FIRST LOOK: 2027 YAMAHA WR450F

So many upgrades for 2027 that its all-new hydraulic clutch barely rates a mention!

Yamaha’s flagship WR450F last came in for a decent overhaul back in 2024, so expectations were high that the 2027 WR450F would get sweeping upgrades – for two reasons. One: Yamaha seems to have gotten into a cycle of delivering significant upgrades to their key MX and enduro models every three years. And two: because the WR-F traditionally adopts the major upgrades its MX cousin gets, albeit 12 months later. In other words, the wholesale changes introduced to the 2026-model YZ450F are a pretty reliable indicator of the changes the following year’s WR450F will get.

So, which of those key 2026 YZ450F mods did and didn’t find their way onto the 2027 WR450F? How has Yamaha gone about ensuring this MX-inspired machine is suited to enduro applications? And will the new hydraulic clutch – the first one ever fitted to a Yamaha enduro model – prove to be an even greater asset for the bush than it is for motocross?

We’ll be able to answer those questions in more detail later this year, when the 2027 WR450F are expected to arrive in Oz and NZ (at prices yet to be announced). But in the meantime, here’s what Yamaha would like us to know about the machine that has consistently been the biggest-selling off-road model in Australia for 25 years…

DESIGN OBJECTIVES

The goal for MY27 model development was to refine this model’s already awesome power delivery and sweet handling performance to achieve a level of precision and control that raises the benchmark. The result is a machine that sets the standard for being easy to ride on both fast-flowing trails as well as tight, technical singletrack. Because easy to ride means easy to ride fast.

To achieve this, major updates have been made to the MY27 WR450F’s engine, frame, suspension, clutch, rear brake, bodywork and more.

Developed with input from both Australian and New Zealand riders – including from the successful ShopYamaha Enduro team that dominated the 2026 Australian Enduro titles – the 2027 WR450F features improved levels of control that inspire greater rider confidence.

THE ENGINE

Engine character has been tuned with a focus on low to mid-range power to suit off-road riding. A revised intake port design produces a more linear delivery that enhances machine control. Cam timing changes have resulted in more stable combustion while increased AC magneto inertia promotes a confidence-inspiring delivery aimed at technical and low-speed riding situations. Both changes also increase stall resistance at low speeds. To further improve power delivery, especially when riding flowing third gear trails, the rear drive sprocket has increased in size by one tooth from 50 to 51.

This model is equipped with Yamaha’s industry-leading smartphone Power Tuner App that features intuitive Quick Setting slide bar engine tuning, Traction and Launch Control, an ECU-lock function and more.

Our mission was to create an intuitive, rider-friendly machine with an exceptional balance of power and handling. An enduro bike with more connection and control for longer, faster and more comfortable fun, as well as effortless slow speed riding.

THE FRAME & SUSPENSION

A new frame design for 2027 balances rigidity and flex characteristics. A revised front downtube results in a highly stable ride with enhanced front-end feel for improved cornering performance. The new frame is matched with a new high-performance KYB® rear shock and revised fork settings with more progressive settings to provide better front-end contact, feel, and control to give the rider confidence to charge harder and corner faster.

The updated shock features a new piston that improves damping force in the lowest speed range and expands the range of damping adjustments. The shock also has a new hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.

These chassis and suspension updates result in greater usability in everything from slow, tight corners to high-speed sweepers. With better comfort and front-end control in technical conditions, the new WR450F is easier to tip in, easier to choose and hold a line, and has a higher level of cornering performance.

HYDRAULIC BRAKE & CLUTCH

A new hydraulic clutch provides smooth, consistent engagement with less effort while eliminating the need for on-track adjustments. In addition, a new clutch inner hub design is lubricated over a larger area for stable performance and durability.

New lightweight rear braking components have been reduced in size, including the brake disc, master cylinder, and piston diameters. This improves rear brake controllability and saves 180g in total.

