Video Review: 2019 Yamaha WR450F
Yamaha recently launched their new for 2019 WR450F, with Ben O’Brien heading along to put the new model through it’s paces, with a host of updates for 2019, including the YZ-inspired reverse-cylinder head, plus a number of other improvements.
2019 Yamaha WR450F
Check out Ben’s video review from the launch, and for more details on the changes to the 2019 year-model see below.
2019 Yamaha WR450F Tech Talk
The new 2019 model has been further developed using advanced engine and chassis technology derived from the latest highly successful YZ450F platform and is equipped with a sophisticated reverse cylinder head engine featuring a rearward slanting cylinder that helps to ensure optimised mass centralisation. The engine is also equipped with enduro-specific intake and exhaust systems, fuel injection and ignition advance maps – the new high torque 450cc 4-valve engine produces a broad and linear spread of useable power.
The durable new clutch is also equipped with a highly heat-resistant friction plate – and a new design that eliminates the judder spring is adopted to give a much lighter pull at the lever for better feel and improved controllability.
2019 Yamaha WR450F
On board WiFi means that you can tune the new WR450F using a smartphone in association with the Communication Control Unit that is available in the optional race kit*. The new Power Tuner app gives every WR450F rider the ability to make instant fueling and ignition timing changes and upload/share data for the ultimate in track-side tuning.
A handlebar-mounted dual engine map switch has been adopted and positioned next to the clutch lever and this switch allows the rider to select one of two engine maps on the fly at the press of a button to cater for changes in the riding environment.
The map button – When lit blue shows Map2 or the torque map
Developed from the latest YZ450F, the all-new aluminium bilateral beam frame is slimmer and lighter, with a design that includes a revised head pipe position, straight tank rail, larger absorption zone and an enlarged rear arm bracket and these elements contribute to an improved agility, precision and traction.
Featuring new internals with longer high-rate springs, the KYB air-oil-separate upside-down front forks provide stable damping characteristics over all types of terrain – while the flex-resistant outer tubes contribute to a secure feeling of ground contact.
The chassis is likewise a winner, featuring KYB solutions on both ends
The rear shock absorber is also based on the YZ450F unit and, like the forks, features enduro model-specific settings. Its new 11.5mm diameter coil spring is 350 grams lighter and has a higher fatigue strength than the current model’s – the capacity of the shock’s reservoir has been increased by 30cc.
For increased riding time between fuel stops the 2019 WR450F is equipped with a newly designed large-capacity 7.9-litre (expandable to 9L) plastic resin fuel tank featuring a compact fuel pump.
2019 Yamaha WR450F
The new frame has enabled much slimmer bodywork that looks and feels more like a 250, making this one of the most compact 450 enduro bikes, while mass centralisation is also improved.
Whether you’re sitting down or standing up, the new seat’s slimmer design makes it easier to shift your body weight. As well as being 2cm narrower in the front section, the middle and rear sections of the seat are also lower, enabling you to move backwards or forwards more easily for a higher degree of control when cornering, accelerating or braking.
2019 Yamaha WR450F
2019 Yamaha WR450F Specifications
Price: $13,299 RRP + ORC
Colours: Team Yamaha Blue and White
Wet weight: 119kg
Fuel capacity: 7.9L (expandable to 9L)
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 450cc, 97 x 60.9 bore x stroke, 12.8:1 compression ratio, EFI Gearbox: Five-speed, constant mesh
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Chassis:
YZ450F-based lightweight bilateral beam frame, Rake: 27.1°, Trail: 116mm
Suspension: YZ450F-derived KYB SSS dual chamber forks, 310mm travel, fully adjustable, YZ450F-derived KYB rear shock, full adjustable, 317mm travel
Brakes: Hydraulic single 270mm front disc, hydraulic single rear 245mm disc
Wheels & Tyres: 90/90-21 54M (tube type) / 130/90-18 65M (tube type) Metzeler Six Days Extreme
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1480mm
Seat height: 955mm
Overall height: 1270mm
Overall width: 825mm
Overall length: 2175mm
Instruments: LCD multifunction display
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