News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
Performance Refined: Yamaha Announces the New 2026 YZ450F
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is proud to announce an extensive update to its industry-leading flagship Motocross model, the new 2026 YZ450F. Faced with the complex challenge of improving on a bike already widely considered the benchmark of the ultra-competitive 450cc four-stroke class, Yamaha engineers put significant focus into refining power delivery and handling performance to achieve a level of precision, control and tuneability that sets a new class standard: the easiest bike to ride fast.
“When developing the new 2026 YZ450F, our goal was to create an intuitive, rider-friendly character that unlocks a racer’s full potential while not upsetting the exceptional balance of power and handling performance that’s kept the YZ at the top of the class,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “On paper the changes may appear subtle; however, the enhanced feeling of connection and control on the bike is huge. This new YZ is easier to ride faster for longer.”
Updates to the YZ450F center around a new frame design, revised suspension, engine updates and body refinements. The new frame is matched with a new high performance KYB® rear shock and revised fork settings which give the rider confidence to charge harder and corner faster. Engine character is also refined with the addition of a revised intake port design, air intake and exhaust achieving a more connected, linear response in the low- to mid-range for enhanced control, while still maintaining the YZ450F’s renowned top-end power.
 2026 YZ450F |  2026 YZ450F 70th Anniversary Edition |
2026 Yamaha YZ450F:
A new frame design for 2026 focuses on the balance of rigidity and flex characteristics. Revised inner and outer structure including a thinner front downtube results in a highly stable ride with enhanced front-end feel for improved cornering performance.
To accommodate the YZ450F’s new frame, a new shock and revised fork settings developed jointly with KYB® offer an enhanced damping feel with less bump reaction, providing the confidence to ride harder for longer. The updated shock also has a new hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments. These combined chassis updates result in greater usability in everything from slow, tight corners to high-speed sweepers and a motorcycle that’s easier to tip in, easier to choose and hold a line, with a higher level of overall cornering performance.
Engine performance for the new 2026 YZ450F is also refined with the addition of a redesigned intake port which produces a stronger tumble effect in the combustion chamber for more efficient combustion. The result is a more linear engine response for enhanced control and feeling of connection between the throttle and rear wheel. There is also a new resonator and duct added in the air intake, and a new resonator included within the exhaust system to reduce noise in compliance with FIM/AMA regulations and increase rider comfort.
Adding to rider comfort and ease of use is a new hydraulic clutch for smooth, consistent engagement with less effort while eliminating the need for on-track adjustments. In addition, a new clutch inner hub design lubricates over a larger area for more stable performance and longer life.
Marking the new model’s evolution, updated styling cues for 2026 now include a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics. There is also a new honeycomb-pattern seat cover material which maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration.
Finally, an industry-first ECU lock function is now adopted on the 2026 YZ450F for theft deterrence, allowing owners to prevent unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock function accessed through the Yamaha Power Tuner app.
2026 YZ450F Features & Benefits
- Powerful 450cc four-stroke engine features a revised, more linear power delivery for added control and rideability
- Yamaha’s industry-leading Power Tuner App includes intuitive “Quick Setting” slide bar engine tuning, Traction & Launch Control tuning, and a new ECU-lock function
- New hydraulic clutch offers lighter lever feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point, eliminating the need for on-track adjustments
- Advanced fuel injection via a 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization and power for a wide range of riding conditions
- Five-speed transmission with tri-shaft layout vertically stacks transmission shafts for a lighter, more compact transmission
- New frame design balances rigidity and flex characteristics for a calmer front-end feel and enhanced stability
- High-spec fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® coil spring-type fork is recognized as the gold standard in the 450 class, providing exceptional feel and bump absorption
- New high performance KYB® rear shock enhances low-speed damping and smooths the damping transition between low and high speeds for enhanced control in a variety of conditions
- High performance braking system features a large 270mm front brake rotor coupled with a Nissin caliper to provide excellent power and fade resistance
- Compact body including seamless, rounded features eases rider movement for enhanced control
- Updated styling includes a slimmer, more compact front number plate, new two-piece side covers, sharper rear fender and new YZ graphics
- New honeycomb-pattern seat cover material maintains ease in rider sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration
- Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability
- Rear wheel comes laced in a three-cross-spoke pattern for improved impact absorption and rider feel
- Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires
- Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless restarts
- Lightweight aluminum tapered handlebar
- Rubber-mounted four-position adjustable handlebar mounts reduce vibration
- Lightweight gold drive chain comes with YZ450F-specific chain guide
The new 2026 YZ450F will be available from dealers this August in Team Yamaha Blue for $10,299 MSRP; and the 2026 Yamaha 70th Anniversary Edition YZ450F will be available from dealers this October for $10,499 MSRP.
Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Motocross and Cross-Country lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at: www.yamaha-motor.com/shop.
