2024 Yamaha WR450F

This morning Yamaha have pulled the covers of the latest iteration of their legendary enduro bike, the WR450F. The model that forged a new way forward for getting out and about in the Aussie bush almost 25 years ago with the first WR400F, which was then followed by the 426, before becoming the WR450F in 2003.

Yamaha Australia were the key instigators for the production of the WR, and Australian personnel have been deeply involved with the ongoing development of each model, with Aussie and New Zealand riders and technicians helping to hone the bikes for our conditions. In the 2024 model we greet what is essentially the eighth generation of the machine.

The many changes made to the MY24 WR450F are aimed at reducing weight, improving handling, increasing tractability and user-friendliness.

Many engine components in the YZ450F derived engine are lighter including the intake ports, piston, cylinder body, crank assembly, cam chain, con-rod bearings and lubrication system, which results in an engine that’s 1.1 kg lighter than its predecessor.

The all-new engine is shared with the current YZ450F.

A model-specific ECU produces tractability at low speeds and full power at medium to high speeds to help effectively repurpose the YZ450F engine for enduro duty.

The new engine features larger 39mm-diameter intake valves, a new piston, conrod, big end, revised bearings, optimised crank mass inertia and a dry sump oil tank with integrated generator cover.

A new Controlled Fill aluminium bilateral beam frame is lower and sports WR450F specific engine mounts for bush duty.

Controlled Fill aluminium bilateral beam frame is now 15mm lower at the head tube to allow a lower centre of gravity.

A new bash-plate makes an appearance along with revised switch-gear.

The new seat is flatter with the height difference front to rear reduced by 15 mm. The seat’s edges are rounded to allow better movement front to rear.

The new model features the same exhaust pipe design as YZ450F – which runs a short muffler for mass centralisation resulting in improved manoeuvrability and appearance.

A generous flow of clean air is now fed from the rear of the bike which allows for a slimmer body. The overall shroud width has been made 50 mm narrower and the shape of its side surfaces are smoother.

The drivetrain runs the new YZ450F lightweight disc spring clutch which is more compact, has a lighter feel and has a more positive engagement point. Plus, a new user-friendly cable adjustment system is specified.

Yamaha’s unique Power Tuner app has been upgraded to make tuning easier with a simple tuning slide bar function added. Riders can now also record and monitor suspension settings with preset themes. You can also dial in different amounts of traction control, plus there’s a lap timer function added.

The wide ratio five speed gearbox now features wider main shaft gears for reduced weight and increased strength, with ratios specifically developed for enduro racing.

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A new three spoke pattern joins the blue anodised Excel rim to a lighter hub.

The new frame was developed with a focus on flex characteristics and the engine mounts are specially tuned for this model which Yamaha claims allow excellent cornering, bump absorption and overall handling.

A new YZ450F-spec rear brake system sheds further weight. The rear wheel axle is wider in diameter for enhanced ride feedback.

A new compact fuel tank features a larger lower area and lower fuel pump location and a shorter YZ450F-type muffler further increase mass centralisation.

A lightweight Lithium-Ion battery that replaces the outgoing model’s lead acid unit

New KYB suspension features tool-free compression damping adjustment on top of the forks. With a seat height 10 mm lower than the YZ450F and with a lower centre of gravity, the new WR450F runs 300mm suspension travel for precise control over varied terrain.

There’s also a new multifunction switch on the left-hand side of the handlebars. This combines the kill switch with the dual power map button – complete with blue light indicator – that allows different power maps to be selected on the fly.

Multifunction meter display shows speed and trip distance and also features both engine and low fuel warning lights.

Even the throttle wires are lighter, which contributes to the MY24 WR450F tipping the scales at 117kg full of fuel, which is 2kg less than the previous WR450F

MY24 WR450F also features a new rear fender with a grab area designed for ease of lifting and ducts for silencer cooling.

2024 Yamaha WR450F Specifications

Length 2170 mm
Overall width 825 mm
Overall height 1265 mm
Seat height 955 mm
Wheelbase 1470 mm
Minimum ground clearance 330 mm
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Cylinder arrangement Single, reverse fed
Displacement 450 cm3
Bore × stroke 97.0 x 60.8mm
Compression ratio 13.0:1
Starting system type Electric starter
Lubrication system Dry sump
Engine oil capacity 1.2 L
Fuel tank capacity 7.4 L
Fuel delivery Fuel injection
Ignition system type TCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
Primary reduction ratio 2.481 (27/67)
Secondary reduction ratio 3.846 (13/50)
Clutch type Wet, multiple-disc
Transmission type/Shift type Constant mesh, 5-speed
Gear ratio (1st–5th) 1st: 2.500 (12/30), 2nd: 1.800 (15/27), 3rd: 1.350 (20/27), 4th: 1.100 (20/22), 5th: 0.880 (25/22)
Frame type Control Fill aluminium bilateral beam type
Caster angle 27°
Trail 121 mm
Suspension (front) KYB coil spring, fully adjustable, twin chamber, speed sensitive damping with 300mm travel
Suspension (rear) KYB fully adjustable linkage type with 306mm travel
Wet weight (all fluids & full tank of fuel) 117 kg
Multifunction display meter LCD display with dual tripmeters, digital speedometer, clock, timer, fuel and engine lights
Brakes (front/rear) 270mm/240mm single hydraulic discs
Tyres (front/rear) 90/90-21 Dunlop Geomax EN91F front and 140/80-18 Dunlop Geomax EN91 rear
Warranty Three months, parts only
Colour Team Yamaha Blue
Availability From January 2024

The WR450F comes with full ADR compliance and so can be road registered to ride in Australian state forests where permitted. Each bike also comes with a free off-road kit for closed course competition use which includes: