2014-2016 yamaha yz450f cornering/turning

[Edge316]

2016 here, sag at 100 and forks in Stock position, have zero issue turning bike.

Everyones different, I was struggling on my 16 yz450f in some corners where the front end had a very vague feel to it. I installed 22mm triple clamps and now all is well. Big difference!

[Edge316]

The FX uses the WR frame and different triples. The differences are minor to the eye, but either bike is exceptionally sensitive to small changes, the YZ/F in particular.

Just curious....what on the frame have you noticed that is different?

[grayracer513]

The YZF is set up to steer more quickly than the two other bikes.  Steering geometry.

[Edge316]

So is there a difference in frames? Both the yz and fx have the same rake of 27.25.I was under the impression the frames were the same...I'm still curious what you visually noticed!

[SteveThe Snakes]

I believe they have a different triple clamp offset.

[Armbarn sailor]

So is there a difference in frames? Both the yz and fx have the same rake of 27.25.I was under the impression the frames were the same...I'm still curious what you visually noticed!

I noticed the radiator shrouds being longer towards fender and there was a wire running next to the cylinder. Visually (besides start button) I don't see or feel frame geometry or really any difference then the 450f. But I haven't rode a fx

[Armbarn sailor]

Everyones different, I was struggling on my 16 yz450f in some corners where the front end had a very vague feel to it. I installed 22mm triple clamps and now all is well. Big difference!

I ride a lot of sand....suppose stock 16 is better for that?

[grayracer513]

You might be right.  I dropped a set of 22's on an '03 I had (25's are stock), and it did NOT feel better in sand, no it did not.

 

I'm convinced that particular bike was possessed, though. 

 

But even so, sand is probably more so "rider rather than bike" than almost any other surface other than 8" of mud.  Both '06 YZ450's I had were set up the same.  My son could glide around in the dunes with the facility of a young hawk enjoying an afternoon breeze.  I struggled with the least change of direction. 

 

Sand has a number of properties that are distinctly those of a fluid, so the experience is often oddly similar to riding on water.  If you're having trouble with it, I suggest first finding someone who rides sand really well and ask him to ride your bike.  See what he thinks of it.  That takes the rider question out of the picture, so far as your setup goes, or tells you where in the chassis you need to focus.

[RMK800]

I believe they have a different triple clamp offset.

I believe a few people confirmed the FX has 22m and the 450F has the 25m. When I got my fx I automatically raised my forks about 4 to 5mm. I felt like the open riding wasn't as stable as I would like. I moved the forks pretty much back to stock and feel like the front is more stable. I guess it a matter of opinion but if there 22m and people are raising them up im sure it was better steering with some sacrifice to stability in the straight sections.

[Armbarn sailor]

You might be right. I dropped a set of 22's on an '03 I had (25's are stock), and it did NOT feel better in sand, no it did not.

I'm convinced that particular bike was possessed, though.

But even so, sand is probably more so "rider rather than bike" than almost any other surface other than 8" of mud. Both '06 YZ450's I had were set up the same. My son could glide around in the dunes with the facility of a young hawk enjoying an afternoon breeze. I struggled with the least change of direction.

Sand has a number of properties that are distinctly those of a fluid, so the experience is often oddly similar to riding on water. If you're having trouble with it, I suggest first finding someone who rides sand really well and ask him to ride your bike. See what he thinks of it. That takes the rider question out of the picture, so far as your setup goes, or tells you where in the chassis you need to focus.

We tend to ride the rear more, even in tighter harescrambles and such, if you think your clay setup is gonna work you will jack knife constantly and suspension will feel horrible. I slow my rebound down a couple clicks and it's perfect in sand....so I guess the bike is stiff and slow turning stock.....perfect for me.

[GHILL28]

The FX also uses a longer shock than the regular 450F.  Which, if you ask me, is the WAY wrong way to go with the handling on that bike.

[CaptainKnobby]

I have just recently purchased a 2016 YZ450. Bought it in August (last Month). Just have only had a chance to ride it once.

I weigh 160lbs an right away knew the Front was way stiff. The rear felt ok to me for stock.

Overall as a stock suspension......I liked it, more better than the 2011 450 and 2015 250 smoker when they were stock.

