Yamaha unveils the WR450F MY 2019

Yamaha pays homage to itself and does so by presenting a brand new version of the WR450F, the reworked most popular enduro bike in the world, designed 20 years ago by the Japanese company: the new born has been reworked to deliver more power and at the same time offer superior agility, versatility and maneuverability, without losing its peculiarities.

Undisputed solidity, extraordinary reliability and exceptional performance even at high speeds: over the last two decades this series has stood out both for its linear and configurable power delivery and for its robust and well-made bodywork.

Since it was launched in 1998, the WR-F series engine has grown from 400 to 426 cc, while the latest generation of the inverted head engine boasts a full 450 cc of displacement: the 2019 version features a series of improvements that use the latest technologies in terms of engine and chassis developed in light of the excellent platform of the YZ450F, one of the undisputed models of the motocross universe.

Yamaha WR-F enduro bikes have proven themselves successful in numerous off-road competitions organized around the world: in the FIM World Enduro Championship, riders Jamie McCanney and Löic Larrieu of the Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team fought hard to win the first step of the podium.
Larrieu achieved a landslide victory in the 2017 edition of the International Six Days of Enduro, beating the best riders in the world: riding their WR-F enduros they led the Yamaha team to become one of the favorite teams in the EWC World Championship.

In the 2018 Dakar Rally, Adrien Van Beveren of the Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team held the overall lead for five consecutive days aboard his WR450F Rally, before retiring due to an accident during the 10th stage. With one victory and three second places conquered by the Frenchman Van Beveren, the WR450F motorcycle proved to be a winner in every situation.
The riders of the Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team participated not only in the legendary Dakar Rally, but also in the World Cross Country Rally Championship: an experience that allowed them to contribute to the development of the new version of the WR450F.

The brand new version of the WR450F is equipped with a sophisticated upside-down head engine with a backwards inclined cylinder to guarantee perfectly centralized mass: heir to the YZ450F, which won several victories in the MXGP World Championship, and equipped with air intake, systems exhaust, injection pump and advance ignition mapping, the new 4 cc high-torque 450-valve engine delivers linear and wide-range useful power.
Thanks to excellent traction, the WR450F offers more effective performance, which allows you to record higher times during specific enduro tests.

The more powerful engine produces a broader spectrum of pulling power and offers easier control of acceleration on more technical circuits: these improvements, together with the lighter and slimmer looking chassis, allow the WR450F rider to be faster in every moment of the day.

Having Wi-Fi on board your motorcycle means being able to configure the new WR450F, adapting it to the different types of circuit and weather conditions using your smartphone associated with the Communication Control Unit, available in the optional "Race" kit*.
The new Power Tuner app offers the possibility of adjusting, in real time, fueling and starting times and uploading/sharing motorcycle data; It also allows you to record system information and monitor a variety of data.

The handlebar control for dual engine mapping has been integrated into the new model and positioned next to the clutch lever to allow the characteristics of the engine's power delivery to be modulated during the race.
This control in fact allows the rider to select one of the two engine maps simply by pressing a button, to respond to the new environmental conditions of the track: together with the torque from the higher range, this button underlines the versatility of the new WR450F as well as its ability to adapt.

The brand new frame with bilateral aluminum beam is slimmer and lighter, to offer a more agile driving sensation on winding or particularly technical tracks: in terms of design, the front tube has been positioned differently and the new frame features a straight fuel connection , a greater cushioning zone and greater support for the rear arm.
All elements designed to increase the agility, precision and traction of the model.

The WR450F boasts a sophisticated suspension system that ensures damping stability and high ground reaction forces at low and medium speeds.

Featuring new internals with high compression springs and increased length, the KYB® Air-Oil Separate upside-down front forks offer excellent damping characteristics and stability on all types of terrain, while the flex-resistant outer tubes contribute to creating a feeling of safety when in contact with the ground.

The rear shock is also based on the system supplied with the YZ450F and, like the forks, offers configuration options specific to the enduro models: the new 11,5 mm diameter coil spring is 350 grams lighter and ensures greater resistance to fatigue.

WR450F is equipped with a newly designed resin tank with a capacity of 7,9 litres, increased by 30 cc, and equipped with a compact fuel pump, capable of increasing driving time between refueling breaks.
The fuel capacity is higher thanks to the extension of the lower section of the tank towards the center of the motorcycle: a solution that improves mass centralization and which translates into the new bodywork design, to the benefit of comfort.

To a completely renewed chassis, Yamaha has adapted a much more slender bodywork, similar to that of a 250, which makes the WR450F MY 2019 one of the most compact models in the 450 enduro category, thanks also to the new radiators which benefit the pilot mobility.

The new model is equipped with a larger and lighter resin engine guard, a tight-fitting front that prevents the accumulation of mud and stones in the crankcase gaps, limiting any increase in curb weight, and a gear box. completely renewed air which simplifies maintenance by allowing the filter to be replaced without tools.
The new and resistant clutch, equipped with a high thermal resistance disc, allows you to cope with the difficult conditions typical of the enduro category, while the innovative design eliminates vibrations and ensures light traction on the lever side.

The new WR450F uses a 5-speed long-speed transmission with modified internals that guarantees excellent performance on difficult and technical terrain, as well as high speeds on flat dirt sections.

The new WR450F and WR250F MY 2019 will not be EU4 approved but can only be used in closed circuits, private areas and specific events where participation with unregistered vehicles without license plates is permitted: they will be available at Yamaha dealers starting from October 2018.