Rider Feedback: 2016 WR450F vs 450EXC

Okay, so the 2016 WR450F thoroughly outclasses its predecessor. But how does this all-new Yami fare against the 450cc enduro market’s benchmark, KTM’s 450EXC? We put them head-to-head to determine how their characters differ.

Despite the fact that many blokes would be far better off aboard a more manageable 250 or 350cc enduro machine, Australian riders routinely prioritise horsepower above all else. Which is why the 450cc enduro bike segment has attracted the lion’s share of money spent on dirt bikes in this country for years.

Routinely at or near the top of those sales charts have been the 450cc enduro models from Yamaha and KTM – two long-time rivals for the Australian consumers’ hard-earned dollar and for race titles. But how do these two 2016-model 450cc enduro bikes compare to ride? Where does each bike sit on the spectrum from trailbike to race bike? And which bike suits what sort of rider, and why? After putting the two back-to-back on a variety of terrain, here’s what we surmised about each bike’s core character and their comparative strengths and weaknesses.

Scott Keegan – Pro

24, 80kg, 185cm
“They’re really different bikes, but that doesn’t make it any easier to choose between the two because they’re both excellent in their own way. If I had to race one tomorrow, I’d take the Kato – mainly because I’m more familiar with its chassis and suspension, and because the Yamaha’s barkbusters made its steering feel noticeably heavier. But if I had two months to develop the bikes before racing, I’d lean toward the Yamaha because I think it’s got even more potential as a race bike. It’d be easy to strip a fair bit of weight off the WR-F, and with a less restricted exhaust, it’d go ever harder. The ‘underlying’ Yamaha felt more race-oriented to me. Its engine likes to be revved, its cockpit is more like an MX bike’s, and its suspension is almost impossible to bottom. It’s the first time I’ve tested a KTM against another bike and felt that its engine and suspension was more trail-oriented. That said, my trailrider mates will froth over the Yamaha – partly because it’ll give them moto cred in the bush, but also because this thing works so much better everywhere than any of the previous-model WR450Fs.”

Damian Smith – Vet

41, 72kg, 178cm
“For the past six or seven years, the WR450F hasn’t even been close to the Kato, but is definitely back in the game now. And for a guy like me who’s spent much of his riding career in race-mode, this new Yami appeals to me much more than its predecessors. Just as they did with the WR250F a year ago, Yamaha has done a good job of making this MX bike work well in the bush. All I’d do to race the thing out of the box is piss the muffler off, fit lighter hand guards, and reinforce the rear guard, which looks susceptible to snapping off where it joins the seat. Both bikes have a brilliantly balanced chassis and hard-to-fault suspension packages, so the choice between them comes down to the style of power you like and how you value the componentry. Most KTM owners I know appreciate its smooth controls, ready-to-race componentry and tractable power, so they’ll still be happy to pay a little more for the EXC. But for guys who come from a motocross background and like aggressive power, the harder-revving WR450F will definitely tempt them. And of course, Yamaha die-hards will be all over the new WR450F. They’ll love the thing.”

Andy Wigan – Clubman

49, 88kg, 182cm
“It might have a motocross pedigree, but the WR450F has been brilliantly adapted to the bush, and I dig its confidence-inspiring chassis stability. The Yami does need more body language to get it through tight terrain and more throttle control to make sure the rear wheel doesn’t light up on slick surfaces. But on all but the tightest of trails, it’s every bit as agile as the KTM. Both suspension packages are really good, so the biggest thing that sets the bikes apart is the way they get their power to the ground. As crisp as the EFI system on the Yamaha is, the torquier power of the KTM made it a lot easier for me to get the rear wheel hooking up on loose rocks and slick hardpack. There are certainly lots of compelling reasons for trailriders and racers to gravitate toward the WR450F. And if ever there’s been a Yamaha that’ll tempt a KTM owner, then this is it – mainly because its race pedigree makes it more akin to the Kato than ever before. But for a bike that allows me to have a relaxing trailride and then wick it up and pretend I’m a racer for a bit, I reckon the KTM ticks more boxes.”

More…

To read more about Yamaha’s all-new 2016-model WR450F – and to find out more about how it stacks up against KTM’s mighty 450EXC (the 450cc enduro market’s benchmark) – pick up a copy of Transmoto‘s 2016 January-February issue (#54) on sale now. You can order a copy online, grab one at your local newsagents, or download a digital copy via the Zinio App – just search Transmoto once you’ve downloaded it on your favourite handheld device.