The 2021 – 2024 Yamaha WR450F is the Holden Commodore of the motorcycle industry. It is incredibly popular and common throughout the motorcycle community. You can find examples used by everyone from the average weekend warrior to the experienced trail rider. They are common on farms being used as workhorses, and they are even used for commuting to and from work. The WR450F was designed for the Australian market and has rightfully become known as a reliable do-it-all bike.
The WR450F runs a seriously strong engine based on the YZ-F motocross donk, but it’s tuned for enduro duties with a wide-ratio gearbox and trail-friendly mapping. The KYB suspension is shared with the YZ-F range and is widely praised for its performance, but on the WR it’s set lower and tuned softer for a more compliant ride in the bush.
The WR450F packs plenty of punch and can be a bit of a handful for less experienced riders. Fortunately, the Yamaha Power Tuner App lets you tailor the engine’s power delivery to suit different skill levels. For trailriding, we recommend richening the fuel map in the lower rev range to mellow out the hit and give the bike a more tractable feel. This makes it easier to crawl through tight sections and tackle steep climbs without lighting up the rear tyre.
Given the WR450F’s popularity, you’ll find used examples in all sorts of condition – from well-loved and barely serviced bush-bashers to bikes that have barely seen dirt and been pampered since day one. The tricky part for buyers is working out which one you’re looking at and making sure the asking price reflects the bike’s true condition.
Inspect the chassis closely for cracks or major damage, and check for play in the wheel and swingarm bearings. The linkage and swingarm bearings don’t come heavily greased from the factory, so it’s common for them to seize after a few years if not properly maintained. Take the bike for a ride and make sure it shifts cleanly through all gears and that the clutch isn’t slipping. Check inside the airbox – any dust behind the air filter could mean dirt’s made it into the engine. Listen for any unusual engine noise and make sure the bike fires up easily on the electric start, as starter motor issues can be costly and the WR has a reputation for going through a few. Finally, go over the wiring, especially if you want to keep it road legal. Many owners hack the loom to remove ADR gear instead of unplugging it at the connectors, making refitting indicators and lights both expensive and time-consuming.
NEW
2021 $15,949
2022 $16,549
2023 $17,349
2024 $17,999
SECONDHANDd
2021 $9900 – $11,750
2022 $10,950 – $13,050
2023 $11,300 – $13,450
2024 $13,150 – $15,600
MARKET EQUIVALENT
2021-2024 KTM 450 EXC-F
$9700 – $16,200
21-24 Husqvarna FE 450
$10,150 – $16,650
2021-2024 Sherco SEF 450
$9100 – $15,300
2021-2024 Beta 430 RR
$9100 – $14,200
