Yamaha YFZ450R SE 2021 sports quad bike. Testing

Yamaha YFZ450R SE 2019 Sports ATV

The heyday of sports ATVs is most likely behind us, but it is still quite possible to grab the tail of the passing era. I recently had the chance to spend a day with the 2021 Yamaha YFZ450R SE, and it was a great opportunity to reminisce about the past and rekindle some forgotten memories.

At the beginning of the millennium, in the world of sports all-terrain vehicles, the Honda 250R ruled the roost - a very serious leader with which little could compete. In 2003-04, it became clear that the big four-stroke engines were on the rise, and two-stroke ATVs would soon give them ground. Of course, this did not happen right away, and even today the sound of two-stroke engines can still be heard from off-road tracks, and the battle is not yet lost... But we all understand that the future lies with environmentally friendly and flexible four-stroke engines with an injection power system and a bunch of smart hardware on board.

Yamaha YFZ450R

There are not many electronics, so all controls fit on the convenient left remote control.
There are not many electronics, so all controls fit on the convenient left remote control.

Many cross-competitors do not really welcome complex electronics on “combat” devices: they say, the simpler, the more reliable. However, fuel injection is gradually conquering cross-country vehicles. The YZF450R has also undergone “electronication”: the old Keihin carburetor has been replaced by Mikuni injection. And the engine itself is completely new. Judge for yourself: the cylinder and cylinder head borrowed from the YZ450F motocross motorcycle, a new reinforced crankshaft, a different shaped crankcase, and different gearbox ratios. Innovations made it possible to increase power by 5 hp. and lower the ATV's center of gravity.

It should be noted that the new frame is probably the biggest change in the quad. It's the 21st century, which means away with steel structures, long live light alloys! So the frame is now made of aluminum. According to the designers, it is 15% lighter than the previous one, but due to the absence of welds, it is stronger.

SE Raptor 700R 2015

The Raptor has long been called the “King of the Dunes,” ever since the 660 model, whose low-end torque never ended, no matter how hard you twisted the throttle. Over the years, the ATV has been worked on tirelessly and the Raptor has evolved into a remarkable sports machine with incredible handling. With chassis design cues from its sister YFZ450R and new additions this year like slightly larger front tires and an improved shock configuration, the Raptor has been virtually perfected to make it the ultimate sand dune machine.

The Raptor 700R is the perfect desert ATV with its comfortable riding position and low-end power. The Raptor 700R is the perfect desert ATV with its comfortable riding position and low-end power.

The 2015 Special Edition Raptor 700R is easily distinguished from the regular model by its bright black, white and red color scheme. A bright red chassis with black wheels and a black GYTR front bumper complete the impressive appearance of this special edition model.

The fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 686cc engine provides plenty of power for any maneuver or stunt, yet the engine handles incredibly smoothly and precisely, making the Raptor one of the best (if not the best) sport ATVs out there.

Yamaha YFZ450R

As a result, instead of the right remote control there is only a gas trigger mechanism.
As a result, instead of the right remote control there is only a gas trigger mechanism.

The geometric parameters have also changed: so, despite the fact that the quad has become shorter by 10 mm, the width has increased by as much as 70 mm, and the base has increased by 10 mm. The quad itself has grown by 5 mm, but the height of the seat remains the same. At the same time, the new frame design made it possible to install longer front suspension arms. As a result, the suspension travel also increased: front by 19 mm, rear by 23.5 mm. All this allows you to participate in amateur competitions without any modifications to the chassis (be it replacing levers or installing spacers for the rear wheels).

Engine model

The four-stroke 48-horsepower 686 cc engine is equipped with one cylinder of increased diameter with four valves, an injector, a liquid cooling system and electronic control of direct injection. The camshaft is located in the cylinder head. A distinctive feature of the motor is its impressive power with low weight. The unit works in tandem with a five-speed racing “mechanics” with reverse gear. For 100 km of travel, an ATV requires 7 liters of gasoline. Moreover, the installation is capable of accelerating this sports all-terrain vehicle to 120 km/h. Starting is done using a push-button electric starter.

Yamaha YFZ450R

The parking brake is well thought out: when it is on, squeezing the clutch is problematic.
The parking brake is well thought out: when it is on, squeezing the clutch is problematic.

