Yamaha have released all of the details for the updated 2022 Yamaha WR250F and WR450F. Check out the changes made to the popular enduro weapons below...
Yamaha have shown off their all new WR250F and WR450F with plenty of updates stemming from a development process with their enduro teams. Available from December 2021, prices will be $14,899 ride away* for WR250F and $16,499 away* for WR450F.
Yamaha is currently leading the MXGP championship with French rider Maxime Renaux. By using the current model YZ250F as a starting point, Yamaha’s experienced development team – including Kiwi race team manager and Yamaha legend Josh Coppins – came up with an enduro weapon that turns, stops and goes better than ever before. The 2022 WR250F is a machine that can be raced straight out of the crate.
The new model’s liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new cylinder head with a larger and improved intake port shape and new exhaust camshaft profile straight from the MXGP dominant YZ250F. These mods, along with other refinements like revised engine balancer and gear shift cam help to produce stronger mid to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining class-leading low-end torque.
The MY22 WR450F continues with the radical updates received in 2021 that gave the bike a lighter, more balanced feel with easier to control power delivery.
Tuned specifically for the 2022 WR250F, the updated lightweight aluminium, bilateral beam frame and new engine mounts have been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics to improve bump absorption, traction, and cornering performance.
Settings on the industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with enhanced speed-sensitive damping have been revised to suit the machine and off-road conditions. The link-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis.
“Settings on the industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with enhanced speed-sensitive damping have been revised to suit the new machine and off-road conditions.”
Other chassis components such as the top triple clamp, handlebar mounts, and front axle have also been redesigned to complement the new frame – and like the frame these changes are based on the winning YZ250F. New Dunlop Geomax EN91 ISDE-winning tyres have been specified for improved performance over a wide variety of terrain.
Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter front brake caliper with larger surface area brake pads and redesigned front 270mm disc. A new speed sensor ring sends information to an all-new user-friendly multifunction meter that houses both engine and low fuel warning lights.
“Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter front brake caliper with larger surface area brake pads and redesigned front 270mm disc.”
Riders can adjust their engine performance straight from their smartphone using the onboard wireless connectivity through the free of charge Yamaha Power Tuner app. Once settings are dialled-in, you can choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch.
The new model will continue to provide the edge out on the trails, with the ideal blend of user friendliness and high performance. Features such as electric start, advanced fuel injection and a front-positioned intake with rear-positioned exhaust layout delivers the widest spread of power while maintaining reliable performance and balance for excellent mass-centralisation.
When combined with a lightweight, sharp-handing chassis and industry leading suspension package, the new WR250F continues to offer the fastest way across tight and technical terrain while also providing the widest smile possible.
Complemented by new next-generation Team Yamaha Blue colours and graphics, the 2022 WR250F reflects Yamaha’s race-winning pedigree. The new model is fitted with a full power ECU and comes with ADR compliance so can be fully road registered in all states. A free Off-Road Competition Kit is also offered for owners who wish to set up their WR250F to ride on closed courses.
MY22 WR250F new features
- New YZ250F-spec exhaust cam for better drive
- New YZ250F-spec intake port shape increases volume for improved flow rate and power delivery
- New YZ250F-spec carb joint improves power delivery
- Improved cam chain tensioner design
- New engine balancer reduces vibration and improves drive at low to mid-range.
- New gearbox cam shift design for smoother gear shifting
- New Control Filled aluminium frame based on YZ250F and tuned for off-road riding
- New engine brackets tuned specifically for MY22 WR250F
- Industry-leading KYB speed-sensitive dual chamber forks and rear shock with revised settings to suit MY22 chassis
- New YZ250F-spec footpegs, bars, holders and front axle with sealed bearing front wheel
- New Dunlop Geomax E91 tyres with new profile, overall weight saving and better performance over a wide range of conditions. Front 90/90-21 and rear 140/80-18 sizes
- New multi-function meter with integral fuel and engine warning lights. Also features odometer, tripmeters, clock, timer and accumulated fuel consumption meter indicator
- New stronger chain guide bracket
- New front brake 270mm rotor with 16% increased surface without any extra weight
- Larger front caliper pistons – 22.65 mm to 25.4 mm – with 30% increased rigidity
- New front brake pads with 25% increased surface area
- New exhaust heat guard design to avoid snagging
- New stronger muffler bracket
Yamaha’s 2022 WR450F shares the same high level of technical specification as the all-new 2021 model and now comes with ISDE-winning Dunlop Geomax high traction tyres and new YZ victorYZone-inspired colour scheme.
Yamaha have given the 2022 WR450F an update too. It is sporting new tyres and colour scheme!
