FIRST LOOK: 2024 YAMAHA WR450F

The all-new Yamaha WR450F has dropped. Based heavily on the highly successful Yamaha YZ450F, it’s a ground-up redesigned weapon.
Check out YMA’s rundown below.

The 2024 WR450F is based on the latest successful YZ450F MX machine – the model that has been winning around the globe with riders like Eli Tomac, Aaron Tanti and Dean Ferris on board. In line with recent changes made to the MX model, the new WR-F is now slimmer, lighter, lower and more tractable than before with longer, stronger pulling power.
But that’s not all – significant adjustments have been made to the entire machine to produce unique WR450F characteristics. Our testers – including Australian and Kiwi riders – paid special attention to tuning the bike for its intended use as a fast enduro machine. Which means that while the WR450F may be based on its MX cousin, the power delivery, handling and suspension are unique to this model and developed specifically for riding in the bush.
The many changes made to the MY24 WR450F are aimed at reducing weight, improving handling and increasing tractability and user-friendliness for the fast enduro rider. The result is an enduro weapon that’s easy to ride fast, extremely capable in technical situations and more versatile than ever. Truly the master of all trades.

Engine

The all-new engine is shared with the current YZ450F. It features larger 39mm-diameter intake valves, a new piston, con rod, big-end, revised bearings, optimised crank mass inertia and a dry sump oil tank with integrated generator cover.
Many engine components are lighter – including the intake ports, piston, cylinder body, crank assembly, cam chain, con rod bearings and lubrication system – which results in an engine that’s 1.1kg lighter.
In addition, the MY24 WR450F features an ECU tuned specifically to offer tractability at low speeds and high power at medium to fast-speeds.
The new model features the same exhaust pipe design as the YZ450F – which runs a short muffler for mass centralisation, resulting in improved manoeuvrability and appearance.

All-new transmission

The drivetrain runs the new YZ450F lightweight disc spring clutch which is more compact, has a lighter feel and has a more positive engagement point. Plus, a new user-friendly cable adjustment system is specified. The wide-ratio five-speed gearbox now features wider main shaft gears for reduced weight and increased strength, with ratios specifically developed for enduro racing.

Lower centre of gravity

The Controlled Fill aluminium bilateral beam frame is now 15mm lower at the head tube to allow a lower centre of gravity for supreme handling. The chassis also has a revised rigidity balance developed specifically for the WR450F. The frame was developed with a focus on flex characteristics and the engine mounts are specially tuned for this model to allow excellent cornering, bump absorption and overall handling. A new compact fuel tank features a larger lower area and lower fuel pump location and a shorter YZ450F-type muffler further increase mass centralisation.

New flatter seat with rounded edges

The new seat is flatter with the height difference front to rear reduced by 15mm. The seat’s edges are rounded to increase the degree of freedom in riding position – allowing better movement front to rear, easier leg extension and improved seating to standing transition. The seat cover and cushioning are designed to wrap around the bottom portion of the seat to reduce impact to the rider’s hips and lower back.

Slimmer bodywork

A generous flow of clean air is now fed from the rear of the bike which allows for a slimmer body. The overall shroud width has been made 50mm narrower and the shape of its side surfaces are smoother. This allows riders to move their legs forward more easily, contributing to the lighter and more agile handling.

Revised KYB suspension

New KYB suspension features tool-free compression damping adjustment on top of the fork legs. With a seat height 10mm lower than the YZ450F and with a lower centre of gravity, the new WR450F runs 300mm suspension travel for precise control over varied terrain. This also assists in increasing grip on the front and traction at the rear for a more planted feel. These changes also increase the tight turning ability of the machine, which increases confidence while riding singletrack.

Roomier riding position

A roomier riding position features a 10mm increase in distance between the rider’s hips and feet, while the handlebars are closer to the rider to allow a more natural position.

New smartphone tuning functions

Yamaha’s unique Power Tuner app has been upgraded to make tuning easier with a simple tuning slide bar function added. Riders can now also record and monitor suspension settings with preset themes. You can also dial in different amounts of traction control, plus there’s a lap timer function added.

Lightweight rear wheel

Other lightweight components include the rear wheel and rear braking system. A new three-spoke pattern joins the blue anodised Excel rim to a lighter hub, and a new YZ450F-spec rear brake system sheds further weight. The rear wheel axle is wider in diameter for enhanced ride feedback.

Further weight savings

The extensive weight saving program continues with a lightweight Lithium-Ion battery that replaces the outgoing model’s lead acid unit.
A new aluminium footpeg bracket saves 100g and the stopper’s construction has been changed to prevent mud from clogging up the pegs and from the footpegs biting into the ground on contact.
Even the throttle wires are lighter, which contributes to the MY24 WR450F tipping the scales at 117kg* full of fuel which is 2kg less than the previous WR450F.

*Weight is measured in off-road competition spec. All Australian delivered WR-Fs come with full ADR equipment to allow road registration including indicators, rear view mirrors, horn, hand guards and more.

New parts add rider convenience

MY24 WR450F has a number of new parts aimed at making the ownership experience more enjoyable. For example, a new designed bashplate is fitted that enhances the protection of the lower frame, engine covers and coolant hoses. There’s also a new multifunction switch on the left-hand side of the handlebars. This combines the kill switch with the dual power map button – complete with blue light indicator – that allows different power maps to be selected on the fly.
The multifunction meter display shows speed and trip distance and also features both engine and low fuel warning lights.
MY24 WR450F also features a new rear fender with a grab area designed for ease of lifting and ducts for silencer cooling.
A new, more compact handlebar pad is made of PVC and is water-resistant. In addition, the area around the fork guards is now wider to help protect the inner tubes, while strengthened fork seals reduce inner tube surface deterioration. The lip length has been increased and its excellent tracking properties inhibit dust from entering the inner tube, thus reducing the potential for oil leaks.
The new WR450F is specced with high grip Dunlop EN91 FIM tyres and comes with an aluminium sidestand, 18-inch rear wheel and radiator fan for cool running when the trails turn technical.
Lighter, lower, slimmer and more tractable. But with that trademark power on tap when required. The 2024 WR450F is no jack of all trades, but a master.

The all new 2024 WR450F will be available from January 2024 at $17,999 inc GST ride away*.

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.

2024 WR450F | FEATURES & BENEFITS

• New fuel-injected 450cc engine is more compact and lighter
• Model-specific ECU produces tractability at low speeds and full power at medium to high speeds
• New Controlled Fill aluminium bilateral beam frame is lower with WR450F-specific engine mounts
• Flatter seat with more rounded edges makes it easy to move about while riding
• New air flow management system allows a more compact body including 50mm narrower shrouds
• Lower centre of gravity assists in negotiating tight corners
• Mass centralised fuel tank and muffler
• New lighter clutch and revised wide-ratio gearbox
• Lighter rear wheel, hub and brake assembly
• New Power Tuner app enables simple smartphone tuning
• New multi-function combined power map and kill switch
• New full protection bashplate
• New tool-free front fork compression damping adjusters
• New rear fender with handy grab area
• New water-resistant bar pad
• Lighter Lithium Ion battery, footpeg bracket, throttle wires and more