After the yellow option two years ago its now the white plastic that makes the outstanding change for the 2007 YZF bikes. There are still bikes with blue plastic available but isn`t it kind of a 06 ike style? <br>
We got our test bike with shiny white plastic and on and off the track it looked stylish and clean all the time. The 450s are on top of the motocross world so all the manufacturers try extra hard to make the best bike for the MX1. So lets see what Yamaha delivered for 2007.

[T e c h ]
There a no revolutionary changes from 06 to 07 to be found at the YZF450 but small things can make a big difference too. The 06 model was known for a smooth power delivery, almost too smooth for many riders. So Yamaha decided to change the camshaft timing and to remove the power bomb exhaust system to peak out the power curve.

The Kayaba SSS (Speed Sensitive System) Forks is still the best of its class and a Titanium rear Shock spring is yet a Yamaha only feature. The shock length is increased by 1,5mm to get more weight on the front wheel despite the steering angle is also slightly steeper. Quality is still a strong part of the YZF450 package, only to mention the titanium footpegs, lots of stainless steel bolts, Pro Taper bars and the front pipe now made of titanium.
The radiators received extra braces which is a very good and useful feature for an MX bike.

[ C h a s s i s ]
The YZF450 rider still feels to sit high on the bike a there is more weight on the front wheel compared to other brands. The bars were raised from the 06 model but they are still on the low side. That unique riding feeling makes a difference but not necessarily to the worse. The YZF does not handle a quick as a Honda or the new KTM through the corners but it supplies a very stable and neutral feeling. On top of its class is the Yamaha when in comes to the stability on long and fast straights where the feeling is safe and comfortable.

Suspension both front and rear is excellent. The forks are comfortable on first stroke and offer a lot of bottoming resistance. Same for the shock that worked good an all kind of tracks we were at.<br> The brakes easy to operate although the front brake could be slightly more powerful. So far KTM and Kawasaki are setting the pace belonging the front brakes this year.

[ E n g i n e ]
Compared to the 06 model the latest YZF450 engine setup gained more quickness on the throttle and still offers a huge usable power band. A lot of changes took place, besides a new pipe the counterweight transmitting ratio is changed for a quicker throttle response. Same for the CDI ignition unit. The result is a noticeable better acceleration out of the corners although its still not as snappy as a Honda. But for a race engine the Yamaha style might be better as its easier to ride especially in the end of a long, hard moto.
A weak point is the clutch. It has a good feeling but fades very quick so you have to be careful with the use. The 06 clutch unit was better. Starting of the engine is perfect under all conditions but the first stroke of the kickstarter felt very hard on our testbike. Maybe auto-decompression wasn`t set up perfectly but for especially smaller riders that was kind of a problem.

[ Upshot ]
The 2007 YZF450 is another step in the right direction. Some of the complaints from the 06 model were sorted out.<br> There is no single outstanding point but the whole package is one of the best offers of its class. Not to forget the high quality workmanship that shows that Yamaha takes care of their MX bikes.

[ Technical Data ]
<b>Engine
Type: 449 ccm 1-Zyl. 4-stroke DOHC 5 Valve
Bore x Stroke: 95 x 63,4 mm
Compression Ratio:12,3:1
Carburetion: Keihin FCR39 with hot start circuit
Ignition: CDI
Transmission:5-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch

Chassis
Suspension/Front: 48mm inverted, cartridge-type telescopic fork
Suspension/Rear: single shock system

Brakes/Front: Single semi-floating 250mm disc, dual-piston
Brakes/Rear: single 245mm disc, single-piston

Tires/Front: 80/100-21 51M
Tires/Rear: 110/90-19 57M

Dimensions
Length: 2196 mm
Width: 825 mm
Height: 1308 mm
Wheelbase: 1494 mm
Seat Height: 998 mm
Dry Weight: 104,6Kg
Fuel Capacity: 7,0 Liter
Color: blue or white