Yamaha WR450F: technical specifications, comments and photos

When Yamaha introduced the modified 2015 WR250F motorcycle, many wondered why his older brother WR450F did not receive the same basic updates. A year later, when the models of 2016 appeared, it seemed that the WR450F again went unheeded. This was before the Australian Moto GP in mid-October 2015, at which the company showed a fully modernized model.

Yamaha WR450F: Overview of Changes

The construction of the last WR was created with the active participation of many riders, especially the former MXGP member Josh Coppins. The new machine is largely based on the engine, chassis, suspension, transmission and braking system of the world championship winner YZ450F, which directly affected the weight reduction of the motorcycle, increasing its power and improving stability.

After the first model of the revolutionary WR line, which appeared in 1998 under the name WR400F, there were five major updates of the series. In 2001, the WR426F was launched, and the Yamaha WR450F was launched in 2003. In 2007, an aluminum frame appeared, and fuel injection - in 2012, but before this season the motorcycle changed little. This did not affect sales, but after a complete redesign of the 2016 model, a real boom is expected. A cursory examination of some of the major changes revealed a 6-kilogram weight reduction, chassis and suspension replacement, engine modification, improved gearbox and brake system.

Chassis

In 2016, Yamaha introduced an aluminum double-sided frame from YZF, which becomes immediately noticeable when planted.

WR from the beginning to the end has a very balanced design, comfortable seat combined with a lowered by 5 mm footrest and provides a centered fit. The difference between the frames YZ and WR is designed to adapt the latter to cross-country traffic and increase the level of feedback with the driver. Also, the front suspension of the engine was reduced by 2 mm.

The Yamaha WR450F has a new four-link positioning system, which perfectly complements the SUV's upgrade package, as it allows the driver to adjust the landing without the cost of additional components. It is possible to adjust the position by +26.5, +16.5 and -10 mm from the standard, which significantly changes the size of the cockpit. According to feedback from users who practice traditional riding style, the standard position fits perfectly both on the highway and on the rough terrain.

In addition, the Yamaha WR450F motorcycle is equipped with standard 18 and 21 inch off-road wheels, which now come with an Excel black rim rather than a silver rim as before. They are well suited for Metzeler 6 Day Extreme tires, as they meet the FIM specifications and are very tough.

Off-road modifications include placing on the frame of the side step, radiator fan, front and rear lights. Forced cooling is useful in hot days and in heavy sections of rough terrain, when the natural flow of air is not enough.

Suspension

Like the chassis, the WR450F suspension in 2016 is based on the YZ450F. Both motorcycles use a front fork with an air-oil separation KYB with a 22-mm displacement, a 114-mm track and a 26.2 ° caster angle, but the WR uses a softer internal installation that is better suited for off-road driving.

A similar fate befell the rear of the motorcycle, where YZF springs with the KYB specification were applied with a softer enduro installation. These small improvements were made to enable the WRF to cope with all aspects of off-road driving, from technical sections of the road to high-speed lines.

In general, compared to previous models, in the new Yamaha WR450F motorcycle, handling characteristics and depreciation have seriously improved.

According to one motorist, during the first trips to the WRF during braking in the front, soft impacts were felt, but after small adjustments of the clicker they ceased to be felt. For those who prefer a very short and soft start, followed by deep compression of the rear fork, the clicker adjustment will provide these sensations and allow you to quickly get used to the motorcycle.

When braking, the WR swings almost imperceptibly and sits firmly with acceleration at the exit of the flat turns, which is important for races on rough terrain. The motorcycle is also very balanced in lateral movements, which eliminates the need for strong tilt when cornering at both low and high speeds.

Suspension, which Yamaha has developed for the WR450F in 2016, successfully complements the updated chassis and provides a predictable, balanced ride. In general, the owners of the motorcycle are pleased with the changes and the realization that the fork and spring settings can be easily adjusted to adjust the motorcycle to a rider of any level.

Engine

In 2016, Yamaha introduced a new engine layout based on the YZF, in which the reverse slope of the new four-valve cylinder head is combined with the front air intake and the rear exhaust . The reverse and the rear inclined cylinder increase the efficiency of the exhaust and intake, optimize the linear torque and provide centralization of the mass. 44-mm throttle body, which was 2 mm larger than last year. The spraying angle has changed, the throttle opening characteristics have improved, the starter has been moved, the muffler has become much shorter and quieter. The possibility of both electronic and kick-start is provided.

