Yamaha deliver a MY24 WR450F that looks eerily like the MY23 YZ450F but with all the stuff you need for off-road racing.
Yamaha are claiming the new MY24 WR450F is the lightest, slimmest and fastest 450cc enduro bike that they have ever built that again is designed closely on the new-generation YZ450F motocross machine.
Styling is radically updated with the compact bodywork coming from the latest YZ450F and as always receives a host of enduro-specific settings – including a revised ECU with refined FI mapping, revised chassis rigidity and WR suspension settings with a lower ride height – as well as a larger fuel tank and full enduro- ready specification.
Powerplant
The MY24 WR450F’s latest generation reverse- head engine develops more power thanks to a new intake port which benefits from a redesigned inlet tract giving a straighter path to the larger 39mm titanium intake valves.
As well as being lighter and slimmer than the previous model, the motor features a new forged piston, lightweight cylinder body, plain big end bearing and a new cam chain that are designed to handle the increased performance.
Air intake
The air-management system on the 2024 WR450F has been completely redesigned, and the airbox draws in air from the rear of the machine via ducts in the new sidepanels, frame and tank. There’s also a newly designed short-style muffler that improves mass centralization and underlines the WR450F’s compact feel. A revised ECU is also featured, and its WR-specific FI settings are designed to deliver more controllable power at lower rpm with strong, linear torque.
Still cable clutch
The MY24 WR450F is fitted with a newly designed disc spring clutch with eight optimized WR-specific friction plates. The primary gear and housing are integrated, and the previous model’s six springs are replaced by a single disc spring that is meant to give better control when pulling away and slipping the clutch out of slow corners.
To go with the clutch is a new wide ratio, five-speed transmission. The new gearbox features a larger spacing between the main shaft and drive shaft, and the main shaft’s gears are wider for increased durability with reduced weight.
New frame
The WR450F’s new chassis is the same overall design as the latest generation YZ450F and features a number of dedicated technical changes to ensure its suitability for enduro racing and trailriding. The key change on the new frame is the repositioned head pipe that is 15mm lower than previously – and together with the modified tank rails that incorporate a new U-shaped profile at the rear, for a lower centre of gravity. It’s also designed to flex more for enduro, like they’ve also done in the past.
Slimmer
The WR450F’s all-new bodywork is slimmer with shrouds that are 50mm narrower than previously – as well as a much slimmer mid-section and a flatter seat profile. It has more compact sidepanels and smaller front and rear mudguards.
Shorter stroke KYB suspension
Compared to the latest YZ450F the MY24 WR450F runs with 10mm less travel at the front and rear to give a lower seat height and a lower centre of gravity.
As well as its lower ride height the MY24 WR450F’s riding position is revised by relocating the footrests lower to give a 10mm increase in distance between the rider’s hips and feet – and the handlebars are now moved slightly closer to the rider.
The KYB fork incorporates a new hand adjustable compression damping adjuster for tool- less suspension tuning – and the combination of strengthened fork seals and redesigned fork guards giving the tubes more protection from dirt and debris.
The 2024 WR450F is available from November 2023 and will be offered in Icon Blue. The WR250F is available from October 2023 and will be offered in Icon Blue with new graphics.
Easier to tune
We’ve already seen this is in the MY24 Yamaha YZ450F but the Power Tuner App has been revised and now features a ‘Quick Tuning’ function that enables the rider to easily select any engine setting from ‘Smooth’ through to ‘Aggressive’ by tapping on a single scrollbar on their smartphone.
The Power Tuner App also retains the previously available 4×4 (16 value) matrix.
New traction control and map switch
The new traction control system features two levels of assistance as well as an OFF function, this electronic control technology temporarily suppresses power using ignition control when the rear wheel slip is detected.
You can also again select different engine mapping and traction control settings using the multifunction handlebar switch on the left handlebar. Personal mappings can be uploaded to the bike using the Power Tuner App.
Enduro stuff
The WR450F comes fully prepared for enduro, with an 18-inch rear wheel, enduro tyres, lighting, instruments, sidestand and a radiator fan. Fuel tank capacity is higher than the YZ450F at 7.4 litres, and there’s tool-less access to the airbox – while an engine guard and enduro muffler complete the enduro specification.
The WR250F will be the same as MY23 but will most likely get these upgrades next year.