2012Yamaha YZ450F

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The 2012 Yamaha YZ450F is a competitive motocross machine designed for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a lightweight, nimble 450cc four-stroke. Known for its responsive fuel injection system and titanium-valved engine delivering strong mid-range power, it excels in both racing and trail riding. The compact chassis and five-speed transmission make it ideal for technical terrain.

Capacity: 449.0 ccm
Engine: Single, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 99.3 kg
Seat height: 1001 mm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Yamaha YZ450F

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Fuel capacity	6.20 litres (1.64 US gallons)	6.10 litres (1.61 US gallons)
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Hydraulic
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Hydraulic

Other years 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail97%

Cornering88%

City riding10%

Daily riding10%

Touring10%

Two-up5%

Track90%

Best for: Built purely for motocross racing and hard off-road riding, excelling on tracks and rough terrain rather than street use.
Built for: Sharp, high-revving, and razor-responsive, it rewards committed, active riding with explosive acceleration and precise cornering manners.
Not ideal for: It is not suited for commuting, touring, passengers, or casual low-speed street riding due to its lack of lights, mirrors, and road-going comfort features.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 1001mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2012 Yamaha YZ450F, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at over 900 mm — Sky High →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 449.0 ccm
Power: 56.0 HP (41.2 kW)
Engine type: Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5639 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 97.0 x 60.8 mm
Compression: 12.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Multiplate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1491 mm
Overall length: 2195 mm
Overall width: 826 mm
Overall height: 1311 mm
Seat height: 1001 mm
Dry weight: 99.3 kg
Wet weight: 111.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 6.10 litres
Ground clearance: 386 mm
Oil capacity: 1.20 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum Bilateral Beam frame
Front suspension: KYB Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel
Rear suspension: KYB Fully adjustable single shock
Front wheel travel: 310 mm
Rear wheel travel: 315 mm
Rake (fork angle): 28.0°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Hydraulic
Front brakes diameter: 250 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Hydraulic
Rear brakes diameter: 245 mm
Front tyre: 80/100-21
Rear tyre: 120/80-19

Other

Color options: Blue/White, White/Red

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2008	2012	2013	2018	2022	2027
Capacity	449 cc	449 cc	449 cc	449 cc	449 cc	450 cc
Dry weight	99 kg	99 kg	99 kg	99 kg	99 kg	99 kg
Seat height	988 mm	1001 mm	1001 mm	975 mm	965 mm	965 mm
Fuel capacity	6.8 L	6.1 L	6.1 L	7.6 L	6.1 L	6.1 L