Riding blue - or Orange for the SE model- is a complement to the YZF450. With so many extra features coming standard on this masterpiece of metal, it’s no wonder it’s a factory favorite. The lightest, most powerful 450 class ATV seems to have won just about every magazine shootout, and has the resume to back it up. It has won the 2004/2006GNCC and Quadcross Championships, 2005/2006 World Four-Stroke Champion and ATV Illustrated’s 2007 Sport ATV of the Year.
The 450 SE has the most powerful 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke with five titanium valves. Also it is the lightest engine in the class. Weight-saving engine features include a magnesium cylinder head cover and right-side 
crankcase cover; small-design cam-chain tensioner and oil pump; aluminum oil hose; and light CDI ignition unit. The five-speed transmission is very smooth shifting though gears and delivers an equal torque ratio. Making race starts even easier the YZF450 has a pushbutton electric start.
The main part of the frame is high-tense steel and a controlled-fill cast aluminum subframe. It’s strong and the lightest in the class at 350 pounds.
Aluminum independent A-arm shocks deliver 9.1 inches of travel from the competition spec shocks, both with adjustable shocks. The rear suspension system is YZ linkage-type, controlled by a fully adjustable Showa shock with 10.6 inches of travel with adjustable preload, rebound and high- and low-speed compression damping. A master cylinder controls the front brakes, and the rear has a drilled disc brake to reduce the unsprung weight. High performance Dunlop tires have been specially designed for the YFZ450 and provide responsive traction and handling.
Racing features include lots of extra shinny aluminum. Standard items include the GYTR front grab bar and heel guards, a ProTaper aluminum handlebar, dual 30-watt multireflector Krypton headlights, LED Taillight and brakelight. Topping off all the shinny aluminum is a special edition Orange/Black plastics and graphics kit.