Like most manufacturers, Yamaha has just ripped the sheets of its 2018 motocross range, halfway through 2017, and there’s something particularly salacious about the...
Like most manufacturers, Yamaha has just ripped the sheets of its 2018 motocross range, halfway through 2017, and there’s something particularly salacious about the new YZ450F. As well as a new engine, a new chassis and the introduction of electric start to compliment a host of fresh upgrades, Yamaha has furnished the ‘18 Four-Fiddy with some fancy Bluetooth technology.
In the world’s first for production MX steeds, the Power Tuner app connects to the YZ450F via smartphone (iOS and Android) and allows the pilot to adjust fuelling and ignition maps, tweaking electronic set-up to suit different tracks, weather and conditions. There’s also a ‘Log’ function to record location and bike settings, and allows the monitoring of engine run time, race settings and other data. Looking at the pics, the detail of adjustment is rather exciting…
Given the recent ECU flashing boom, and just how accessible the software has become, I wonder how long it’ll take for this sort of technology to filter down to road bikes. There are already several aftermarket options for ECU tampering via Bluetooth, though nothing – as of yet – directly from any manufacturers. Then again, closed-course competition machinery is very different to road-legal equipment, and this sort of tricknology opens up an entirely different can of worms in terms of manufacturer responsibilty, and allowing muppets loose with potentially hazardous gizmos.
Yamaha and snazzy Bluetooth trickery isn’t new. In conjunction with Vodafone, the tuning fork brand unveiled an epic anti-theft device on the 2017 TMAX über-scooter, whereby a simple press of a smartphone button can remotely shut down the bike anywhere in Europe. Of all the European countries, can you guess where the system isn’t validated because of bloody Thatcham’s approval? Yep, the UK. And Iceland.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.