The generator provides an electric starter, headlights and a fuel injection system with a voltage of 14 V and a power of 160 W. The availability of two types of launch in the Yamaha WR450F users' reviews are very practical, as some manufacturers rely solely on electronics, and owners of such motorcycles too often end up with discharged batteries before committing a serious trip.

The power of the winner

The Yamaha WR450F demonstrates an upgraded compression ratio of 12.5: 1, which improves smoothly throughout the power curve. Drivers who like motorcycles, immediately issuing a huge torque, are pleasantly surprised by the instantaneous transfer of power to WRF. Usually, slow acceleration is first expected, and then a quick jump at the upper end, but this car rides almost the same as its prototype YZ450F. It is possible to move from second to third gear in a second in almost any part of the grassy path or a complex streamer.

Power setting

Users note that the grip when riding on high gears, due to the smooth power supply, is almost unnecessary to control. When using the Yamaha Power Tuner settings to set a soft, fuel-rich and ignition-based fuel card, it is enough to make two or three laps to determine that these parameters are not suitable. Fans of a breakdown bottom torque immediately realize that this is not for them, even in difficult and technical conditions. Quickly return to the previous settings is not difficult.

Owners are advised not to test the transmission of power in WRF on wet stony sites ... Those who decide that this is a good idea, medical care may soon be required. In any case, the manual Yamaha WR450F, especially the part that deals with the safety rules, is worth reading.

Power Tuner allows you to experience various options for standard settings. Regardless of the kind of power supply you like, slow, smooth, delayed, hard or shock, leading to shoulder dislocation or not, thanks to the optional power adjustment device, the motorcycle can be personalized according to your own riding style.

The newest EFI technology guarantees efficient fuel consumption, and a modest 7.5-liter fuel tank allows you to drive more than 100 km. Fans of long trips to increase its capacity will need to purchase third-party solutions.

Transmission

Another important update in 2016 was the five-speed transmission. The new design copies the YZ450F system, but also includes new, more durable materials in a lightweight enduro clutch that can withstand extreme operating conditions. In addition, compared to YZF, the second, third and fourth gear were upgraded, and the first and fifth remained unchanged.

In general, the gearbox works smoothly, the shifts are made effortlessly, which really corresponds to the advertised "light" clutch. In addition to her and the grip of users claims did not arise, and the gear ratio 13:50 became a great success for all riders.

Brake

The Yamaha WR450F braking system of 2016 also received borrowings from YZF. As a result, the motorcycle now has a large, 270 mm in diameter, front disc, although the front tick brake has become slightly smaller.

The braking performance of the WRF was, as expected, excellent, users only needed a small adjustment to the height of the front and rear brake levers to feel at home. Owners note the convenience of rapid braking when driving in any type of terrain, which allowed them to more confidently brake and accelerate when this was necessary.

Yamaha WR450F: specifications

• Engine with liquid cooling, single-cylinder, four-stroke, volume 449 cm ³ _.
• The compression ratio is 12.5: 1.
• Piston stroke: 60.8 mm.
• The cylinder is 97.0 mm in diameter.
• Wet sump.
• Wet, multi-plate clutch.
• Induction: fuel injection, 44 mm throttle body.
• Transistor ignition TCI.
• Electronic and foot starter.
• 5-speed transmission with constant clutch.
• The frame is half-duplex.
• Front telescopic fork, stroke 310 mm.
• Removal, mm: 114.
• The inclination of the chassis is 26º 20.
• Pendulum rear suspension, stroke 318 mm.
• Hydraulic 1-disc front / rear brake with a diameter of 270/245 mm.
• Tires: 90 / 90-21 54M (front), 130 / 90-18 69S + M (rear).
• Dimensions, mm: 2165 x 825 x 1.280.
• Seat height, mm: 965.
• Clearance, mm: 325.
• Distance between wheels, mm: 1465.
• Fuel / oil tank, l: 7,5 / 0,95.
• Mass in running order, kg: 123.

Graphic arts

In 2016, the WR450F is available in the traditional blue for Yamaha, and customers in Australia and New Zealand will be offered a yellow coloring. This exclusive offer is an acknowledgment of the role played by buyers from these countries in the modification of the motorcycle. As already mentioned, the model will be characterized by black rims of Black Excel, protection of hands from Bark Busters and a light black protector from below. Plastic frame protection from the Yamaha WR450F motorbike is produced by third-party manufacturers, for example Light Speed or Hyde Racing. But according to users, they do not quite fit this model. Protecting the frame from the Yamaha WR450F Moto Racing Hyde Racing itself damages the surface of the motorcycle, and Light Speed does not take into account the presence of the air box cover.