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2021 Yamaha YFZ45OR ATV Is a Race-Ready Showstopper for Under $10K

Summer feels just around the corner. To take advantage of fun in the sun, Yamaha is ready with vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, with ATVs being some of the most fun.
2021 YFZ45OR ATV 16 photos
Photo: Yamaha Motor Corporation
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One vehicle with some history is the YFZ45OR ATV from Yamaha. Yamaha is the sort of team that doesn’t need an introduction. Since 1955, when Yamaha’s motor division was first founded, this team has focused their attention on just about anything that moves, much like autoevolution. Over the years, the Japanese have extended their reach to include everything from motorcycles (where it all started) to watercraft and ATVs like the one you see here.

Unlike other ATVs I've covered, the 45OR is meant for sport and racing. With that, Yamaha includes a race-ready engine and construction that’s sure to bring a smile to your face; since I've mentioned the engine already, time to take a closer look at it.

2021 YFZ45OR ATV
Photo: Yamaha Motor Corporation
For the 45OR, you’ll find a 449-cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke engine with a compression ratio of 11.8:1. Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) and 42-mm (1.65-in) Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) deliver the fuel you need when you need it. A five-speed transmission with a wet multi-plate assist-and-slipper clutch help control torque to those massive rear wheels.

Speaking of the wheels, the front includes a pair of nice and rounded AT21 x 7-10 tires from Maxxis, while the rear shows off a pair of flat, wide, and grippy AT20 x 10-9 tires also from Maxxis. An independent double wishbone with Kashima coated KYB piggyback shocks and 9.8 inches (24.9 centimeters) of travel supports the AT21s. These shocks also include high/low compression and rebound and threaded preload adjustment.

The rear suspension is a cast aluminum swingarm with KYB piggyback shock, high/low compression, and the rebound and treaded preload adjustment. On the rear, however, 11 inches (27.9 centimeters) of travel are available. Braking power comes courtesy of a set of dual hydraulic disc on the front, while the rear features a wave-style hydraulic disc system allowing for faster cooling.

2021 YFZ45OR ATV
Photo: Yamaha Motor Corporation
As it stands, the 45OR comes in with a length of 70.7 inches (179.5 centimeters), a width of 48.8 inches (123.9 centimeters), and a height of 41.9 inches (106.4 centimeters). With a wheelbase of 50 inches (127 centimeters), and max ground clearance of only 9.3 inches (23.6 centimeters), try and keep this puppy on tracks more than out in the wild. After all, it’s meant for racing, not trudging across jungles. A 2.6-gallon (9.84-liters) fuel capacity will make sure you stick close to designated routes.

A few other features are also offered on the 45OR. As it stands, the ATV is motocross ready. Using a weldless frame from aluminum and tension-steel bottom, the team can set the engine lower and offer a better center of gravity. A tuned body configuration is also in place to allow riders more freedom to move around during turns and maneuvers. Adjustable handlebar, wider foot pegs, and LED indicators are also found aboard.

2021 YFZ45OR ATV
Photo: Yamaha Motor Corporation
Another feature accompanying you on your journeys is the all-new Yamaha Adventure Pro. It’s an Android-based tablet with features such as GPS mapping and navigation, adventure planning, over 115,000 pre-loaded trails and waypoints, and a few more. Oh, did I mention the display is waterproof?

If all that sounds like something you’d like to add to your garage, you’ll need at least $9,299 (€7,633 at current exchange rates) to get a bare 45OR. If you want to add on anything extra, you will need some extra cash. Listen, with a model history going back several years, there’s got to be something up with this ATV. Give the boys at Yamaha a call and get yourself a test ride. The rest will be history.
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Editor's note: Initially, there was a misspelling in the title of the vehicle. Corrections have been made.

About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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