaviour, and building a chassis balance that feels calm, fast and incredibly usable. A perfect match to the new engine that is smoother and with that free roll, wow. We want to Avoid band aid tuning and going around in circles trying to create something out of what we feel is a totally different setup direction.
We simply want The best‑handling blue bikes on track for real riders , not just the top 3% of pros and we have had some very good results of late. 26 -
Step 1: Freeing the Rear — Unlocking better bump and Ground Connection
We began by testing a revised rear linkage layout that pushed us toward more bump compliance, more usable traction and a naturally active feel from the rear wheel.
The difference on track was immediate. Small chop erased. Drive traction improved. The bike settled instead of skipping. It regained that classic Yamaha “connected to the dirt” DNA — but with a calmer, more confident attitude than previous models.
This instantly presented the next critical move:
Once the rear was unlocked — the front must speak the same language. We swapped straight in our prepared forks. Set about testing and tweaking to match the shock trackside.
Step 2: Evolving the Fork to Match (Not Just “Soften”)
Rather than stiffen the bike up again or tighten the balance, we moved the fork in the same direction — not to make it soft, but to make it work with the rear, not against it. To allow some initial plushness and balanced sit in.
We focused on:
- Initial connection, not harsh top-out
- A calm, neutral mid-stroke — not a rigid wall of resistance
- Chassis attitude that remains level on entry AND exit on heavy drive
Some key changes involved for the fork - A New ICS fork spring setup , a more rideable midvalve shim setting that’s not a rigid wall of resistance. Lower oil level and preloads tamed back just a tad to allow sit in to match the rear. Wow, Initial plushness and balance 🙌
The key was synchronising movement — not just adding comfort. The fork didn’t get lazy. It held up but had a soft touch on big bumps .
Once the fork and linkage began working in harmony, the bike felt instantly confidence inspiring — really elevated:
- Calm under braking — no pitch-forward anxiety. Rut entry was now with ease.
- Rear wheel drives earlier and with more trust ( especially off kickers / ramps)
- Handles chop without losing rider flow
- Confidence comes immediately — not only when attacking
We’re not here to criticise the OEM direction — Yamaha has clearly pushed toward a race-intent platform for the highest level of aggression. Firm high forks , a low rear with pro holdup . We found fork harshness especially mid stroke and front push. Our role is to refine that into something Aus level riders can trust at every moment, not just at the knife edge.
Next Stage;
We’re now finalising fork and shock setting combinations specific to rider category — Pro, Expert and Vet etc — all retaining this same core traction-first Yamaha DNA.
If you’re a rider who values connection, confidence and speed without chaos, this is the Yamaha platform you’ve been waiting for. Matches with the 26 bike and upgrades this bike is simply phenomenal.
Development updates, rider impressions and early access opportunities will be released soon.
If you’re curious, watching closely, or want to be part of what’s coming — stay tuned.
P: 03 97200745
e: info@krooztune.com
