YAMAHA YFZ Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The 2017 YFZ50 is engineered as the ideal starting point for aspiring ATV riders aged 6 and up, with a low-maintenance 49cc engine tuned to develop responsive, controllable performance. A combination of engine limiters and a power cut-off tether switch make it easy to allow young riders to adapt to the ATV as their skills grow.

The YFZ450R SE incorporates Yamaha Fuel Injection for precise fuel delivery. With a big 42mm Mikuni® throttle body and 12-hole injector, this system provides exceptional atomization of the fuel for maximum power. The system also includes ISC (Idle Speed Control) for easy, reliable start-up and warming.

The 2016 YFZ-450R is the most technologically advanced sport ATV on the market today. It is simply the top of the line “racing” level Sport ATV. It combines a high-tech, quick-revving, titanium five-valve, 449cc fuel-injected engine with a lightweight, professional-caliber cast aluminum/steel chassis. The power/chassis combination will make for a championship-winning machine time and time again. This model has a 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke, 5 titanium valves.

The frame is a combination of aluminum and steel for light weight. The frame member under the engine is steel, used for its combination of strength and low profile. This allows the engine to sit lower overall for excellent mass centralization for unmatched handling. The aluminum frame is bolted together, rather than welded, for maximum durability.

The YFZ-450R is the most technologically advanced sport ATV on the market today. It is simply the top of the line “racing” level Sport ATV. It combines a high-tech, quick-revving, titanium five-valve, 449cc fuel-injected engine with a lightweight, professional-caliber cast aluminum/steel chassis. The power/chassis combination will make for a championship-winning machine time and time again.

The 449cc engine uses titanium five-valve cylinder head technology designed to deliver abundant power in the mid-range to top end, with more “hit” feeling right off idle. The higher compression ratio further improves overall engine performance.

In 2017, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha YZF-R6, one of the most advanced supersport machines that came with several changes in the styling department, all-new electronic improvements, R1-derived suspension, and an upgraded braking system with ABS.

The bike featured sleek new fairings that improved aerodynamic efficiency with all-new LED lighting that provided a sinister front look with integrated turn signals, a new aluminum fuel tank, and an R1-style tail section with a stepped seat.

In the technical department, thanks to the ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system, the bike featured a range of electronic aids, such as the selectable D-mode system that gave the rider more control, a multi-mode traction control system, and an accessory quick shifter.

For suspension, the bike packed the same KYB 43 mm inverted telescopic fork on the front, tuned to match the unique characteristics of the R6, and a new KYB rear shock absorber that provided a large adjustment range.

The newly updated brakes featured two 320 mm discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers on the front and a Nissin radial-mounted master cylinder with a 220 mm disc on the rear that provided strong braking performance.

As for the power figures, the 2017 Yamaha YZF R6 had its heartbeat set by a 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 124 hp with a peak at 14,500 rpm and 66 Nm (48 lb-ft) of torque available at 10,500 rpm.

The YFZ-450R SE is motocross ready. The weldless frame is designed from lightweight aluminum, with a tension-steel bottom frame that lets the engine sit lower for excellent mass centralization. Suspension components and settings reduce weight while providing light, agile handling characteristics with an excellent balance of sharp handling and rider comfort.

The YFZ-450R SE incorporates Yamaha Fuel Injection for precise fuel delivery. With a big 42mm Mikuni throttle body and 12-hole injector, this system provides exceptional atomization of the fuel for maximum power. The system also includes ISC (Idle Speed Control) for easy, reliable start-up and warming.

In 2015, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the YZF-R1M, a production superbike that got as close as it could to a street-legal M1 MotoGP bike, with an additional range of highly sophisticated components such as the Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), upper fairing, side fairings, and front fender made of carbon fiber, and a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS for collecting ride data.

The bike featured specially developed tires as a result of a collaboration between Yamaha and Bridgestone with both tires made of a special compound that optimized performance characteristics that provided strong levels of grip and lean angles.

In addition, the bike featured the most advanced MotoGP-inspired electronics package ever used by a supersport machine that offered full performance, great comfort, control, and easy operation. Also, it featured an advanced aluminum Deltabox frame that used the engine as a stressed member and provided optimum longitudinal, lateral, and torsional balance.

