Photo: Yamaha
For one reason or another, the second week of September seems to be the perfect time for bike makers to unleash their most capable enduro machines. After we've seen the Swedes from Husqvarna pull the veils off the FE 350 Pro and TE 300 Pro a couple of days ago, it's now time for Yamaha to do the same with the WR450F.
We're talking about a moniker tracing its roots all the way back to 1998 when it was unleashed into the world as a platform for hardcore competitors. Since that time the ride constantly grew in capabilities and appeal until it reached a point when it is described as “the lightest, slimmest and fastest 450cc enduro bike that Yamaha has ever built.”
That's the description the Japanese have given the 2024 incarnation of the model. It's a machine based on the new generation YZ450F motocross bike that's already making the rounds in specialized competitions like the MXGP and AMA Supercross. And one that’s significantly upgraded than what came before.
We'll start from the ground up and tell you the new WR450F rides on new wheels wrapped in enduro tires, with the rear one sized at 18 inches. Backing them up is a suspension system based on KYB hardware, lower than what we previously had by 10 mm.
The wheels and suspension system support an aluminum bilateral chassis borrowed from the YZ450F but altered for application in this particular bike. Up above it sits a larger fuel tank (7.4 liters / 2 gallons), and inside there's the bike's YZ450F-type engine.
The powerplant is a 450cc piece of hardware in reverse head design tied to a wide ratio 5-speed transmission. We're told it develops “increased power,” but Yamaha does not provide any numbers to make things clearer.
As it does in a series of other competition bikes, Yamaha offers for the WR450F something called the Power Tuner App. Designed for smartphones, it allows riders to quickly tune the bike's engine to settings going from Smooth to Aggressive. An additional Lap Timer allows for the customization of fuelling and ignition timing.
The enduro bike is assisted by a new traction control system that offers two assistance levels (plus Off function). It can be activated and modified by means of handlebar-mounted controls or via the Power Tuner.
For use in specialized competitions, the 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with the required lightning, instruments, side stand, and a radiator fan.
Yamaha will make the new enduro model available starting next month in a single color, Icon Blue, highlighted by new graphics. Pricing for the ride was not announced, but given the amount of accessories the bike maker will offer for it (ranging from GYTR performance parts to lubricants), it will probably be more of a point of reference than the actual end cost.
That's the description the Japanese have given the 2024 incarnation of the model. It's a machine based on the new generation YZ450F motocross bike that's already making the rounds in specialized competitions like the MXGP and AMA Supercross. And one that’s significantly upgraded than what came before.
We'll start from the ground up and tell you the new WR450F rides on new wheels wrapped in enduro tires, with the rear one sized at 18 inches. Backing them up is a suspension system based on KYB hardware, lower than what we previously had by 10 mm.
The wheels and suspension system support an aluminum bilateral chassis borrowed from the YZ450F but altered for application in this particular bike. Up above it sits a larger fuel tank (7.4 liters / 2 gallons), and inside there's the bike's YZ450F-type engine.
The powerplant is a 450cc piece of hardware in reverse head design tied to a wide ratio 5-speed transmission. We're told it develops “increased power,” but Yamaha does not provide any numbers to make things clearer.
As it does in a series of other competition bikes, Yamaha offers for the WR450F something called the Power Tuner App. Designed for smartphones, it allows riders to quickly tune the bike's engine to settings going from Smooth to Aggressive. An additional Lap Timer allows for the customization of fuelling and ignition timing.
The enduro bike is assisted by a new traction control system that offers two assistance levels (plus Off function). It can be activated and modified by means of handlebar-mounted controls or via the Power Tuner.
For use in specialized competitions, the 2024 Yamaha WR450F comes with the required lightning, instruments, side stand, and a radiator fan.
Yamaha will make the new enduro model available starting next month in a single color, Icon Blue, highlighted by new graphics. Pricing for the ride was not announced, but given the amount of accessories the bike maker will offer for it (ranging from GYTR performance parts to lubricants), it will probably be more of a point of reference than the actual end cost.
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