Inside the 2012 Yamaha WR450F

Andy Wigan

An all-new YZ250F-inspired frame and YZ450F-inspired suspension and bodywork spearhead the changes to the 2012 WR450F. No, it doesn’t get the reverse-cylinder engine, though it is fitted with EFI for the first time.

Well, Yamaha Motor Corp was true to its word and, bang on time, released details about their long-awaited 2012 WR450F on September 15. So we’ve all seen American enduro great, Randy Hawkins, speak glowingly about the new bike in a somewhat cheesy and vaguely worded video released today, but how different is the 2012 WR450F to its predecessor?

Well, we only have Yamaha’s information and images to go from at this stage (as the bike is not due to arrive in Australia until the Sydney Motorcycle Expo in late November), but it’s fair to say most at Transmoto HQ reacted to today’s release with some confusion. That’s not to say the new WR450F isn’t significantly overhauled. It is. We were simply surprised by the news the bike doesn’t come with a modified version of the YZ450F’s reverse cylinder EFI powerplant, which was widely expected.

Headlining the changes to the 2012 WR450F is actually a slimmer bilateral beam alloy frame that’s based heavily on the current YZ250F, and a closed-cartridge 48mm KYB fork and bodywork that are all based on the new-generation YZ450F’s. Yes, the new WR450F does get a Keihin fuel injection system, but Yamaha has mated it with what appears to be an otherwise unchanged DOHC powerplant. Despite skeptics saying that EFI would be difficult to use on the WR-F’s five-valve head (remember, the YZ450F went to a four-valve head when it first got EFI in 2010), the Yami engineers seem to have managed it.

So there’s no doubt this new WR450 represents a big change, but we’re not sure it is “the biggest change since the introduction of the WR450F in 1999,” as YMA’s PR suggests. The 2007 model, with move to an alloy frame and an overhauled engine, would still take that prize. Those expecting the 2012 WR450F to be a motocross bike with an 18-inch rear wheel and wider ratio box will be disappointed, as YMA has made the bike’s design intentions very clear: “The team has delivered a motorcycle that retains the hallmark features of reliability with the versatility to win at the highest level, while still providing an easy-to-ride trail weapon. The target rider is the fast trailrider and expert enduro rider.”

In other words, Yamaha’s design team has thought just as much about broad commercial appeal and trailriders as it has about creating a hard-nosed out-of-the-crate enduro weapon.

So what do the images tell us that the press release material doesn’t? Here’s a snapshot, bearing in mind that many of the pics released to the media are of the USA-spec model:

• The cross-section of the new alloy perimeter frame is much beefier, especially from the footpegs up to the steering head. Front-on shots suggest the frame’s cradle is now a lot slimmer, but from side-on, it’s just as boxy as last year’s – in contrast to more bevelled trend of most of the European enduro bikes.
• Also out of step with the European marques (which are returning to silver rims for 2012), the Aussie-spec WR450F now sports good-looking black Excel rims.
• The shape of the radiator guards, front and rear fender and sideplates all take on a very YZ450F look. The headlight cowl is now white (not blue) and sits prouder from the triple clamps. The old bike’s grey plastic bashplate is now black.
• Even though the Yamaha USA’s specs suggest the tank capacity hasn’t changed, it has. Last year’s Oz-spec 8-litre specimen compares to an all-new 7.2-litre plastic resin tank for 2012, which, along with the frame, appears significantly slimmer.
• Hinged door access to the airbox and the air filter arrangement appear very similar. Handlebars, sidestand, levers, brake pedal, gear-shifter and chain guide all appear the same as the 2011’s.
• With a majority of WR450F owners feeling the previous KYB fork was way too soft (for anyone over 75kg who gives it a nudge), the addition of the closed-cartridge 48mm KYB fork will be welcomed. It’s based on the fork in the WR450F’s motocross cousin, and will be expected to hold the front-end up in its stroke better. The magnesium-coloured triple clamps they sit in look sweet.

Yamaha Motor Australia is yet to confirm the RRP for the Australian market. The bike will go on sale “in early 2012, fully equipped to ADR requirement”. A competition kit, the contents of which is not yet confirmed, will also be offered.



Yamaha has revealed that the all-new 2012 WR450F gets a host of upgrades (US model).