In the power department, the 2015 YZF-R1M took its thrust from a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 200 hp at 13,500 rpm and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque at 11,500 rpm.

As for braking purposes, the model packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a single 220 mm disc with a single-cylinder caliper on the rear wheel topped by AntiLock Braking System (ABS).

Since the European version of the 2013 YFZ450R enjoyed a warm welcome from those waiting for a top-specced off-road racing machine, it was only natural that it received a Special Edition trim. Offered with lightweight, high-performance aluminium wheels, the 2013 Yamaha YFZ450R SE also comes in a different, exclusive Crimson Red livery.

Sporting the same performance figures and features like the base model, the 2013 Yamaha YFZ450R SE is dedicated to those in search of good-looks packed together with racing thrills.

The European version of the 2013 Yamaha YFZ450R is a race-specced ATV which boasts uncompromising features for a thrilling experience in the hands of a skilled rider. Engineered to deliver top-lever performance, this quad comes with a brawny 5-valve 4-stroke high-compression engine which is capable to deliver huge amounts of torque across the whole rpm range.

A hybrid aluminium-steel chassis ensures a light weight and extreme durability for precise handling, while race-bred slipper clutch adds a new dimension to downshifting prior to cornering. Bring in the long-travel fully-adjustable suspension for finely-tuning the riding style and you've got a top-drawer evil off-road machine.

The 2013 Yamaha YFZ450R SE is the better-looking brother of the base model YFZ450R: it has got the same race-winning DNA and top-drawer engineering but the aesthetics are dramatically improved. This year model comes in Crimson Red/ Black graphics, with a dealer installed black GYTR front grab bar, while the bodywork is easily replaceable thanks for quick-release fasteners which require no tools. This means that if you crash, your rider will be back in full shape in just minutes after stopping in the pit area.

The premium KYB suspensions come with piggyback reservoirs and full adjustability for exceptional ground tracking regardless of the terrain, riding style or rider weight. The wider pegs are matched to a 4-way adjustable tapered handlebar for improved ergonomics, while the upgraded hydraulic triple disc brakes provide the necessary amount of braking power for premium control.

Engineered for top-class motocross racing and extreme riding on unwelcoming terrain, the 2013 Yamaha YFZ450R sports a weldless frame made of lightweight aluminium elements combined with a high-strength steel lower part, helping centralize mass for better handling and more stability through tight, high-speed turns. The high-revving 5-titanium valve engine is now better tuned for delivering even more power across the whole rpm range, and the slipper clutch adds a smoother feel when downshifting, eliminating much of the hopping.

The 4-way adjustability of the handlebar offers the best ergonomics for multiple riders, a good match for the revised seat and wider foot pegs, ensuring improved maneuverability and less fatigue. Ready to race out of the box, the 2013 YFZ450R can also receive multiple aftermarket parts and accessories from Yamaha's GYTR line.

The 2012 Yamaha YFZ450 is one of the nifty choices a discerning rider could make for pretty much any purpose involving the absence of a road. Loaded with packs of power, torque and top-spec features, this ATV is the basis upon which the pro-racing machines have been developed on and will feel at home on the motocross track, in the woods or across sand dunes.

This ATV comes with a smooth ratchet-type shifter and heavy-duty clutch for dependable operation and being able to handle quite a lot of abuse. The adjustable suspensions provide easy setup for different riders and a multitude of terrain types and the wide-spaced wheels ensure better stability in turns. The aluminium-steel chassis offers better mass centralization and good ground clearance, with the disc brakes providing dependable stopping force in case you got carried away by how nice this beast feels.

And if you feel like adding to it, the 2012 Yamaha YFZ450 can get a ton of GYTR accessories for both aesthetic and functional purpose.

The 2012 Yamaha YFZ450R is an ATV designed to race the motocross and dirt tracks, loaded with all the high-performance specs one might expect form such a machine. While this is definitely not a toy for beginners, it can double as an off-road fun machine in case riding on rough forest trails is among your preferences.

The 2012 YFZ450R sports a brawny 449cc engine loaded with titanium valves, with carefully tuned performance to deliver both power and torque right off idle, for hard accelerations and swift cornering. A counterbalancing shaft reduces vibrations and the low-to-mid rpm range tuning of the power plant ensures you get tremendous thrust right off idle. And with Yamaha's proprietary fuel injection, precise throttling makes the 2011 YFZ450R a razor-sharp racing beast.

