Yamaha 2004 YFZ450 (YFZ 450)

Yamaha's all-new 2004 YFZ450
Everything about the new Yamaha YFZ450 says “Ride Me!” Start with the slick styling and work your way into the machine’s revolutionary chassis. But don’t stop there. The suspension system is state-of-the-art as are the numerous weight-saving components found everywhere you look.

ATV enthusiasts all over the world have been waiting for the day when Yamaha would take its hard-to-beat four-stroke technology and apply it to the company’s line of sport ATVs. That day has arrived. When the power from the YFZ450’s four-stroke powerplant hits, you know it. Of course, the 439cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine has something no other four wheeler on the planet can claim: Five valves, all of which are made of titanium.

In order to feed the YFZ450’s high-performance powerplant, make sure you have some premium gasoline handy – the YFZ450 doesn’t use regular unleaded fuel. It does, however, boast some of the more popular features like electric start, a race-inspired Keihin 39mm FCR carburetor and throttle position sensor. A five-speed manual transmission is awaiting you as well.

Once up and running, the AMA-legal YFZ450 will have some 400-class machines struggling to keep up as the YFZ450’s lineage is Yamaha’s race-proven YZ four-strokes. In a nutshell, that means the high-revving engine is surrounded by a cast of race-bred performance parts.

Soaking up large obstacles, the YFZ's suspension is both strong and lightweight. Up front, the independent double wishbone configuration has aluminum upper A-arms and steering knuckles. They combine with a Nitrogen-filled shock to boast 9.1” of travel with rebound, compression and threaded preload adjustability. In the rear, 10.1” of travel can be had thanks to a cast aluminum swingarm that houses a link-type system modeled after that found on a the company's YZs. The result is an anti-squat configuration that helps the YFZ450 stay flat and hook up.

In case the need to scrub off some speed – say, to enter the next corner – the YFZ450 has plenty of braking power at the ready. Just as important is the feel the rider gets from the YZ-spec lever as the dual, twin-piston hydraulic discs up front and single hydraulic disk out back take hold. From there, it’s back up through the gears with the help of the YZ-spec ratchet-type shifter.

Putting power to the dirt are radial Dunlop tires, which grace aluminum wheels on the YFZ450. Both sets have been upgraded for improved performance when it comes to cornering and traction, especially the rears, which are all-new and were designed specifically for the YFZ450.

The YFZ450 was developed to be a winner straight out of the crate. Everything from the YZ adjustable brake and clutch levers to a flat, low seat for optimized sport riding have been incorporated. The cam shaft, cylinder body, valves, cam chain tensioner, even the magnesium crankcase cover… all come straight from the Yamaha family of YZ four-strokes. The reasons are simple: Lighter weight, increased durability and race-proven performance.

If a rich racing heritage isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps Yamaha’s well-deserved reputation for fit and finish will. Items such as a tool-less air filter cover, easy chain adjustment and wide footrests help make the ride, regardless of the terrain you choose, enjoyable and fun-filled.

The new 2004 YFZ450, if there are any left, is now available at Yamaha dealerships nationwide in Team Yamaha Blue/White and White/Red color schemes.

2004 Yamaha YFZ450 Specifications
ENGINE
Type	439cc 4-Stroke Single, Liquid-Cooled w/Fan, Titanium 5-Valve DOHC
Bore x Stroke	95mm x 62mm
Compression Ratio	11.9:1
Carburetion	Keihin 39mm FCR w/Throttle Position Sensor
Ignition	DC-CDI w/3D Mapping
Starting System	Electric
Transmission	5-Speed Manual Clutch
Drive Train	2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain
CHASSIS
Suspension/Front	Independent Double Wishbone, 9.1” of Travel w/Rebound, Compression and Threaded Preload Adjustment
Suspension/Rear	Cast Aluminum Swingarm, 10.1” of Travel w/Rebound, Compression and Threaded Preload Adjustment
Brakes/Front	Dual, Twin Piston Hydraulic Discs
Brakes/Rear	Hydraulic Disc
Tires/Front	AT21x7-10 Radial
Tires/Rear	AT20x10-9 Radial
DIMENSIONS
L x W x H	72.4” x 46.1” x 42.9”
Seat Height	31.5”
Wheelbase	50.4”
Ground Clearance	4.4”
Fuel Capacity	2.6 Gallons
Dry Weight	350 Lbs.
OTHER
Lighting	Dual 30W Krypton Multi-Reflector Headlights & 21/5W Brake Light
Colors	Team Yamaha Blue, White/Red
Warranty	6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)
MSRP	$6,899
Available	June 2003


YFZ450
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