The high performance off-road WR450F was fully reworked for MY21 with technology forged in the intense heat of MX competition last year. More power and sharper handling lifted directly form its MX cousin created an enduro bike with the flexibility to tackle tough trails and win races.
The WRF’s huge power delivery was retained but applied to the ground in a more controllable manner with additional traction at both wheels. Sporting a new aluminium bilateral beam frame, the WR450F felt lighter, was easier to turn in tight situations and featured improved stability. Progressive, smooth KYB suspension continued to absorb big impacts and the braking performance was also improved.
“The high performance off-road WR450F was fully reworked for MY21 with technology forged in the intense heat of MX competition last year.”
Developed primarily for the Australian market, the 2022 WR450F is designed to appeal to those born to ride – from professional enduro riders to super capable trail riders. The latest model comes in the new Team Yamaha Blue colour scheme that echoes its YZ and FX cousins in the victorYZone. The high performance reverse fed four-stroke engine is essentially the new generation YZ450F tuned with enduro settings – the mass centralised design is both light and compact resulting in one of the easiest-handling large capacity enduro machines.
Featuring a high 13:1 compression ratio, the reverse cylinder head runs a durable forged piston and aggressive cam profiles. Specific ECU settings deliver the best balance of race-winning performance with ultimate control for tight trails. The intake/exhaust valve angles and intake port design are maximised along with the combustion chamber for increased power. This high-efficiency head produces a fine balance of power with exceptional controllability.
A light and compact cylinder head is positioned close to the bike’s mid for mass centralisation that contributes enormously towards the WR450F’s dynamic handling characteristics.
In 2019 the WR450F became the first enduro bike with inbuilt connectivity featuring remote wireless tuning using a smartphone. The 2022 model continues to lead the field in digital technology.
By downloading the free Power Tuner app for IOS or Android devices, WR450F riders can easily adjust the fuel/air mix and ignition timing to set the bike up for different riding conditions. This feature makes the 2022 WR450F the most adaptable enduro machine – and one that can be tuned instantly on the trail, allowing riders to make the most of a wide range of surfaces and weather conditions.
Like the WR250F, the 450 also features changeable engine maps to suit any situation.
In addition to its engine mapping function, the Power Tuner app can also record information and monitor a range of data, including system diagnosis, engine run time and more, making it an indispensable part of every rider’s toolkit.
The 2022 WR450F features a handlebar-mounted mapping switch (blue button) that enables the rider to select one of two power maps on the fly. This simple adjustment allows instant engine delivery changes to suit variable terrain or weather conditions. For example, from an aggressive map for fast dry conditions to a high traction map for slippery hillclimbs.
The 450 engine is equipped with a compact and lightweight electric starter that gives push-button convenience for hassle-free starts – especially useful on the side of a hill.
The compact engine is equipped with a highly advanced Mikuni fuel injection system that features a light and ultra-compact 44mm throttle body. Delivering the fuel/air mix via a long and straight forward facing inlet, this advanced fuel injection system benefits from a high pressure electric pump that ensures optimum atomisation for excellent running performance in a wide range of riding conditions.
To ensure that the powerful engine runs efficiently in all conditions, Yamaha’s engineers have developed radiators that are angled to directly face the incoming air. By maintaining a consistent airflow, this angled radiator layout delivers effective engine cooling for winning performance. A thermo fan cuts in to keep the fluid cool when the going gets tough.
“The WR450F’s robust 5-speed transmission is built to handle even the most aggressive left foot.”
The WR450F’s robust 5-speed transmission is built to handle even the most aggressive left foot. The specially-developed gears feature a large surface area that spread the load. Ratios are ideal for off-road riding with lower gearing from first to third gear and taller-geared fifth compared to the YZ450F.
A key feature of the WR450F is its mass centralised design, in which major components are located as close to the bike’s centre of gravity as possible. One example of this is the wraparound exhaust that snakes around the cylinder – this design also enables the fitment of a muffler that is mounted close to the bike’s centre.
“The Dunlop Geomax EN91s are FIM-approved versions of the tyre specified on Yamaha’s MX range.”
Front brake performance is the same as YZ450F allowing riders to stop quickly while offering high levels of modulation. New tryes have been specified that offer high levels of traction in a wide variety of conditions. The Dunlop Geomax EN91s are FIM-approved versions of the tyre specified on Yamaha’s MX range.
A slim and compact multifunction features an odometer, two tripmeters, a clock, timer/stopwatch and a new and very useful fuel consumption indicator. Integral low fuel and engine warning lights also feature. Straight from the YZ450F MX bike, the WRF’s footpegs are both grippy and lightweight. Like the WR250F, the 2022 WR450F comes fully ADR compliant with an Off Road kit that can be fitted for closed course competition. Head here for more info on both bikes.
