All new Yamaha WR450F revealed
Most advanced enduro machine is developed for AUS/NZ
YMA has released details of the stunning all new WR450F at the Australian MotoGP. The latest version of this sophisticated enduro racer benefits from the most advanced engine and chassis technology to be seen in its category.
The new model has been developed by Australian and NZ riders including former Grand Prix ace and Yamaha race team Manager Josh Coppins. Based on the latest YZ450F that dominated the world MXGP championship, the all-new WR450F utilises Yamaha’s innovative reverse cylinder head and rearwards slanting cylinder.
Having convincingly demonstrated its winning performance at the highest level, this industry-leading engine design gives the WR450F rider high levels of controllable and linear torque, while this design’s greater mass centralisation contributes towards the bike’s agile handling character.
By adopting the latest YZ-F derived engine layout together with the compact and light-handling YZ-F based chassis, the all-new WR450F delivers major improvements in terms of weight, power characteristics, agility and rideability.
Aimed at enduro racers, long distance rally riders and recreational riders, the new model WR450F looks set to build on its popularity down under where it has consistently been the top selling motorcycle. To underline the involvement that AUS/NZ has had with WR450F model development, Yamaha is offering a 60th Anniversary model to Oceania customers only.
2016 WR450F model overview
- All-new enduro model benefits from the latest Yamaha technologies
- Aggressive and modern YZ450F-inspired reverse fed design concept
- Compact, mass centralised design delivers light and agile handling feel
- Linear torque for easy to control engine performance
- Industry leading KYB suspension with enduro settings give stable and confident handling
Developed for AUS/NZ, the WR450F has been a best seller since its inception in 1998. To celebrate our involvement with this iconic model, this 60th Anniversary Yellow model is offered for Oceania only.Â
Linear torque with deep reserves of power
Like the YZ-F models and the recently launched WR250F, the completely new WR450F engine features a reverse cylinder head with a front facing air intake and rear-exiting exhaust. By increasing intake and exhaust efficiency, this innovative layout enhances the engine’s linear torque feeling, and delivers deep reserves of highly controllable and easy-to-use power.
As with the highly successful YZ-F models and the WR250F, the new WR450F’s compact engine layout – together with the underseat fuel tank and snaking exhaust pipe – contributes significantly towards mass centralisation.
New 44mm throttle body with revised fuel injection settings
For easy engine starting and strong performance in a variety of conditions, the WR450F is equipped with an all new fuel injection system that is designed to enable the rider to exploit fully the machine’s increased potential.
Based on the latest 2016 YZ450F system, the WR450F’s new fuel injection system has been completely reprogrammed to meet the needs of the enduro rider. The 44mm throttle body is 2mm larger than the design fitted on the current WR450F, and a revised spray angle and improved throttle valve opening characteristics contribute towards the WR450F’s good balance of high power/high speed performance together with ease of use and rideability at lower speeds.
Enduro-spec radiators with lightweight cooling fan
For effective cooling performance in all riding conditions, the WR450F is fitted with new enduro-specification radiators that feature a different core pitch angle to the YZ-F design, and the new shrouds have also been specially developed to suit the special demands of enduros and long distance rallies.
To ensure good cooling performance at low speeds, the WR450F is equipped with a radiator fan as standard, a feature that will be appreciated by any rider who has ever been bogged or stuck in a long line of riders at a tricky obstacle.
Newly designed electric starter
Starting the WR450F on a cold day – or restarting a hot engine – is made easy with the newly designed electric starter. A new auto-decompressor system cuts in when the electric start is activated for easy starting, and the air supply to the engine can be increased by 40% for reliable cold starting. If for any reason the electric starter cannot be used, the WR450F is equipped with a kick-starter.
Optional Yamaha Power Tuner
The Yamaha Power Tuner is a compact and easy to use electronic device that enables WR450F riders to adjust the engine’s power characteristics at the trackside to suit prevailing conditions. Riders have a choice of nine easy to program adjustments for the fuel and ignition maps, and there is also a monitor function that allows the user to adjust idle speed and see total engine running time.
Powered by two AA batteries, this palm-sized device requires no downloading prior to use, and is designed to plug straight in to the WR450F without the need of a PC.
Wide-ratio 5-speed transmission and light enduro clutch
Equipped with a new wide ratio 5-speed transmission, the WR450F is ready to master any terrain – from slow speed woods riding through to aggressive special tests – as well as being able to achieve a good top speed on open enduro and rally terrain. Compared to the previous WR450F, the new model runs with higher 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, while 1st and 5th remain the same.
To complement its wide-ratio transmission this next generation enduro bike features an all-new enduro clutch that’s designed to handle the long and hard days experienced in a typical event. For a light feel together with good durability, the new clutch uses new materials for the friction plates and clutch disc, as well as a newly added push lever.
