WR450F - The Bike For All Reasons

Yamaha's WR450F celebrates its 20th year in production with a complete revision aimed at bringing the competition enduro weapon much closer to its YZ and FX brothers.

A combination of linear and tractable power, pinpoint handling, clockwork reliability and the ability to be road registered in many territories has led WR450F to become a firm favourite with fast trail riders and racers alike. In Australia for example, the versatile WR450F has dominated the retail charts by selling more than any other model and in the process has introduced many enduro riders to the victorYZone over the last two decades.

Like the original 1999 WR450F, the new 2019 model is heavily based on the successful YZ450F platform – an apex predator motocross bike that blends mind bending power with total control.

Specifications

2019 WR450F Specifications
Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Displacement	450 cm³
Bore x stroke	97.0 mm x 60.9mm
Compression ratio	12.8 : 1
Lubrication system	Wet sump
Clutch type	Wet, Multiple Disc
Ignition system	TCI
Starter system	Electric
Transmission system	Constant mesh 5-speed
Frame	Semi double cradle
Caster angle	27º
Trail	116 mm
Front suspension	Telescopic forks
Rear suspension	Swingarm - link type suspension
Front brake	Hydraulic single disc
Rear brake	Hydraulic single disc
Front tyre	90/90-21 54M (tube type)
Rear tyre	130/90-18 65M (tube type)
Overall length	2175 mm
Overall width	825 mm
Overall height	1270 mm
Seat height	955 mm
Wheel base	1480 mm
Min ground clearance	320 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)	119 kg
Fuel tank capacity	7.9 L
Oil tank capacity	0.90 L
Colour	Team Yamaha Blue and White
Warranty	Three months, parts only
RRP	$13,299
Availability	March 2019

2019 Yamaha WR450F

Features

YZ450F based engine

The power unit is based on the current YZ450F engine but with specific enduro settings. The reverse fed, mass centralised layout and specifications are the same as the YZ450F engine, but the intake and exhaust systems, fuel injection and ignition advance maps are tuned to provide the fast enduro rider with stronger and longer-lasting pulling power at high rpm.

Smartphone Tuning

On board WiFi means that you can tune the new WR450F to different track conditions using your smartphone. The new Power Tuner app allows you to make fueling and ignition timing changes instantly and upload/share them for the ultimate in track-side tuning. The free Yamaha Power app also allows owners to record race log information and monitor a range of data such as maintenance and system diagnosis, engine run time and more.

Engine Map Switch

A bar-mounted dual engine map switch has been adopted and positioned next to the left lever to enable changes in the engine power delivery characteristics mid-race. This switch allows the rider to select one of two engine maps on the fly at the press of a button to cater for changes in the riding environment.

Industry Leading Suspension

WR450F runs the same KYB air-oil-separate upside-down front fork as the YZ450F but with model-specific enduro settings to provide stable damping force and better transition between the compression and rebound strokes. The rear shock absorber is also based on the YZ450F unit and features enduro model-specific settings. It features a coil with a higher fatigue strength and a weight reduction of approximately 350 grams.

Wide Ratio Transmission

The new WR450F adopts a wide-ratio 5-speed transmission with the same spec and same gear ratios as the 2019 model YZ450FX. This provides both good off-road performance to clear difficult and technical areas as well as high-speed performance for flat dirt sections. Also, the shapes of the dog gears have been revised.

Speed Sensor

A new lightweight front wheel speed sensor connects to a highly precise speed display and with no more speedo drive, makes front wheel changes easier. The system features a pulse wheel and sensor system known for excellent reliability and provides the detailed speed information essential for enduro riding.

Free Flow Air Filter

The filter element features reduced airflow resistance with increased reliability. The new filter and the length of the intake funnel contribute to an excellent feeling of traction and linear characteristics during acceleration and deceleration. A model-specific muffler design is also adopted. And adding rubber seals to the centre positioning pin increases its dust-filtering capability.

Protective Bashplate

The new WR450F features a more protective plastic resin engine guard to help prevent damage to the frame, engine, water pump and hoses when running through ruts or from impacts by kicked up rocks. Also, reducing the size of the open space at the front limits the amount of mud and stones entering and so reduces additional running weight.

Forged Aluminium Sidestand

A lighter and less obtrusive forged aluminium sidestand is positioned to ensure plenty of ground clearance when riding through ruts and the like. The new stand sits higher and the amount it juts out from the chassis is reduced which helps prevent snagging. The weight of the stand has also been reduced by about 100g. This is the same as the 2019 model YZ450FX stand design.