Yamaha released their 2026 dirt bike competition range of Motocross, Enduro and Cross-Country models. This includes the 70th Anniversary colour option, Yamaha’s smartphone ECU locking on their 4-stroke models and the YZ450F with major upgrades.
So far Yamaha has had significant changes to at least one of their models every year. This year their motocross range walked away with most of the changes.
YZ450F -More than before.
The 2026 YZ450F is equipped with a newly designed intake system that allows for a smoother and more linear throttle response as well as better low-to-mid-range control. Yamaha syas the new intake port and wall shape increase tumble within the combustion chamber, improving combustion efficiency in the lower rev range without sacrificing top-end power. They also say that the torque characteristics feel more refined while improving reliability.
The engine retains its core features such as the 39 mm titanium intake valves, plain bearing at the big end, forged aluminium piston, reverse-head layout and dry sump lubrication.
New exhaust system..
For 2026 the exhaust system will be quieter as a result of a centrally located resonator and the introduction of revised tuning
To cut intake noise, the airbox has received a resonator.
A tweak has also lowered the silencers angle.
Hydraulic clutch.
Yamaha has fitted a new hydraulic clutch that keeps the biting point consistent under load while riding. This eliminates the need for those mid-ride adjustments and they claim the clutch will provide a lighter and more controlled lever feel.
A new chassis for 2026.
The frame for the YZ450F has “improved rider comfort and front-end feel”, says Yamaha. With the revised inner structure and downtube thickness and the introduction of bilateral, asymmetric engine mounts, Yamaha has also fine-tuned the torsional behaviour.
These changes will be available to WR models in the future.
Yamaha & KYB.
Yamaha in collaboration with KYB have fitted a new rear shock that offers a smoother transition through the damping range.
- The base valve piston grows from 24mm to 28mm
- Separate oil circuits improve low-speed damping
- The main piston now features six ports (up from four) for better high-speed performance
- A new hand-adjustable compression damping dial makes life easier
ECU lock function.
For peace of mind Yamaha has introduced their ECU lock function to all their 4T models. This allows the rider to disable the starting of the bike via the Power Tuner App, especially useful for dirt bikes that have no keys. The app can also be used to fine-tune traction and launch control as well as the power delivery. The engine map switch can be used on the fly.
70th Anniversary Edition.
Every model throughout the range gets new updated graphics, but stealing the show is the 70th Anniversary Edition. That’s inspired by the YZM400F’s red and white colours that represent Yamaha’s first 4-stroke to win at the AMA Supercross finale in Las Vegas in 1997.
2026 YZ125.
A new breath of life for the Yamaha YZ125 is a revised intake system, updated ignition timing and tweaks to the carburetor to allow for smoother, more linear power delivery.
- New needle jet improves fuel delivery across the rev range
- Updated main, pilot and power jets refine throttle feel from idle to top end
- Bigger, reshaped intake improves airflow and consistency
- Revised ignition timing supports smoother combustion across throttle inputs
Yamaha’s trail bikes (Not all available in SA) the TT-R230, TT-R125LE, TT-R110E and TT-R50E remain unchanged for 2026.
The YZ250 and YZ250F, receive the updated colours and anniversary options. The WR, FX/X X-Country bikes, the YZ65, YZ85 and the PW50 only received the new graphics this time around.
For further info and availability please contact your local Yamaha Dealer.