Compact size with centralised mass
The configuration of the new rearwards slanting engine has enabled Yamaha’s designers to construct a compact new chassis that capitalises on the handling performance gains offered by the engine’s more centralised mass.
Developed from the design used on the latest YZ450F, the aluminium bilateral beam frame runs with sophisticated front and rear suspension systems that deliver light and agile handling performance. The highly versatile and easy to ride character of the new chassis complements the strong and controllable linear torque feeling of the new engine, enabling the WR450F rider to exploit the bike’s full potential.
In order to give the enduro rider improved levels of feedback and a more connected feel with the terrain, the upper and front engine brackets are manufactured from 6mm thick steel plate, 2mm less than used on the YZ450F motocross model.
KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) front forks with dedicated enduro settings
In the motocross world, the Yamaha YZ450F’s Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) front forks are widely regarded as being amongst the very best designs available today. By keeping the air and oil in separate chambers, these high-tech forks help to prevent cavitation for more stable damping performance and predictable handling characteristics.
The 2016 WR450F uses the same forks as its motocross counterpart, but to ensure smoother low speed operation – combined with the ability to absorb harsh bumps – the WR-F model runs with dedicated enduro settings. Similarly, the YZ450F-based rear shock runs with revised settings that have been designed to handle the wide variety of low and high speed riding associated with enduro racing.
These WR-F specific front and rear suspension settings not only give a high level of stability over different types of terrain, but they also help to reinforce the rider’s confidence in challenging off road situations. The combination of Yamaha’s class leading AOS forks together with these special new enduro and rally settings also helps to minimise rider fatigue on long stages, enabling the rider to achieve their true potential.
Large diameter 270mm front disc brake
Like the latest 2016 YZ-F models, the all-new WR450F is equipped with a 270mm diameter front disc brake that offers excellent stopping performance together with accurate feel.
18-inch rear wheel and enduro tyres
Featuring black rims, the WR450F”s 18-inch rear wheel and 21-inch front wheel are equipped with Metzeler 6 Days Extreme tyres, and the enduro equipment also includes a lightweight engine guard, frame-mounted side stand, sealed chain and 22mm rear axle.
Slim bodywork and durable in-mould graphics
The WR450F’s body features a long, flat seat and a slim front section for easy body weight shifting, enabling the rider to maintain high levels of control when braking, accelerating and cornering. The 4-position adjustable handlebars enable the rider to select the right setup to suit their style and physical size, and the recessed fuel cap allows the seat to be extended further forwards, allowing even greater freedom of movement.
The new WR450F’s aggressive looks and compact silhouette are inherited from our MXGP World Championship winning factory YZ450F, and the in-mould graphics are built to resist abrasion and look good after many hours of off road riding.
Lighting and instruments
The WR450F is equipped with a full lighting kit, and to handle the extra demand on the electrical system, a high output ACM is fitted.
The lightweight digital instruments include a multi-function display with an enduro computer that keeps the rider informed about their progress and distance covered – while a fuel level warning lets the rider know when it’s time to refuel. There’s also a main switch-free starting system for speed and convenience.
Fully ADR compliant
The Austrlian model is supplied with ADR compliance for road registration. It is also supplied with an Off Road Kit that is not for road use that includes a rear number plate/led light for off road use, braided steel front brake hose, Barkbuster hand guards with moulded WR in the plastic guard, brake snake, rear stop light and hydraulically operated switch, full power muffler insert, full power throttle stop, YZ air filter cage and racing wire harness for headlight and tail light.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Yamaha’s wide range of Genuine Accessories covers all of the 2016 off road models, and includes everything from tools and service parts through to slip-on mufflers and GYTR protectors and engine cases. The range is continually evolving, with the addition of many new items covering current and existing models.
Colour options, price and availability
The WR450F is available in Racing Blue (right) at the same RRP as the 2015 WR450F at $12,999. And – unique to AUS/NZ market the 2016 Yamaha WR450R is also available in 60th Anniversary Yellow at $13,199. Both colours will be available from Jan 2016 and customers are urged to place their orders at their local Yamaha dealer now to secure one of these desirable new models.
WR450F technical highlights
- YZ450F-based 450cc liquid-cooled DOHC, fuel-injected 4-valve engine
- Revolutionary reverse cylinder head with front facing intake
- Engine power is fully adjustable with optional Yamaha Power Tuner
- Wide ratio 5-speed transmission with light enduro clutch
- Efficient cooling by enduro radiator with cooling fan
- Top mounted, quickly removable air filter
- YZF based alu bilateral-beam frame with optimised rigidity balance
- Latest KYB® air-oil separation (AOS) type front forks
- Link-type Monocross suspension
- Main switch-free electric starter
- Instrument panel featuring enduro computer, fuel warning and more
- Metzeler 6 Days Extreme tyres
