Following a fun Monday night PulpMX Show, Steve Matthes, Kris Keefer, and Eddie Laret went to Glen Helen Raceway on Tuesday for the 2026 Yamaha YZ450F intro. While it may not look like it this bike does have a TON of changes made to the ’26 model. In a separate video with Yamaha’s Mike Ulrich—which we recommend watching first before this riding video—the changes are all explained in depth. Ulrich and Keefer go through the updates to the bike as well as what parts can be swapped onto the ’26 model from previous years. Check that video out first here:
Then, check out as Keefer, Matthes, and Laret break down the changes on the track. Keefer says the most important changes are the chassis changes (including the new shock). From Matthes’ perspective, he says the engine changes are most significant to him, including the engine spool up. Having ridden Matthes’ ’25 YZ450F then the ’26 YZ450F back-to-back, Keefer and Matthes debate the differences and what they noticed more. Then, Laret compared the bike to the 2026 Honda CRF450R he rode last week (which had no changes from the 2025 CRF450R). Check out the first ride video below.