This 16 to me feels good all except for the stiff Front springs. However... I can still turn it with no problems, just dont settle in the turns/ruts that good in the front. As far as plushness goes......best 450 I think YZ has made out of the 06, 10 and 2011 models. These are the ones I have owned in past.

I am going to have mine redone though, just so I can get the Front to work for me better. .47kg springs a slight adjustment on shims for the front.

Rear doesnt need a whole lot done. Just a couple minor things maybe is all and it should be good to go.

[Nymxracer]

Just set the sag, add an mx32 front tire, slide the forks up in the triple clamps and you can get it to turn. You will know when you have slid them up too far when the bikes starts oversteering. It will never dive inside a Suzuki but you knew that already.

[Mayday16]

I’ll just throw this out there.. 2016 450FX. I did the Dubach engine relocation, radiator lowering kit, 22mm triple clamps, fork tubes set at 4-5 mm, .44 front springs (160lbs rider weight) 105mm sag. Handles much much better now. The price was some high speed headshake on occasion. Putting on a Scott’s dampener to cure that. Did all these mods at once so can’t nail down the one thing that had the greatest effect but WOW, different bike! No longer hesitant to take the inside line

[RAR]

2016 YZ450.

ENZO Revalve -  Forks & Shock with correct springs for weight... Shock lowered internally - recommended by Enzo for handling

22MM offset clamps

MX32 front and rear tire

Dr D Engine relocation kit

GYTR Power Tuner - Reduce power and tame hit - This greatly improves turning for me as the touchy throttle response and torque of this motor really upsets chassis balance.  Have someone record your entry and exit of corners and watch as the bike gets front end light as soon as you touch throttle.

 

I'm loving my bike and have ridden it back to back with a 2018.

[GHILL28]

I’ll just throw this out there.. 2016 450FX. I did the Dubach engine relocation, radiator lowering kit, 22mm triple clamps, fork tubes set at 4-5 mm, .44 front springs (160lbs rider weight) 105mm sag. Handles much much better now. The price was some high speed headshake on occasion. Putting on a Scott’s dampener to cure that. Did all these mods at once so can’t nail down the one thing that had the greatest effect but WOW, different bike! No longer hesitant to take the inside line

So your 2016 YZ450FX did NOT come with 22mm triples??

[Nymxracer]

I rode another 16 with the 22mm triple clamp, engine relocation kit and linkage and honestly it wasn't much different than my 16 with nothing done to it other than adjusting what was already there. I think people are too quick to throw money at things and not taking time to dial in their bikes. 

[Mayday16]

Yes my FX came wi 22mm triple clamps. At about the 30 hour point I got a good deal on 25mm offset xtrig triple clamps. They are one beautiful piece of machining. They were awesome for high speed desert type riding but cornering suffered. Elected to go back to the stock 22mm clamps in conjunction wi aforesaid mods with excellent results. Of note; got a smoking deal on a lighter rear Ti spring wi a 5.5 rate. (I’m only 160lbs) not for everyone but I love the feel of the Ti spring. AHM did my suspension wi excellent results about 35hrs ago. I’m 59 and for the first time in my life I had the means to do whatever the hell I wanted so in my opinion money well spent. This bad girl is dialed! 

[GHILL28]

Yes my FX came wi 22mm triple clamps. At about the 30 hour point I got a good deal on 25mm offset xtrig triple clamps. They are one beautiful piece of machining. They were awesome for high speed desert type riding but cornering suffered. Elected to go back to the stock 22mm clamps in conjunction wi aforesaid mods with excellent results. Of note; got a smoking deal on a lighter rear Ti spring wi a 5.5 rate. (I’m only 160lbs) not for everyone but I love the feel of the Ti spring. AHM did my suspension wi excellent results about 35hrs ago. I’m 59 and for the first time in my life I had the means to do whatever the hell I wanted so in my opinion money well spent. This bad girl is dialed! 

Got it, thanks for clarifying.

[RAR]

On 2/12/2018 at 8:09 PM, Nymxracer said:

I rode another 16 with the 22mm triple clamp, engine relocation kit and linkage and honestly it wasn't much different than my 16 with nothing done to it other than adjusting what was already there. I think people are too quick to throw money at things and not taking time to dial in their bikes. 

I rode my bike stock for about a year before doing anything and I didn't do everything at once either.