2021 Yamaha WR450F

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Yamaha WR450F. (Yamaha/)

Ups

• A casual trailbike or enduro competitor
• Yamaha’s characteristic well-planted chassis is prevalent on the WR450F
• Major changes have been made shortly after the prior redesign in 2019
• Good throttle response

Downs

• Could use an additional gear to make it a six-speed like the WR250F
• Front brake has been heavily updated, but not the rear

Verdict

Designed to tackle everything from the weekend to trail ride to challenging enduro competition courses, Yamaha’s WR450F continues to see improvements to power it through any terrain.

2021 Yamaha WR450F. (Yamaha/)

Overview

Designed as both an enduro racer and trail navigator, the Yamaha WR450F packs performance that is slightly different from its motocross and cross-country equivalents. It shares many major components with the YZ450F motocrosser, for example, but flaunts enduro-specific features such as different ECU tuning, a multichamber mechanical spark arrestor-equipped muffler, softer suspension settings, and altered engine mount combination.

Updates for 2021

Many notable changes have taken place on this year’s WR450F including: a new cylinder head, camshafts, piston, and connecting rod that are identical to the YZ450F motocrosser but with dedicated ECU tuning. It also gets a revised aluminum bilateral beam frame and lightened engine mounts, as well as a new top triple clamp, front axle, a revised front brake package, and revised internal valving settings in the suspension. A new, triple-clamp-mounted multifunction meter is also used.

Pricing and Variants

Pricing for the highest-displacement WR is $9,799.

Competition

The Husqvarna FE 501, KTM 500 XCF-W, and Honda CRF450X serve as the WR450F’s primary competitors.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The clean and smooth-running 450cc liquid-cooled four-stroke of the WR450F, though lower on power than the YZ450F and YZ450FX, makes 48.9 hp at 9,000 rpm and 31.8 pound-feet at 7,200 rpm on our in-house dyno. An advantage we found with this lower power is you can be heavier-handed on the throttle in the low to mid rev range and not lose traction. Navigating through the five-speed gearbox presents best uses for each gear: First can be used for tighter-wooded trails, second for starting and stopping, third for faster-paced single-track, and fourth and fifth for wide-open sections to stretch the WR’s legs.

2021 Yamaha WR450F. (Yamaha/)

Handling

Yamaha is well known for its planted chassis and the WR450F represents the brand well. This is even more noticeable thanks to the soft suspension and 264-pound (measured) wet weight.

A 48mm KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) coil-spring fork and KYB shock, though notably softer than its motocross sibling, provides a good, controlled feel. It is adjustable for compression and rebound at the fork and spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping at the shock. These adjustments can be made easily.

Brakes

The front brake caliper, disc, and pads have been newly designed for 2021. The Nissin two-piston caliper now has 25.4mm pistons and the disc has 16 percent more contact area with a 22.3-percent-larger brake pad. The rear brake continues to be the same as the previous model with a Nissin one-piston caliper and 245mm rotor.

2021 Yamaha WR450F. (Yamaha/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Real-world miles per gallon is not currently available, but a fuel consumption indicator is connected to the WR’s 2.2-gallon fuel tank.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The WR450F’s 2.2-gallon fuel tank size is not noticeably larger than the 1.6-gallon unit of the YZ450F. This is because the fuel tank is extended downward rather than up or out. It is, however, noticeable compared to its Austrian competition as it makes the bike a touch wider in the midsection. The WR has the same handlebar bend as the YZ. Seat height is measured at 37.6 inches. If we had our preference, we would want a taller seat and hand guards, but these can be accommodated with a perusal of Yamaha’s Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) catalog of accessories.

2021 Yamaha WR450F. (Yamaha/)

Electronics

The new LCD displays a full-feature enduro meter with Standard and Race riding modes that each display different data. Standard shows two tripmeters, a clock, and real-time fuel consumption that illuminates a warning light when there is 0.5 gallon left in the tank, while Race mode features an average speed display and timer. The WR also has an electric start system.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like the YZ450F, the WR450F has a 30-day limited factory warranty,

Quality

The WR450F has what it takes to be a great trailbike and enduro racer, and it has Yamaha’s renowned quality and durability to back it up.

2021 Yamaha WR450F. (Yamaha/)

2021 Yamaha WR450F Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$9,799
Engine:	450cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Bore x Stroke:	97.0 x 60.8mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:	N/A
Frame:	Bilateral beam aluminum
Front Suspension:	KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.5 in. travel
Front Brake:	Nissin 2-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 245mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked wheels;
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 120/90-18
Rake/Trail:	27.0°/4.6 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	12.6 in.
Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.2 gal.
Wet Weight:	262 lb.
Contact:	yamaha-motor.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	37.6 in.
Wet Weight:	264 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	48.9 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	31.8 lb.-ft. @ 7,200 rpm

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