Racer X Illustrated — October 2017

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The 2018s Are Here | BY DAVID PINGREE

RACERHEAD

The 2018 450 has been a long time coming for Yamaha fans.
Ever since the company decided to turn its engine backward,
they’ve had a very difficult time getting good, consistent han-
dling out of their premier-class machine. The 2018 model ad-
dresses all the issues that plagued the previous model while

hopefully carrying forward the thing it did phenomenally well:
making horsepower. The new machine is slimmer through-
out the midsection to give it a smaller feel. They actually
squeezed more power out of the engine while also making
it more user-friendly in its delivery. The frame is all-new and
addresses the flex/rigidity balance issues that created the
controversial handling traits of the former YZ450F. The new
Yamaha also boasts electric start, a welcome change from
the archaic kickstarter of yesteryear.

Although the previous RM-Z450 hadn’t seen improvements in

years, it was a spring fork and 10 pounds away from being the

best bike on the track. Well, Suzuki went back to a spring fork

for 2018, but they didn’t rest on their laurels when it came to the

rest of the bike. The frame is completely redesigned, as is the

swingarm, and they are both lighter. The fork itself is a new-

generation spring fork, and it’s matched with an updated Showa

shock that incorporates road racing technology in its design. The

front rotor is increased in size to help stop the RM-Z. The engine

is all-new as well, with improved EFI, air intake, and select engine

parts internally. Suzuki’s S-HAC system helps make holeshots off

the gate easier. Electric start is standard and a welcome feature.

While the 2018 model isn’t any lighter than its predecessor, it is

certainly improved in the performance department.

All six major manufacturers have released their 2018 models, and much of the focus among the

450cc machines is on the all-new Yamaha YZ450F and Suzuki RM-Z450. Check out what’s new for

the 2018 models, and stay tuned to Racer X Online for an introduction video and a Dialed In feature.

2018 Yamaha YZ450F 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450

While the 2018 model isn’t any

lighter than its predecessor,

it is certainly improved in the

performance department.

They actually squeezed more

power out of the engine while

also making it more user-friendly

in its delivery.