Changes also affected ergonomics. The seat is narrower in the front, which gives more comfort when riding in a standing position or hanging out in turns. The rear part is made wider and softer - for the sake of soft landings. According to Yamaha engineers, the new ATV is more comfortable. And the more comfortable it is for the rider, the less energy he spends and the faster and longer he can ride.

It just so happens that only a small part of sports equipment is used for its intended purpose after purchase. For example, sportbikes have long turned into everyday transport, and only a few see the asphalt of sports tracks. Therefore, having received a new “combat” quad for testing, I decided to test it both in its native elements and in unusual conditions.

SE YFZ450R 2015

But many people's favorite is the YFZ450R, with its racing heritage and aggressive looks. This low car attracts the eye and beckons you to get behind the wheel even while standing still. But the YFZ450R's handling and performance are consistent with its chic and bold design, and the ATV handles exactly as you'd expect - like a race machine! However, with a little tweaking on the fully adjustable KYB shock absorbers, this sport quad can handle obstacles quite smoothly, making it a dual-purpose machine that will appeal to a wide variety of buyers. With 249mm of front suspension travel and 279mm of rear suspension travel, the YFZR not only handles small bumps on trails with confidence, but can also handle impressive jumps with ease.

The YFZ450R is more demanding of the rider, but it will quench the thirst for thrills of any extreme rider. The YFZ450R is more demanding of the rider, but it will quench the thirst for thrills of any extreme rider.

This year's Special Edition model features the same eye-catching black, white and red color scheme as the SE Raptor, including black decals and a red frame. The black GYTR front grab bar is dealer installed and the quick release plastic mounts are easy to remove so the rider can perform maintenance virtually anywhere, anytime.

All-black aluminum wheels complete the look, and custom-built Maxxis tires maintain traction even in the softest sand. In fact, the YFZR is the only ATV on which we have not replaced the original tires after purchase until they completely wore out, and have even used them for racing.

Yamaha YFZ450R

First of all - mud baths. Having plotted the route using photographs from space, he, accompanied by two cross-country fighters, set off to storm the forests near Moscow. Frankly, we couldn’t expect any feats from purely cross-country equipment. And the point here is not so much the single-wheel drive, but the scanty ground clearance due to the solid rear axle. The chosen route turned out to be a favorite pastime for owners of utilitarian ATVs, that is, it is full of deep ruts in equally deep puddles. As expected, already in the first meters I sat on the “belly”, or rather on the plastic protection of the star and brake disc on the pendulum. In such situations, the small mass of the quadra came to the rescue - pulling it out of the mud with two people is not particularly difficult. The only way to overcome such puddles is the well-known technique - jumping on the move, fortunately the bottom, like the pendulum, is protected by a plastic cover. True, this is if the length of the puddle does not exceed three to four meters.

Yamaha YFZ450R

For better self-cleaning, the rear brake is AT 20×10–9 petal-type rear tires.
For better self-cleaning, the rear brake is AT 20×10–9 petal-type rear tires.

However, I note that when there were no ruts in the puddles, the quad very confidently made its way through the muddy mess, despite the purely sports tires, which are poorly suited for such conditions, and the rather sluggish bottom end of the engine. In order not to waste any more time pulling out the device, we had to go around the ruts in the puddles. And nearby there is either a forest or a swamp with bushes. And here the YFZ450R did not save! The main thing is not to let go of the gas trigger, and there, bushes and thin trees up to five to seven centimeters thick are not a problem. I note that during these attacks, not a single one of the quad’s units was damaged, nor was a single rare animal. Remembering how when pushing mud puddles head-on on the Rhino (Moto, No. 07–2009), the radiator constantly clogged, I was afraid of the same problem here. However, in vain - the radiator is located so well that even after off-roading it remained practically clean. Moreover, protected by a small “kangaroo” and a steering column, it is practically inaccessible to branches and bushes.

Yamaha YFZ450R

Without a removable “flute” the motor spins more fun.
Without a removable “flute” the motor spins more fun.

