When Yamaha introduced the 2015 modified WR250F motorcycle, many wondered why its older brother WR450F did not receive the same major updates. A year later, when the 2016 models appeared, it seemed that the WR450F was again left unattended. This was before the Australian Moto GP in mid-October 2015, at which the company showed a fully modernized model.
Yamaha WR450F: review of changes
The design of the last WR was created with the active participation of many riders, especially the former MXGP member Josh Coppins. The new car is largely based on the engine, chassis, suspension, transmission and braking system of the winner of the YZ450F World Cup, which directly affected the reduction in the weight 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 to the series. In 2001, the WR426F began to be produced, and the Yamaha WR450F in 2003. In 2007, an aluminum frame appeared, and fuel injection in 2012, but before this season, the motorcycle has changed little. This did not affect sales, but after a complete redesign of the 2016 model, a real boom is expected. A quick inspection of some of the major changes revealed a 6-pound weight reduction, replacing the chassis and suspension, changing the engine, and improving the gearbox and braking system.
Chassis
In 2016, Yamaha introduced the YZF aluminum double-sided frame, which becomes immediately noticeable when landing.
The WR has a very balanced design from start to finish, a comfortable seat combined with a 5 mm lowered footrest and a centered fit. The difference between the YZ and WR frames is designed to adapt the latter to cross-country traffic and increase the level of feedback from the driver. Also, the size of the front engine mount was reduced by 2 mm.
The Yamaha WR450F has a new four-link positioning system, which perfectly complements the SUV update 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 users who practice traditional riding style, the standard position fits perfectly both on the highway and on rough terrain.
In addition, the Yamaha WR450F is equipped with standard 18 and 21 inch off-road wheels, which now come with an Excel black rim instead of silver as before. Metzeler 6 Day Extreme tires are a good fit for them, as they meet FIM specifications and are very tough.
Off-road modifications include placement on the frame of the side steps, radiator fan, front and rear lights. Forced cooling is useful on hot days and in difficult areas of rough terrain when there is not enough natural air flow.
Suspension
Like the chassis, the 2016 WR450F suspension is based on the YZ450F. Both motorcycles use a front fork with KYB air-oil separation with 22 mm offset, 114 mm track and 26.2 ° caster angle, but the WR uses a softer indoor setup that is better suited for off-road driving.
A similar fate befell the rear of the motorcycle, where YZF springs with KYB specifications were used with a softer enduro setting. These small improvements have been made so that the WRF can handle all aspects of off-road driving, from the technical sections of the track to high-speed lines.
In general, compared with previous models, the new Yamaha WR450F motorcycle handling characteristics and amortization have seriously improved.
According to one motorist, during the first trips to the WRF during braking, soft blows were felt in the front part, but after minor adjustments to the clicker they ceased to be felt. Those who prefer a very short and soft start, followed by a deep compression of the rear fork, the clicker adjustment made will provide these sensations and allow you to quickly get used to the motorcycle.
When braking, the WR sways almost imperceptibly and sits firmly when accelerating at the exit from flat turns, which is important when racing on rough terrain. The motorcycle is also very balanced in lateral movements, which eliminates the need for a strong tilt when cornering at both low and high speeds.
The suspension that Yamaha designed for the 2016 WR450F successfully complements the updated chassis and provides a predictable, balanced ride. In general, motorcycle owners are pleased with the changes and the realization that the fork and spring settings can be easily adjusted to adjust the motorcycle to any rider.
Engine
In 2016, Yamaha unveiled a new YZF-based engine layout that combines the reverse tilt of the new four-valve cylinder head with front air intake and rear exhaust . Reverse and rear tilt cylinder increase exhaust and intake efficiency, optimize linear torque and centralize mass. The 44 mm throttle body, which is 2 mm larger than last year. The spray 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 watts. The presence of two types of start-ups in the Yamaha WR450F user reviews find it very practical, as some manufacturers rely solely on electronics, and the owners of such motorcycles before committing a serious trip too often find themselves with discharged batteries.
The power of the winner
The Yamaha WR450F delivers a streamlined compression ratio of 12.5: 1 that changes incredibly smoothly across the entire power curve. Drivers who like motorbikes immediately delivering tremendous torque are pleasantly surprised by the instant power transfer to the WRF. Usually they expect slow acceleration at first, and then a fast jump at the upper end, but this car rides almost the same as its prototype YZ450F. You can switch from second to third gear in almost any part of the grass track or complex serpentine in a second.
Power setting
Users note that the clutch when driving in high gears, due to the smooth power supply, is almost not required to be controlled. When using the Yamaha Power Tuner settings to set a soft, designed for greater endurance fuel and ignition cards, it’s enough to make two or three circles to determine that these parameters are not suitable. Fans of breakdown lower torque immediately realize that this is not for them, even in difficult and technical tracks. Quickly returning to the previous settings is not difficult.
Owners are advised not to test the power transfer to the WRF in wet, rocky areas ... Those who decide this is a good idea may need medical attention soon. In any case, the manual Yamaha WR450F, especially the part that relates to safety regulations, is worth reading.
Power Tuner lets you experience a variety of standard settings. Regardless of which power supply you like, slow, smooth, with delay, hard or shock, leading to shoulder dislocation or not, thanks to the optional device for adjusting the power, the motorcycle can be personalized in accordance with its own riding style.
The latest EFI technology guarantees efficient fuel consumption, and a modest 7.5-liter fuel tank allows you to drive over 100 km. Fans of long journeys to increase its capacity will need to purchase third-party solutions.
Transmission
Another important update in 2016 was a five-speed gearbox. The new design copies the YZ450F system, but also includes new, more durable materials in an easy enduro grip that can withstand extreme working conditions. In addition, compared with YZF, the second, third and fourth gears were increased, and the first and fifth remained unchanged.
In general, the gearbox runs smoothly, shifting is effortless, which really matches the advertised “light” clutch. In addition to it and to the clutch, users had no complaints, and the gear ratio of 13:50 was very popular among all riders.
Brake
The 2016 Yamaha WR450F brake system also received loans 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 WRF's braking performance was, as expected, excellent; users only needed a slight adjustment to the height of the front and rear brake levers to feel at home. Owners note the convenience of quick braking when driving in any type of terrain, which allowed them to brake and accelerate much more confidently when necessary.
Yamaha WR450F: Specifications
- Liquid-cooled engine, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 449 cm 3 .
- The compression ratio is 12.5: 1.
- Stroke: 60.8 mm.
- A cylinder with a diameter of 97.0 mm.
- Wet sump.
- Wet, multi-plate clutch.
- Induction: fuel injection, 44mm throttle body.
- Transistor ignition TCI.
- Electronic and foot starter.
- 5-speed constant clutch transmission.
- The frame is half duplex.
- Front telescopic fork, 310 mm stroke.
- Distance, mm: 114.
- Chassis tilt 26º 20.
- Pendulum rear suspension, 318 mm travel.
- 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.
- Curb weight, kg: 123.
Graphic arts
In 2016, the WR450F is available in Yamaha's traditional blue color, and customers in Australia and New Zealand will also be offered yellow coloring. This exclusive offer is a recognition of the role that buyers from these countries played in modifying the motorcycle. As already mentioned, the model will feature black rims in Black Excel, hand protection from Bark Busters and a light black tread on the bottom. The Yamaha WR450F motorbike's plastic frame protector is available from third-party manufacturers such as Light Speed or Hyde Racing. But according to user reviews, they do not quite fit this model. Protecting the frame from the Yamaha WR450F Hyde Racing motorbot itself damages the surface of the motorcycle, and Light Speed did not take into account the presence of the air box cover.