Adjustable KYB suspensions and a 4-way adjustable ProTaper handlebar provide easy setup for different riders and a multitude of terrain types. Wides-spaced wheels ensure better stability in turns while the aluminium-steel chassis offers better mass centralization and good ground clearance to easily pass over obstacles and keep a good balance during jumps/

The 2012 Yamaha YFZ450R SE is an ATV motocross racing machine. Since handling is one of the key ingredients of winning a race, the 2012 YFZ450R SE comes with a weldless aluminium frame with a tensile steel bottom part for a lowered center of gravity and more stability. Even more, thanks to the ProTaper 4-way adjustable handlebars, riders can choose the best stance to suit their riding style and thus max out the performance.

The racing-spec titanium valve 449cc engine has been tuned to deliver low-to-midrange grunt for powerful acceleration during slow corners and plenty of torque to tackle obstacles. With Yamaha's proprietary injection system, this ATV not only offers precise throttle but also delivers a predictable amount of power to allow the rider to make the best decisions.

With a wide wheel spacing and generous wheel travel, this ATV also comes with good ground clearance, making fun for trail riding as well. And in case you crash, the bodywork parts can be easily swapped without tools, and without too much hassle. With piggyback reservoir adjustable suspensions, the 2012 YFZ450R SE can be rapidly set up for various riders and a multitude of terrain types, delivering great grip and excellent balance.

For ATV motocross racing, wood trails or even sand dunes fun, the 2011 Yamaha YFZ450 is one of the nifty choices a discerning rider could make. Loaded with packs of power, torque and top-spec features, this ATV is the basis upon which the pro-racing machines have been developed on.

The 2011 YFZ450 comes with a smooth ratchet-type shifter and heavy-duty clutch for dependable operation and being able to handle quite a lot of abuse. The adjustable suspensions provide easy setup for different riders and a multitude of terrain types and the wide-spaced wheels ensure better stability in turns.

The aluminium-steel chassis offers better mass centralization and good ground clearance to easily pass over obstacles and keep a good balance during jumps, with the disc brakes providing dependable stopping force in case you got carried away by how nice this beast feels.

The 2011 Yamaha YFZ450R is an ATV created for heavy-duty exploitation on the motocross circuits and is loaded with a heap of features to make it fast, balanced, reliable and easy to handle. While this is definitely not a toy for beginners, it can double as an off-road fun machine in case riding on rough forest trails is among your preferences.

However, it's on the dirt track where the beast will shine: it sports a brawny 449cc engine loaded with titanium valves, with carefully tuned performance to deliver both power and torque right off idle, for hard accelerations and swift cornering.

Adjustable KYB suspensions and a 4-way adjustable ProTaper handlebar provide easy setup for different riders and a multitude of terrain types. Wides-spaced wheels ensure better stability in turns while the aluminium-steel chassis offers better mass centralization and good ground clearance. And with Yamaha's proprietary fuel injection, precise throttling makes the 2011 YFZ450R a razor-sharp racing beast.

The 2011 Yamaha YFZ450R SE is the ultimate ATV motocross racing machine designed to deliver premium performance in the most demanding situations. Since handling is one of the key ingredients of winning a race, the 2011 YFZ450R SE comes with a weldless aluminium frame with a tensile steel bottom part for a lowered center of gravity and more stability.

The titanium valve 449cc engine has been tuned to deliver low-to-midrange torque for powerful acceleration during slow corners and plenty of torque to tackle obstacles. With piggyback reservoir adjustable suspensions, the 2011 YFZ450R SE can be rapidly set up for various riders and a multitude of terrain types, delivering great grip and excellent balance.

With a wide wheel spacing and generous wheel travel, this ATV also comes with good ground clearance, making fun for trail riding as well. And in case you crash, the bodywork parts can be easily swapped without tools, and without too much hassle.

Enter the 2010 Yamaha YFZ450R, the no-compromise MX ATV for the discerning and daring riders. Powered by a 5-valve race-specced engine, this quad is all about performance and sports an aluminium frame for reduced weight without sacrificing rigidity and maneuverability. With a wide-track chassis, stability is no longer a problem, so you can really throttle hard.