Night had already fallen, and the route had not yet been completed. I didn’t want to spend the night in the forest without sleeping bags, tents and in wet equipment, so I had to get out onto a country highway. Very useful: I appreciated both the decent directional stability on asphalt (even at maximum speed) and the excellent head light. I also praise the ergonomics: as soon as I moved to the more comfortable rear part of the seat, a couple of tens of kilometers at a speed close to the maximum were very easy.

On asphalt, you have to be very careful with the throttle trigger: right up to third gear, the quad easily lifts the front wheels into the sky, and when turning, it breaks the rear ones. It provokes various pranks, such as wheelie, stoppie or riding on two side wheels. By the way, if you suddenly decide to play around, I don’t recommend putting a quad on the rear yoke - you risk being left without the yoke itself and the beautiful LED brake light attached to it - checked. Well, at least the subframe remains unharmed during such exercises. If the ATV was purchased for stunt riding, first strengthen the yoke. Yes, and the tires should be changed to road ones - the original cross-country tires will not last long.

Technical characteristics of Yamaha Grizzly 450 4×4

Although the Japanese Grizzly 450 4x4 is a utility vehicle, it can be used as a touring or sports ATV. Thanks to its high power and modern “stuffing”, the machine can transport loads weighing up to 130 kg, tow heavy objects, overcome medium-difficult obstacles, be used for household work, etc.

Model parameters:

• 421 cc single cylinder engine. see. The four-stroke engine is equipped with an air and liquid cooling system.
• Carburetor fuel supply system (Mikuni).
• Electric starter and kick starter.
• Transmission – CVT with high and low gears.
• Steel wheels with Maxxis tubeless tires.
• Brakes – hydraulic disc (front) and sealed drum (rear).
• Suspension – independent double wishbone (front and rear).
• The frame is steel.
• Drive operating in 2 and 4 WD mode. The model has a differential lock.
• Traction force – 599 kg.
• The weight of the ATV is 274.9 kg.
• Gas tank volume – 15.1 liters.
• Maximum speed – 80 km/h.

Owners of the Yamaha Grizzly 450 4×4 ATV noted that a full fuel tank lasts for approximately 135-145 km. Of course, the model is not particularly economical, but the power and cross-country ability fully compensate for this shortcoming.

Yamaha YFZ450R

But all this is not the native element of the new YFZ450R. Cross-country tracks, quarries, dirt roads - this is where you can and should use it. Turns with controlled skidding, jumps with multi-meter flights and hard landings. It is during such operation that you evaluate all the changes in components and assemblies. The brakes, which are sufficient even on asphalt, are simply amazing here. Due to the same wide track coupled with a low center of gravity, the stability of the quad in corners is simply amazing. It is quite difficult to turn over, and this allows you to take corners with more speed. And the increased base gives stability on straight lines. I would also like to note the fully adjustable KYB suspension. The front and rear shocks are longer and have more travel than on the YFZ450. All this softens the landing after a jump. I rate the performance of the suspensions as a solid four: for amateur competitions - just right, but still not up to the professional level.

But the engine deserves an “excellent” rating. Fun medium and high revs are a good help when winning championship titles. There is so much “dope” in the engine that you can put the quadric into a skid or pull it out of a turn with lightning speed by lightly touching the throttle trigger. Well-chosen gear ratios, clear shifts and a soft clutch are also a plus. By the way, the muffler flute is removable; after its removal, a couple of extra horses appear on the tops.

Chassis

The front features disc brakes with aluminum pistons. At the rear, braking is provided by a 2-piston caliper. At the factory, the ATV is equipped with Maxxis tires, which are perfect for any type of surface (including off-road). Rotation from the engine is transmitted to the rear axle using a chain. The independent front suspension (with 231 mm of travel) and a cast aluminum swingarm (with 256 mm of travel) at the rear allow the all-terrain vehicle to smoothly overcome any unevenness. It should be noted. That this does not affect handling at all.