EFI, a YZ250F-inspired frame and YZ450F-inspired suspension are some of the major overhauls that the 2012 model receives.



The engine and airbox are relatively unchanged, and the carb is gone for good, too.



The bike gets an 18-inch rear tyre and the Aussie-spec version will include black Excel rims.



The suspension is based on the YZ450F’s and modified for enduro.

Official release from Yamaha Australia

Yamaha Australia had this to say about the new 2012 WR450F model.

When Yamaha launched the world’s first modern era four-stroke enduro bike, few could have predicted the effect it would have on Australian motorcycle riders.

It’s no exaggeration to say that a legend was created back in 1999 with the release of the WR400F. Aussies accepted the new model with open arms and have continued to buy WRF in massive numbers largely due to an enviable reputation for reliability.

The WR450F has remained the bush weapon of choice despite few model changes over the years. Yamaha engineers are not supporters of change for the sake of change, with the model tweaked once for 2003 with a 450cc engine, once in 2005 with a new frame and again in 2007 with a new aluminium frame.

But Yamaha understands that technology does not stand still and WRF riders expect and deserve to be riding on the cutting edge. With this in mind, the 2012 model heralds the biggest change since the introduction of that first WR400F. Yamaha designers, testers and engineers have revisited the drawing board and re-invented the new WR450F from the ground up.

The challenge was how to improve on an already peerless motorcycle. But the team stepped up to the mark and delivered a motorcycle that the whole nation has been hanging out for… a bike that retains the hallmark features of reliability with the versatility to win at the highest level while still providing an easy-to-ride trail weapon.

The target customer is the fast trail rider and expert enduro rider. And the goal is to improve handling in the tight stuff while striving for even more linear and manageable power.

The handling goal has been achieved with the development of a new aluminium bilateral beam frame that is very similar to the much hailed 2012 YZ250F frame that offers scalpel sharp steering and rail-like turns. The WRF version of this frame has enduro specific dimensions and rigidity balance which includes different engine mounts and a new mounting position for the subframe, which itself is comprised of a new aluminium alloy.



The new Keihin EFI.

The result is blend of strength and rigidity in a compact machine that sets new standards in enduro handling. The new WR450F provides a light feel, amazing front wheel grip, superb rear wheel traction and improved steering designed to light up the singletrack. In short, the next step in off road chassis performance.

To complement the new frame, new YZ inspired twin chamber suspension is fitted front and rear to soak up the harsh terrain that fast trail and competition enduro riders encounter. Once again, the suspension is specially enduro- tuned by combining the ability to absorb big hits with a softer initial travel to tackle tight turns.

And in order to offer stable engine performance irrespective of fluctuations in air temperature or altitude, a fuel injection system has been adopted. This can easily be adjusted with a hand held, portable Power Tuner device, the same unit that has proven so popular with YZ450F owners.

This pocket-sized Power Tuner is easy to carry around and operation is simple when connected to the new WR450F via an easily located coupler. Setting changes can be made without the need to cart around a laptop in wind, rain and often dusty conditions. The Power Tuner offers riders a huge benefit by allowing customised fuel injection settings to fit their personal preferences.

The 450cc engine has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the new EFI system and chassis changes. It retains its liquid cooled, five titanium valve, single cylinder layout. A special cam profile has been developed to suit enduro RPM use while the five speed gearbox has ratios suitable to cover a wide range of riding environments.

The engine is fitted with an exhaust pipe with a built-in resonator which is designed to improve power output in the low to mid-speed range. In addition, the radiator is all new with a wider core, increased reliability and more shock resistance than previously.

There are a host of more minor changes that while small are still important. These include and enduro specific seat with new cover, a slim new plastic resin 7.2 litre fuel tank, a fuel level warning light for peace of mind. And not forgetting a hot new look with black Excel rims, a new headlight cover, side covers and graphics.

The new WRF will go on sale in early 2012 fully equipped to ADR requirement. A competition enduro kit will also be offered for those wishing to indulge in closed course riding or racing. Full specification and model information release will be made at the Sydney Motorcycle Expo in Darling Harbour Convention Centre starting 25 November 2011. Until then, please bear in mind that the new Australian model differs significantly to the models sold in European and US markets.



The 2012 model frame is based on the nimble YZ250F.