WINNER: Yamaha YFZ450
In 2010 Yamaha stepped up its game and brought the YFZ into a whole new territory with the R and X packages. Both motocross and cross-country versions are available delivering the highest form of technology to both disciplines.
The YFZ’s EFI 449cc mill is at the top of its class and while extremely potent on the track, is well suited for trails too.
The 450R features a wider stance allowing for a maximum 9.8 inches travel up front and delivers huge plushness from its fully adjustable Kashima coated piggybacks.
While the X slims down its width by almost three inches making it worthy of GNCC racing, its abilities are in no way diminished. A stiffer suspension calibration utilizes the same high tech shock package only reducing the front travel by 0.4 of an inch.
It may be the reason Yamaha is number one in the sport market. The company is playing a hard defense and covering all bases as evidenced in the hugely potent and diverse YFZ450R and 450X.
RUNNERS UP
Can-Am DS450
Since the DS 450 hit the market it’s had its share of bad press – mostly from inexperienced opinions and lack of technical understanding.
Its advances in both unsprung weight reduction and torsional rigidity are impressive on their own. The insanely forgiving on-track characteristics of the DS make it the industry leader for both ‘over-jumping’ and ‘casing’ survival stories.
In the technology and handling departments the DS is light years ahead of the competition, and with the right horsepower upgrade would be unparalleled.
Suzuki QuadRacer 450R
Touting three AMA ATV MX championships, the QuadRacer 450R is a force to be reckoned with. It’s been ahead of the game longer than its competition featuring fuel injection, top quality suspension and an insanely competitive price that’ll knock your socks off in the value department.
While the QuadRacer is no slouch out of the box, the under 50-dollar EFI plug-in from Suzuki’s performance company, Yoshimura, places this ATV in a performance class of itÂ’s own adding eight dummy-proof horsepower to an already championship winning Pure Sport.