THE AESTHETICS

Updated styling for 2027 includes a sharper rear fender and new WR-F graphics. There is also a new honeycomb-pattern seat cover material that makes sliding forward while braking easier and helps prevent sliding rearward during acceleration.

2027 WR450F – MAIN FEATURES

• Powerful 450cc four-stroke engine features a revised, more linear power delivery for added control and rideability. Redesigned intake port produces more efficient combustion and improved torque.
• The reverse fed engine features magneto, cam timing, and drive sprocket changes for easily controllable low speed power delivery.
• Yamaha’s industry-leading smartphone Power Tuner App features intuitive Quick Setting slide bar engine tuning, Traction and Launch Control tuning, and ECU-lock function.
• New hydraulic clutch offers lighter lever feel, smoother feathering and a consistent mesh point, eliminating the need for on-track adjustments. A new clutch inner hub design also enables lubrication over a larger area for stable performance and durability.
• Advanced fuel injection via a 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomisation and power for a wide range of riding conditions and helps efficient starting.
• Five-speed transmission with tri-shaft layout vertically stacks transmission shafts for a light and compact gearbox.
• New frame design balances rigidity and flex characteristics for great stability and comfort in off-road riding conditions.
• High-spec fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® coil spring-type fork with revised settings provide exceptional feel, improved comfort, and bump absorption.
• New high-performance KYB® rear shock enhances low-speed damping and smoothes the damping transition between low and high speeds for enhanced control in a variety of conditions. The new rear shock now includes a hand-operated low-speed compression clicker for simplified trackside adjustments.
• New lightweight rear braking components have been reduced in size, including brake disc, master cylinder, and piston diameters. This combines with new brake pad material to improve rear brake controllability and saves 180g in total.
• High-performance front brake features a large 270mm front brake rotor coupled with a Nissin calliper to provide excellent power and fade resistance.
• Updated styling includes a sharper rear fender and new WR-F graphics.
• New honeycomb-pattern seat cover material maintains ease in sliding forward while improving hold from sliding rearward during acceleration.
• Trail-ready Dunlop® Geomax EN91 DOT approved FIM Enduro tyres.
• Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless restart.
• Lightweight aluminium tapered handlebar.
• Rubber-mounted four-position adjustable handlebar mounts reduce vibration.

2027 WR450F – FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Compact and lightweight fuel-injected 450cc engine with linear power and improved low speed delivery.
• Model-specific ECU produces tractability at low speeds and with progressive strong power at medium to high speeds
• Revised flex tuned aluminium bilateral beam frame offers improved control.
• New rear shock with tool-free adjustable low speed compression clicker.
• KYB twin chamber speed sensitive front forks with tool-free compression damping adjusters.
• New hydraulic no adjust clutch with a lightweight pull.
• New lightweight rear brake assembly.
• Smartphone operated Power Tuner app with lockable ECU.
• Honeycomb pattern seat cover enables easy forward movement while helping to prevent rear sliding.
• Multi-function combined power map and engine stop switch
• Full protection bashplate.
• Rear fender with handy grab area.
• Water-resistant bar pad.
• Lightweight Lithium-ion battery, throttle wires, and more.

2027 WR-F MODELS – OFF-ROAD KIT

All Australian delivered WR250F and WR450F models come with full ADR compliance. Units are supplied to dealers fully compliant with a free off-road kit supplied with every unit. The kit is designed to suit Australian riding conditions, is for closed-course competition use only and includes:

• Lightweight LED tail-light and licence plate holder.
• High-quality braided steel front brake line.
• Full power/full movement throttle stopper screw.
• Brake snake rear foot brake protector cable.
• Off-road brake light switch wire harness.
• Barkbusters enduro-style handguard set.
• Original front and rear brake line Banjo bolts.
• Original tail-light undercover.
• Original engine stop switch, engine start switch.
• Communication Control Unit (CCU) map switch.
• 5 x 100mm zip ties for speedo sensor line attachment to brake line.

Note that the 2027 WR250F remains unchanged from the 2026 model, with the exception of new updated graphics.