Features of the model Thanks to a large power reserve, a customizable suspension with a large reserve of vertical travel, a balanced gearbox, structural strength, a unique tread pattern and other outstanding qualities, the Raptor 700R is distinguished by equally confident behavior both on rough terrain (in the forest, on sand, in a swamp), and and on the race track. This is also facilitated by the impressive 111 mm ground clearance. Other design developments should be noted:

1. The wheels are turned inward, which helps reduce weight without losing strength;
2. The sporty ergonomic seat increases driver comfort; Powerful lighting technology ensures excellent visibility even in the dark;
3. An 11-liter gas tank combined with a YFI injection system allows you to increase the distance between refuelings;
4. Trigger throttle control reduces strain on your hands.
5. Advantages and disadvantages
6. The advantages of an ATV include:
7. Attractiveness of aggressive design;
8. Excellent ergonomics;
9. High power injection motor;
10. High-quality suspension;
11. An effective braking system that ensures safety in all conditions.
12. Among the disadvantages are:
13. No turn signals;
14. Uninformative dashboard;
15. The quiet sound of the exhaust does not allow you to fully experience the power of the engine;
16. Sometimes there are interruptions in the operation of the gearbox.

Yamaha YFZ450R

I will also note the survivability of the device in the water element. It so happened that the author of these lines took a bath together with the ATV. The YFZ-R spent at least three minutes underwater in an upside-down position. At this point, it seemed, the test could be completed and an editorial helicopter could be called in - probably water hammer, emulsion in the crankcase, flooded electrics... In general, a complete set of drowned people. However, when the quad was on land (it turned out to be unexpectedly easy to pull it out; I managed it alone in about a minute), the photographer and I quickly drained the water from the filter (fortunately the drain is easily accessible and done very competently) and the exhaust system, blew out the combustion chamber, and then Why did the quadric start up quickly? Thanks to the fall sensor, which turned off the engine in time! There were no traces of water even in the oil.

Advantages and disadvantages of the model

The owners noted a number of advantages of the Grizzly 450 4×4:

• Improved design. Unlike its predecessor, the modification uses a solid frame, which increases the reliability of the device and reduces its weight.
• High quality brakes. Installing a sealing mechanism increased the efficiency of the system by 20%.
• Convenient change of drive modes. With On-Command, the rider can quickly change drive depending on the trail.
• High speed. The car easily accelerates to 80 km/h. The cruising speed of the vehicle on difficult off-road conditions is 50-55 km/h.
• Versatility. A powerful engine and sophisticated design allows the equipment to be used for tourism, walking, transporting or towing cargo, etc.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the configuration. The delivery set includes only a bump stop, a seat without a backrest, wheels and two luggage racks. The driver will have to purchase everything else himself.

Yamaha YFZ450R

So what did Yamaha ultimately create? Thanks to the efforts of Japanese designers, an excellent sports device was born. However, they took into account that only a small part of the product would be used for its intended purpose. Apparently, this is why 20-inch rear tires are installed “in stock” instead of sports 18-inch ones - for greater comfort for ordinary users. But advanced riders are not offended either: the quad is already ready for amateur and intermediate level competitions. And despite the extensive list of improvements and changes, the price remained in an acceptable range - the R version is only 34,000 rubles more expensive than the regular one. This means that the new YFZ-R will probably sell better.

Competitors Yamaha Grizzly 450 4x4

Yamaha equipment is very popular, but this does not save it from competition. The main opponent of the utilitarian Grizzly 450 model was the ATV:

• Honda TRX 500 FA. The brainchild of the Japanese brand Honda surpasses the Grizzly in power and handling. The developers equipped the 500 FA model with hydraulic brakes and a 37.9 hp engine. with electronic ignition and differential drive. In terms of price, both devices are also identical; a used Honda or Yamaha ATV will cost 350-400 thousand rubles.
• Polaris Sportsman The American utility vehicle is slightly more powerful than the Grizzly, but is significantly inferior to it in functionality. The athlete overcomes difficult off-road conditions worse and can withstand less load.
• Suzuki LT-A 450X. This compact Japanese bike will be an excellent alternative to the Grizzly 450. The Suzuki ATV is much more powerful than the Yamaha and has modern “filling” that turns riding into a pleasant vacation. Buyers will also be interested in the cost of Suzuki; the price of the new LT-A 450X ranges from 380 to 400 thousand rubles.

Also, many buyers prefer domestic equipment developed by Stel or Russian Mechanics. Most often, riders choose the PM 500-2 model, which has high power and excellent equipment.

The Stealth ATV 500K will also be a good alternative to the Grizzly. The model has everything you need for work and rest: a powerful engine (33 hp), automatic clutch, CDI ignition, etc.