Yamaha owns the sport ATV segment. If you’re serious about your play time on the sand or the trails, you’ve got to check out any models of the Raptor lineup. If you’re looking for a championship, the awesome YFZ 450R can get you there.
The YFZ 450R is Yamaha’s high tech, race ready performance ATV that’s designed to kick dirt in the face of everything else. The YFZ 450R comes with excellent, racing quality shocks, a powerful, fuel injected motor, and a high tech, cast aluminum frame. Every part of the machine was designed with performance in mind.
Suspension is provided by dual A-arms at the front, a cast aluminum swingarm and linkage system at the rear, and massive, fully adjustable, high quality shocks. Power is from a 449cc, 4-Stroke, Liquid Cooled, Titanium 5-Valve DOHC engine which is unique in that the oil reservoir is carried within the engine cases rather than in an external tank. Ergonomics are much like the rest of the Raptor family with a narrow tank area, a seat that is firm yet grippy and allows you to shift your weight easily, and a sturdy set of wide foot pegs to keep your feet planted. Riding position puts you in an aggressive stance ready to attack the track ahead and it feels very natural. Visually the 450R looks great as well. There’s nothing you don’t need on the YFZR, but there is everything you do need to go fast.
If riding aggressively and attacking the track or trails is your thing, the Yamaha YFZ450R can definitely get the job done. It makes every rider better, but in the hands of a highly skilled rider, the results are spectacular. Because of all the great features, its outstanding performance, and its ability to do so much so well, the Yamaha YFZ 450R is our pick for the Best 450cc Hi-performance ATV of 2011.
