2019 Yamaha WR450F Full Review

Yamaha recently launched their new for 2019 WR450F, with Ben O'Brien heading along to put the new model through it's paces, with a host of updates for 2019, including the YZ-inspired reverse-cylinder head, plus a number of other improvements.
Check out Ben's video review from the launch, and for more details on the changes to the 2019 year-model see below.
The new 2019 model has been further developed using advanced engine and chassis technology derived from the latest highly successful YZ450F platform and is equipped with a sophisticated reverse cylinder head engine featuring a rearward slanting cylinder that helps to ensure optimised mass centralisation. The engine is also equipped with enduro-specific intake and exhaust systems, fuel injection and ignition advance maps - the new high torque 450cc 4-valve engine produces a broad and linear spread of useable power.
The durable new clutch is also equipped with a highly heat-resistant friction plate - and a new design that eliminates the judder spring is adopted to give a much lighter pull at the lever for better feel and improved controllability.
On board WiFi means that you can tune the new WR450F using a smartphone in association with the Communication Control Unit that is available in the optional race kit*. The new Power Tuner app gives every WR450F rider the ability to make instant fueling and ignition timing changes and upload/share data for the ultimate in track-side tuning.
A handlebar-mounted dual engine map switch has been adopted and positioned next to the clutch lever and this switch allows the rider to select one of two engine maps on the fly at the press of a button to cater for changes in the riding environment.
Developed from the latest YZ450F, the all-new aluminium bilateral beam frame is slimmer and lighter, with a design that includes a revised head pipe position, straight tank rail, larger absorption zone and an enlarged rear arm bracket and these elements contribute to an improved agility, precision and traction.
Featuring new internals with longer high-rate springs, the KYB air-oil-separate upside-down front forks provide stable damping characteristics over all types of terrain - while the flex-resistant outer tubes contribute to a secure feeling of ground contact.
The rear shock absorber is also based on the YZ450F unit and, like the forks, features enduro model-specific settings. Its new 11.5mm diameter coil spring is 350 grams lighter and has a higher fatigue strength than the current model's - the capacity of the shock's reservoir has been increased by 30cc.
For increased riding time between fuel stops the 2019 WR450F is equipped with a newly designed large-capacity 7.9-litre (expandable to 9L) plastic resin fuel tank featuring a compact fuel pump.
The new frame has enabled much slimmer bodywork that looks and feels more like a 250, making this one of the most compact 450 enduro bikes, while mass centralisation is also improved.
[the_ad id="10258"]
Whether you're sitting down or standing up, the new seat's slimmer design makes it easier to shift your body weight. As well as being 2cm narrower in the front section, the middle and rear sections of the seat are also lower, enabling you to move backwards or forwards more easily for a higher degree of control when cornering, accelerating or braking.
yamaha-motor.com.au
Price: $13,299 RRP + ORC
Colours: Team Yamaha Blue and White
Wet weight: 119kg
Fuel capacity: 7.9L (expandable to 9L)
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 450cc, 97 x 60.9 bore x stroke, 12.8:1 compression ratio, EFI
Gearbox: Five-speed, constant mesh
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Chassis: YZ450F-based lightweight bilateral beam frame, Rake: 27.1°, Trail: 116mm
Suspension: YZ450F-derived KYB SSS dual chamber forks, 310mm travel, fully adjustable, YZ450F-derived KYB rear shock, full adjustable, 317mm travel
Brakes: Hydraulic single 270mm front disc, hydraulic single rear 245mm disc
Wheels & Tyres: 90/90-21 54M (tube type) / 130/90-18 65M (tube type) Metzeler Six Days Extreme
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 1480mm
Seat height: 955mm
Overall height: 1270mm
Overall width: 825mm
Overall length: 2175mm
Instruments: LCD multifunction display
Jeff Ware

[@enduroforever4878]

WR is out of the box an enduro weapon!!

[@mcoles01]

Rode 1 recently. Awesome bike. Amazing suspension and ridiculously easy to ride fast.

[@bradfraser4]

Thanks for the review big fella you definitely sound honest and be able to take your word for it thanks mate 👍🇦🇺💯

[@johnot1168]

Great review mate

[@tincho1979]

Buen review!!!! Aunque hoy montó una husky 300, soy un gran fan de Yamaha 😉👍🏻 Felicitaciones

[@davecribb6709]

Good vid bloke. Well done.

[@jmc69blue]

I'm curious about the removable fuel tank baffle! almost 2.4 gallons

[@silvertopenduro2703]

Top review M8. i wish my TTR250 would morph into a WR450F. Thanks again for an honest review. Cheers. 'Silver Top - Dougie'

[@cryptoinvertor]

man my 2014 is getting old i rally want one of these new yamahas

[@lobolj53]

I know what you mean! My '99 wr400f has been telling me over the years don't retire me! But I think I'm ready for fuel injected electric start.