The 5-speed manual gearbox is the right way to bring power from the evil engine to the wheels, and race-specced shocks and wave brakes are there to help you get ahead the pack and win the race. Ready for the track and core casual trail riding, the 2010 Yamaha YFZ450R's injected engine ensures an easy start in all conditions, from the blistering sand dunes to the wet forest.

The 2010 Yamaha YFZ450X is the perfect machine in case wood trails racing is your game. Derived from the pro-racing R model, the YFZ450X comes with a more compact design for enhanced maneuverability. The shorter wheelbase helps riders get past uneven ground and obstacles with more ease and less fatigue.

With 4-way adjustable ProTaper handlebars and fully-adjustable piggyback KYB suspensions, the 2010 Yamaha YFZ450X is easy to set up for multiple riders. The seat is narrow in front and wider to the rear offering a lot of freedom of movement for the aggressive rider and providing a comfortable resting position, too.

Designed with wining in mind, the 2010 YFZ450X comes with the racing-specced Yamaha fuel injection for a precise throttle and titanium valves for dependable, high performance even in the most demanding of situations. A LED screen offers easy-to-read data on low fuel, coolant temperature, check engine, and neutral gear, all at a glance.

The 2010 Yamaha YFZ450X SE is a trail-racing monster, powered by a specially-tuned engine and capable to tackle pretty much any obstacles in its way. With exceptional low-to midrange rpm power and torque delivery, the 2010 YFZ450X SE offers a precise throttle thanks to the top-drawer 12-hole injection system for power maximization.

Being a racing beast, the 2010 Yamaha YFZ450X SE offers plenty of adjustability and premium options, such as a 4-way handlebar, fully-adjustable KYB suspensions, a LED screen offering data on low fuel, coolant temperature, check engine, and neutral gear.

Enhanced ergonomics provide a more comfortable stance, no matter whether riding hard in a straight line or off the seat in a fast, tight turn, while the rolled inner lip wheels provide the extra strength needed for hard landings.

The 2009 Yamaha YFZ450X Bill Ballance Edition is a great piece of off-road machinery for those in search of the ultimate trail-worthy quad with something extra to go. Honoring the GNCC Champion Bill Ballance, this special edition trail beast comes with several exclusive upgrades, such as the special graphics and the awesome Yamaha Blue frame.

At the same time, this nifty ATV comes with a golden D.I.D. chain , silver wheels and painted suspension springs, quick-release body fasteners and a GYTR grab bar with the #1 plate. With a more compact design favoring riding on forest trails, the narrow profile of the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450X Bill Ballance Edition makes it extremely nimble in all situations. Since fatigue is the least desired thing when riding, comfort-focused ergonomics are also in place, from floorboards to adjustable handlebars and easy-operation throttle.

Created especially for riding on the wood trails, the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450X sports a narrower frame, retaining the top-drawer construction of the chassis. This steel-aluminium hybrid frame comes with a lightweight design yet boasting extreme durability and being loaded with KYB adjustable long-travel shocks grants extreme terrainability.

Since the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450X is designed to offer a comfortable ride in tight situations, it was only natural it had multiple adjustable parts, such as the multi-position handlebars which allow a lot of riders to feel in complete control aboard this ATV. Even more, riders can change the riding stance upon wish and scenario. The 2009 Yamaha YFZ450X also comes with a manual gearbox for premium handling.

The perfect blend of power for the toughest terrain and situations and the precise handling MX machinery needed to get the rider past the finish line, the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450R is a spectacular ATV. It sports the incredibly sturdy, light hybrid chassis rolling on adjustable long-travel suspension. The wide-track architecture offers great stability even in fast corners, while the sporty 449cc engine can produce enough torque for strong accelerations in pretty much any situation.

The new wheels have rolled in inner lips, and this decreases weight while increasing strength. The easy and precise throttle lever requires little effort, so riding it all day long will be less fatiguing and more rewarding. And with a 5-speed manual gearbox, riders will be able to squeeze the last drop of power from this evil MX machine. And still, the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450R can be also used as a fun-focused ATV for casual trail riding.