Yamaha BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2026 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features over $10 million for Yamaha BLU CRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a BLU CRU debit card, receive a BLU CRU welcome kit and exclusive invitations to special BLU CRU events and training opportunities.
![2026 Yamaha YZ450F [1] copy](https://motorsportsnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2026-Yamaha-YZ450F-1-copy.jpg)
For complete details on how to register for the BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, web site at:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/blucru-registration.
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Triumph Unveils New Paint Schemes for 2026 – High Contrast, Maximum Impact
Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled twelve striking new paint schemes for its model year 2026 range. Sporting bold flashes of colour and high contrast two-tone designs, including Lava Red Gloss, Kingfisher Blue, and Triumph Performance Yellow, the new designs meet customer demand for motorcycles that are as visually distinctive as they are thrilling to ride.
Available in Triumph dealerships from July 2025, the new colourways span the brand’s most popular models—from adventure-ready Tigers to modern classics, agile roadsters, and the commanding Rocket 3 Storm.
BOLD NEW LOOK FOR TIGERS
The Tiger 900 GT and GT Pro models, and the GT Pro A2 variant, are gaining two striking, yet subtle, colour schemes – each with bold accent colours edging the radiator cowls and beaks.
The new standard colour option sports vivid Carnival Red accents on its Sapphire Black beak and radiator cowl finisher, plus Sapphire Black front mudguard supports and side panels, a Graphite rear radiator cowl, and a grab rack in Matt Phantom Black.
The premium paint scheme, Snowdonia White and Sapphire Black, has been updated with Triumph Performance Yellow accents on its Snowdonia White beak and radiator cowl, complemented by Sapphire Black front mudguard supports, tank end panel and radiator cowl finisher, plus a Matt Phantom Black grab rack.
The Tiger 900 Rally Pro gets two new colour schemes that enhance its rugged, go-anywhere appeal. The new standard paint scheme, Snowdonia White & Graphite, has refined, technical look that highlights the Tiger’s all-road capability. The new design features diagonal bands of Snowdonia White, Graphite and Sapphire Black across the fuel tank, side panels and radiator cowls, and is finished with a Matt Phantom Black grab rack.
Adding a flash of energy to the Tiger’s purposeful stance, the new premium design features bold accents in Triumph Performance Yellow, across the Sapphire Black beak, seat panels and mudguard, complemented by an Ash Grey lower radiator cowl. Finished with a grab rack in Matt Phantom Black this scheme screams capability and confidence.
STYLISH MODERN CLASSICS
Delivering a fresh visual identity that blends subtle sophistication with head-turning style, Triumph is launching fresh, contemporary designs for the Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X and Scrambler 1200 X.
For the Speed 400, riders have a choice of a timeless new two-tone tank in Pearl Metallic White and Phantom Black with a Royal Gold stripe, adding a touch of elegance, or a bold sporty combination in Lava Red Gloss and Storm Grey with a Graphite fuel tank stripe, complemented by Matt Silver Ice mudguards.
With a vibrant scheme that reflects the Scrambler’s off-road spirit, the Scrambler 400 X now has the option of a two-tone fuel tank in Baja Orange and Aluminium, contrasted with Matt Silver Ice mudguards, Phantom Black side panels, and Matt Phantom Black fork protectors.
The adventurous Scrambler 1200 X has a new tank in Triumph’s trademark off-road paint, Matt Khaki Green, complemented by a Phantom Black headlight bowl, side panels and mudguards, creating a rugged, military-inspired look.
RACE-POWERED ROADSTERS
The definitive streetfighter, Triumph’s Street Triple 765 R and the A2 variant gain a dark, uncompromising Phantom Black paint scheme, with sharp Diablo Red accents and the R emblazoned on the tank outlined in Pure White Gloss.
The Street Triple 765 RS gets a sophisticated yet sporty look, featuring Granite bodywork and colour-matched flyscreen and seat cowl, with a splash of Kingfisher Blue, enhancing the RS’s race-bred profile.
SOPHISTICATED ROCKET 3 STORM
The imposing profiles of Triumph’s 2500cc Rocket 3 Storm models, are enhanced with head-turning coachline details in the new 2026 paint scheme, making them an even more commanding presence on the road.
The flawless finish of the Rocket 3 Storm GT is accentuated on its new Matt Sapphire Black and Satin Granite tank, with a perfect Korosi Red coachline. The Sapphire Black flyscreen, headlight bowls, mudguards, radiator cowl and side panels, deliver a premium, high impact look that balances elegance with aggression.
The blacked-out look of the Rocket 3 Storm R is enhanced with a powerful shot of rich colour, with the introduction of a two-tone tank in Satin Baja Orange and Matt Sapphire Black, finished with a sophisticated Silver coachline.
ON THE ROAD
All new colour options are available to order now, with deliveries expected in Triumph dealerships from July 2025. Riders can explore the full range and configure their dream bike at www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