[@richnewman6348]

Very good and informative video thanks 🙏

[@BurntOnBothEnds]

2:35 - woah absolutely wild

[@chrisr4993]

What's it like on road for commuting? And service intervals?

[@josephlovasz440]

Dang bro you’re a really good rider

[@richnewman1913]

Great video

[@rodarbat2125]

How do you remove the baffle for increased fuel capacity? Anybody know?

[@jaydenunicomb4284]

How hard is it too restart when its hot?

[@wadimor4749]

indonesia love yamaha wr250/450f

[@brucekendall52]

Thks.

[@forestrider7970]

I had a 2001 WR 400 was at the time a great bike, I know there is a huge gap in between the 2 and I rode a 2009 and was a little disappointed with the bike. I currently ride a 2009 Husky WR 300 with a 360 engine transplant....absolute weapon with good manners even compared to modern machinery with or without mods, capacity, 2 stroke ( TPI and non ) 4 stroke or make. I'm now just over 40 and looking for another great bike to ride, how does this compare with the the other bikes out there today your input would be much appreciated....great review, I have waited for a decent Australian review for the 2019 WR 450.

[@forestrider7970]

@@kx501 Much appreciated for the detail.

[@lmtada]

Does it boil over when going slow?

[@da7062]

I am trying to decide between a used 2018 and used 2019? Seems like the changes to the 2019 are worth ($500 more).

[@daritibian5667]

Yamaha wr450f is good ilov u ? Kapan ada di indonesia

[@donbrashsux]

Nice

[@danieljhill]

Is there much difference between this and the 450FX? Cheers

[@offroad5246]

the fx is 4kgs lighter, it doesnt come with a fan, lights, horn, speedo ect, the gas thank is smaller by 400mls and and the exhaust is less restrictive than the wr, the suspension valving may also be a tiny bit stiffer. other than that they're the same.

[@LifeandTrip]

Nice bike

[@arnoldprieto3581]

is it ok to remove the intake snorkel? and exhaust cork?

[@arnoldprieto3581]

Throttle what about the cork at the end of the exhaust?

[@arnoldprieto3581]

Throttle does your bikes header glow i notice it everytime i get home at night from riding

[@wadimor4749]

Mantapp

[@LeeTillbury]

A krap o vich Its similar to Mila Jovović

[@wadimor4749]

i lov u yamaha wr 450f kapsn ada di indonesia

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

I can't believe in 2019 Yamaha still persists in running a cable clutch on such a good bike.

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

@@kx501 reliable sorry that's not true I have never had a failure with a hydraulic clutch since the first ktm came out with then, and none off my fellow racers have ever had a failure, as for the clutch pull weight don't know.

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

@@kx501 well I raced a grade and never seen one , you must go with ppl who crash lots. And if that's the true then we should all go back too drum brakes as well.

[@vincentsauer99]

Had a 15 ktm and now the 17 Yamaha. Yamahas cable clutch has way better feel and is waaayy easier to pull

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

@@vincentsauer99 sorry don't agree.

[@vincentsauer99]

@@bigals.ktms.9937 KTMs Brembo clutch has a on off feel. Also it is realy hard to pull conpared to the Yamahas. Thats a fact. Yamahas Clutch exheleration is also very linear and easyier to feel and controll.

[@danielc5205]

I actually own a 2019 WR 450F.

[@tosgem]

Nice review but i already got a cr550 (bb kit) in a 03 cr250 frame so i don't need to downgrade lol

[@tl5108]

Congrats. But i garuntee the WR is head and shoulders above ur CR in the woods

[@tosgem]

@@tl5108 i highly doubt anyone would ever be able to keep up with me on any 4 stroke BRAAAPPPPP

[@jadonktm5099]

Very very rare have I seen a cr 500 enduro rider except for the legend Geoff Ballard who can actually ride it

[@mal-wx6tu]

@@tl5108 Well the WR won't blow it's guts for a start, as the old CR will.

[@baecchi4153]

is it street legal ? what's the model name of the street legal ?

[@jimbeam4111]

Should’ve made this street legal like the honda.

[@offroad5246]

it is! that's the whole point of the WR compared to the YZ FX models.......you can even see the plate on the rear fender in the video!

[@dillonrobinson8468]

Funny as fuck.

[@gmsyd09]

Suzuki dr450z is better out of the box, way better and easy set up for better enduro

[@richardkent4022]

Petrol powered bikes are boring, yawn

[@jaydenunicomb4284]

How hard is it too restart when its hot?

[@BikeReviewcomau]

A little difficult but not too bad.