Pop a wheelie, show off, leave your competitors eat your dust, claim all the races and shine like a champion as the dirt drips from your clothes: the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450R SE is the perfect tool for a smashing MX career. However, it will also prove a good friend for more casual trail riding and wilderness explorations. Loaded with Pro Armor accessories, such as nerf bars, race bumpers and front shock covers, the 2009 Yamaha YFZ450R SE is definitely not exactly a toy.

With a wide-track chassis, stability is no longer a problem, so you can really throttle hard. The 5-speed manual gearbox is the right way to bring power from the evil engine to the wheels, and race-specced shocks and wave brakes are there to help you get ahead the pack and win the race.

The 2009 Yamaha YFZ450X is a trail-optimized ATV developed from the YFZ450R racing machine. While sporting much of the character of the R model, the 2009 YFZ450X come with a shorter wheelbase for increased handling in tight spots, being even more capable to tackle uneven ground, stumps and rough rocky trails.

This ATV is easy to set up for different riders thanks to its 4-way adjustable ProTaper handlebars and fully-adjustable piggyback KYB suspensions. The seat is narrow in front and wider to the rear offering a lot of freedom of movement for the aggressive rider and providing a comfortable resting position, too.

On the tech side, the 2009 YFZ450X comes with the racing-specced Yamaha fuel injection for a precise throttle and titanium valves for dependable, high performance even in the most demanding of situations. A LED screen offers easy-to-read data on low fuel, coolant temperature, check engine, and neutral gear, all at a glance.

The 2008 Yamaha YFZ450 is the “civilian” version of the “war” R model: a zero-compromise, no-jokes sport quad, built for top performance on the dirt track. It boasts the same combination of aluminium and steel elements for the chassis, thus improving cornering and shaving off unnecessary weight and boosting the rider's confidence. Nitrogen-charged front shocks provide long travel for comfort in the most demanding of situations, while the motocross-derived linkage swingarm offers even more room for movement.

Electric start and eccentric chain adjuster for on-the-fly tuning are premium features when it comes to convenience, while the parking brake is a valuable addition for after-race peace of mind.

The 2008 Yamaha YFZ450R is a pure sport quad, engineered to deliver the ultimate performance on the dirt track, drawing its cues from the MX world. It boasts a hybrid aluminium chassis for reduced weight and flex, but which is extremely strong, dramatically improving cornering and precise tracking at high speed.

The 5-valve DOHC engine is placed low in the frame for better mass centralization, a great match for the slightly wider profile and revised suspension geometry, all ensuring a performance boost in the hands of the skilled rider. Wide foot pegs and a redesigned seat provide excellent support in tight turns and when landing a hard one.

In 2008, The Japanee motorcycle manufacturer released the Yamaha YZF-R6, one of the most popular supersport-class bikes in the world that carried on the heritage of the family through the 2008 model, packed with lots of high-tech parts such as the fly-by-wire system and a MotoGP-inspired frame.

Also, it was the first production motorcycle that featured a fly-by-wire system for flawless throttle response under all conditions and the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) system first introduced on the 2007 R1 motorcycle was also part of the R6.

Some of the new features for the 2008 YZF-R6 model included the all-new frame and a new swingarm, a magnesium subframe that reduced the rear end weight for better mass balance, an upgraded fuel injection system with dual injectors for better throttle response and less engine braking, and a revised bodywork that resulted in better aerodynamic efficiency.

The 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6 had at its core a 599cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 129 hp with a peak at 14,500 rpm and 66 Nm (49 lb-ft) of torque available at 11,000 rpm.

The bike tipped the scale at 166 kg (366 lbs) dry weight, and with a six-speed manual transmission and a multi-plate slipper clutch, it registered a top speed of 257 kph (160 mph).

Light, powerful, and packed with years of racing knowledge, the YZF-R6 was the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle ever built at the time.

The smaller brother of the flagship R1, the 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 is an equally enthralling bike. Packing a 599cc displacement for its 4 in-line engine, it is capable to produce a peak power of 120 hp and 92 Nm of torque. The power to weight ratio is lower than that of the R1, as the R6 tips the scales at 169 kg.

Nevertheless, the 1999 R6 is no to for inexperienced riders, as it has been loaded with state-of-the art technology, and is an adversary to be reckoned with both on the track or on the street.