Riding blue – or Orange for the SE model- is a complement to the YZF450. With so many extra features coming standard on this masterpiece of metal, it’s no wonder it’s a factory favorite. The lightest, most powerful 450 class ATV seems to have won just about every magazine shootout, and has the resume to back it up. It has won the 2004/2006GNCC and Quadcross Championships, 2005/2006 World Four-Stroke Champion and ATV Illustrated’s 2007 Sport ATV of the Year.

The 450 SE has the most powerful 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke with five titanium valves. Also it is the lightest engine in the class. Weight-saving engine features include a magnesium cylinder head cover and right-side crankcase cover; small-design cam-chain tensioner and oil pump; aluminum oil hose; and light CDI ignition unit. The five-speed transmission is very smooth shifting though gears and delivers an equal torque ratio. Making race starts even easier the YZF450 has a pushbutton electric start.

The main part of the frame is high-tense steel and a controlled-fill cast aluminum subframe. It’s strong and the lightest in the class at 350 pounds.

Aluminum independent A-arm shocks deliver 9.1 inches of travel from the competition spec shocks, both with adjustable shocks. The rear suspension system is YZ linkage-type, controlled by a fully adjustable Showa shock with 10.6 inches of travel with adjustable preload, rebound and high- and low-speed compression damping. A master cylinder controls the front brakes, and the rear has a drilled disc brake to reduce the unsprung weight. High performance Dunlop tires have been specially designed for the YFZ450 and provide responsive traction and handling.

Racing features include lots of extra shinny aluminum. Standard items include the GYTR front grab bar and heel guards, a ProTaper aluminum handlebar, dual 30-watt multireflector Krypton headlights, LED Taillight and brakelight. Topping off all the shinny aluminum is a special edition Orange/Black plastics and graphics kit.

Features

• 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke with five titanium valves features 95mm bore and 63.4mm stroke for massive power with high over-rev capacity and crisp, linear throttle response.
•  High-performance 39mm Keihin FCR flat-slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS) delivers ultra-precise fuel/air mixing and crisp throttle response.
• Dry-sump engine carries oil in an aluminum tank directly in front of the engine for excellent cooling and optimal protection from rocks or mud.
• DC ignition system delivers ultra-precise spark and 3D timing for faster, stronger engine response during hard acceleration.
• Rugged 45mm-wide serrated footrests provide excellent grip and rider comfort.
• ProTaper aluminum handlebar is light, strong and comfortable.
• Large-capacity, 2.6-gallon fuel tank ensures excellent range.
• Dual 30-watt multireflector Krypton headlights set back in the front cowl add the perfect menacing appearance. LED taillight is tough, draws less current and has an incorporated brake light for added convenience.
• Easy-to-use, toggle link-type handlebar-mounted parking brake can be set with one hand.

• Specifications

  Model: YFZ450SP2X

• Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled w/fan, 4-stroke; DOHC, 5 titanium valves
• Bore x Stroke: 95.0 x 63.4mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.4:1
• Carburetion: Keihin 39mm FCR w/throttle position sensor
• Ignition: DC-CDI
• Starting System: Electric
• Transmission: 5-speed; wet multiplate clutch Drive Train: 2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment
• Suspension/Front: Independent double wishbone, w/piggyback threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel
• Suspension/Rear: Cast aluminum swingarm w/rebound, High-/Lo-speed compression and threaded preload, 10.6-in travel
• Brakes/Front: Dual-ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
• Brake/Rear: Ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
• Tires/Front: AT21 x 7-10 Radial
• Tires/Rear: AT20 x 10-9 Radial
• Length: 72.4 inches
• Width: 46.1 inches
• Height: 42.9 inches
• Seat Height: 31.9 inches
• Wheelbase: 50. 4 inches
• Ground Clearance: 4.5 inches
• Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons
• Dry Weight: 350 pounds
• Lighting: Dual 30W Krypton multireflector headlights & 3.9/0.5W LED brakelight
• Color: Midnight Blue; Team Yamaha Blue/ White; Special Edition Orange/Black
• MSRP: ,649 (Midnight Blue/White) Available from January 2008 ,649 (Black/Orange) Available from July 2007