Yamaha announces 2019 WR450F

By Réhann Coetzee

Yamaha has just announced the 2019-model WR450F and it celebrates 20 years of Yamaha four-stroke enduro production with a complete redesign that delivers stronger power with increased agility, as well as greater versatility and lighter handling.

2019 WR450F key features:

• All-new 450cc engine with optimised settings
• Optional race kit with CCU enables Power Tuner app
• New handlebar-mounted switch adjusts engine mode
• New YZ450F-based lightweight bilateral beam frame
• Revised KYB® suspension for stable & smooth ride
• Slim, mass-centralised 7,9-litre fuel tank
• New light, slim and sharp body and headlight design
• Tough new skidplate and new speed sensor
• New radiator shrouds and easy-access air filter box design
• Durable new clutch and five-speed wide-ratio gearbox
• New narrow, lower and more accessible seat
• Tough new wear-resistant in-mould graphics

Yamaha says the all-new 2019 model maintains the characteristics that have made it one of the most popular 450cc enduro models all over the world, namely rock-solid stability, legendary reliability and outstanding high-speed performance.

In the two decades since the first WR-F four-stroke revolutionised the enduro scene it has established a reputation for its linear and tractable power, high build quality and rugged construction – and these are the key elements that have made the WR450F a firm favourite with fast trail riders and serious racers alike.

Since its launch in 1998, the WR-F's engine has grown from 400cc to 426cc, and the latest generation reverse cylinder-head engine displaces a full 450cc. The 2019 model has been further developed using advanced engine and chassis technology derived from the latest highly successful YZ450F platform – what Yamaha describes as an apex predator motocross bike that blends mind-bending power with absolute control.

Built to win in any environment

Yamaha’s WR-F enduro bikes have proven their race-winning potential all over the world in a wide variety of competitive off-road events. In the FIM Enduro World Championship, Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team riders Jamie McCanney (E1) and Löic Larrieu (E2) have been challenging hard for the top place on the podium throughout the year – while Larrieu took a sensational outright victory in the 2017 ISDE against the world’s best riders. Riding WR-F enduro bikes, Manxman McCanney and Frenchman Larrieu have established Yamaha as a main contender in EWC and underlined the company's total commitment to enduro.

In the 2018 Dakar Rally, Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team rider Adrien Van Beveren retained the overall lead on his WR450F Rally for five days until an unfortunate race-ending crash on stage 10. He had one stage victory and three more stage runner-up results.

In addition to the legendary Dakar Rally, Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team riders have also had a full season competing in cross-country rallies all over the world, and the experience gained has contributed towards the development of the new WR450F.

Faster and stronger 450cc reverse-head engine

The all-new WR450F is equipped with a sophisticated reverse cylinder-head engine featuring a rearward slanting cylinder that helps to ensure idealised mass centralisation. Developed from the MXGP-winning YZ450F motocross bike – and 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.

New smartphone tuning with the Power Tuner app

Onboard WiFi means that you can tune the new WR450F to suit different tracks and changing weather conditions 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 fuelling and ignition timing changes and upload and share data for the ultimate in track-side tuning.

The free Yamaha Power Tuner app also allows owners to record race log information and monitor a range of data such as maintenance and system diagnosis, engine run time and more. The Race kit is sold separately.

Adjustable engine mode switch

A handlebar-mounted dual engine-map switch has been positioned next to the clutch lever to enable changes mid-race. This switch allows the rider to select one of two engine maps on the fly.

Sharper handling aluminium bilateral beam frame

Developed from the latest YZ450F, the all-new aluminium bilateral beam frame is slimmer and lighter, giving it a much lighter and more agile feel through twisty, rocky and technical terrain. The new frame design includes a revised head pipe position, straight tank rail, larger absorption zone and an enlarged rear arm bracket, improving agility, precision and traction.

Industry leading front and rear suspension

The WR450F runs a sophisticated suspension system that provides a stable damping force with plenty of surface feedback at low to mid speeds. Featuring new internals with longer high-rate springs, the industry-leading KYB air-oil-separate upside-down front forks provide stable damping over all types of terrain – while the flex-resistant outer tubes contribute to a secure feeling of ground contact.

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 350g lighter and has a higher fatigue strength than the current model’s – and for cooler running and more stable damping force, the capacity of the shock’s reservoir has been increased by 30cc.

Larger 7,9-litre fuel tank

The 2019 WR450F is equipped with a newly designed large-capacity 7,9-litre plastic resin fuel tank featuring a compact fuel pump. The increased capacity was achieved by extending the fuel tank’s lower section towards the centre of the bike – a move that improves mass centralisation and ensures a slim and compact body design that enhances rider comfort and mobility.

Lighter, slimmer and sharper bodywork and headlight design

The new frame enabled Yamaha designers to fit much slimmer bodywork that looks and feels more like a 250, making this one of the most compact 450 enduro bikes. Mass centralisation is also improved, and the overall impression of lightness and agility is reinforced by the new headlight cowl that sits lower and closer to the rider.

The WR450F is also equipped with new and more compact radiators that facilitate the fitment of narrower and closer-fitting radiator shrouds that contribute towards rider mobility and give added control during stand-up riding.

More protective skid plate and new speed sensor

The new model gets a larger and lighter plastic resin skid plate that protects the frame, engine, hoses and water pump from deep ruts and flying debris. Its close-fitting frontal area prevents mud and stones from accumulating in any cavities and so reduces additional running weight.

For quicker and easier front-wheel removal the new 450 is equipped with a new type speed sensor.

Free flow air filter

For easy maintenance the WR450F gets an all-new airbox that enables tool-free filter changes. The new filter element gives reduced airflow resistance with increased reliability, and features rubber seals at the centre positioning pin for increased dust-filtering capability.

Lighter, tougher clutch and wide-ratio five-speed transmission

The durable new clutch is 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.

The new wide-ratio five-speed transmission provides strong off-road performance in difficult and technical areas, as well as strong high-speed performance for flat dirt sections. Also, the shapes of the dog gears have been revised.

Lower and narrower seat

The new seat’s slimmer design makes it easier to shift your body weight. It is 2cm narrower in the front section and 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.

The new WR450F should be available in South Africa from December and will be only be available in race specification – in other words, there will not be a road-legal version. Pricing is not known yet.

Technically speaking: Yamaha WR450F

Engine: 450cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled

Power: -kW @ -rpm / -Nm @ -rpm

Gears: 5 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 7,9 litres

Seat height: 955mm

Tyres: 80/100/21 front, 120/90/18 rear

Brakes: 270mm single disk (front); 245mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 118kg