Geoff Ballard & His Yamaha WR450F

Geoff Ballard isn’t one to offer hollow praise. In fact, when it comes to rating motorcycles, the timeless Aussie enduro icon is about as understated as they come. So when Ballard started lifting eyebrows and banging on about how much he liked the 2021-model Yamaha WR450F that he’d bought himself earlier this year, we figured it was time to pick his brains about the thing. For example, where does he reckon it most improves on its predecessor? What did he do to customise his bike, and why? What’s it like to ‘live with’ and maintain? And does he have any complaints about its component spec or performance?
Armed with those questions, we cornered GB after he spent the day aboard a 2022 WR450F (which is basically a 2021 model with fresh graphics), stuck a mic up his shirtfront, and pressed ‘record’ on the camera. Here’s a snapshot of that candid conversation...

[@firffighter]

Geoff is the best interview in the industry! Practical, rider focused, and no BS! Thanks again Transmoto and keep this Ballard interviews and bike reviews coming!

[@tdog54]

From a guy who doesn’t brag much it speaks a lot about the bike. I love my 2022 WR450

[@mixalis6168]

Would be nice to see a updated garage Geoff has !

[@Adsventures]

Always a love hearing Geoff talk typical mtns man.lates back and always so honest and upfront. I can’t wait to get home and hit the Hampton forests I too love the loam we get and Yep I’m hooked on my ol WR 450 2008 yep just service and thrash that’s exactly the way. It’s the modern Xr…….reliable and just ride the pants of them….. great to see ya Geoff. Gotta love the Blue mtns.

[@jymjess]

I get so jealous of Jeff and his ability to know how and what he wants in his bikes.

[@desrotter9752]

Great update Jeff, I love this bike so much fun from single track to Finke - Yamaha have done an amazing job with new bikes coming out. Straight out of the box 📦 ready to go.

[@bbarker5766]

I met Geoff at the infamous Blackwater 100 races back in the 80's and he was the same back then.

[@tdog54]

Just got one of these brand new 3 weeks ago with road reg. Bloody great bike.

[@stuartmorgan4406]

Another great review boys, keep em coming.

[@1966Cliffy]

Great interviews Transmoto. Please do more on the YZ FXs!!!

[@ammechanical7660]

Quality bike, and comes with a bash plate. Who would have thought. Great review cheers guys 🤙

[@raulx.garcia9387]

I tried the Comp ECU with the switch on my uncorked 2021 and didn't like it. In comp mode it felt like it didn't have a power band and in mild mode it felt way too soft with nothing at the top. With the stock exhaust and the EPA ECU here in the states it is much smoother off the bottom with a wicked mid range punch and still pulls strong to the top. You should try one. Thanks for the videos.

[@wyattcitizenzap4539]

i think what gives the WR450F the turning ability is done by the angle the front wheel and fors are mounted so when you turn the bike wants to lean itself into the turns.

[@Superdisco199]

Racers can be tough to interview lol. Would have liked him to follow through on the 450 v 250 differences with the mass centralisation. Also kinda dodged the '22 250 question at the end too. Good interviewing skills again though.

[@1966Cliffy]

Just feeling comfortable throwing round my 08. Was thinking upgrade to 21. If GB says 22 is better, nuff said!

[@Superdisco199]

22 and 21 the same. 19/20 were the same.... 22 is the year of the 250F for yamaha.

[@59plexi]

im a KTM guy but Yammy has that engine weight figured out...i have a 2008 505, they tilted it back about 7 degrees, not like the yammy tho

[@peterl3220]

Hey Geoff you legend. About that fan you ripped off the bike, do you wanna send it my way, I'll use it here in the outback 😁😉

[@mechcavandy986]

It seems like a MX bike. I’m 250 lbs and 6’1”. I might buy one of these. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jetdr]

Love this Bike, but here in the States we have to take all the EPA crap off, then spend 300$ on the GCU and the switch and WiFi. So I am getting the yz450fx and add a fan.

[@justinmiles6496]

Can you get a dual switch for the 2018 model?.

[@stevenburton7922]

The Yamaha is an amazing bike. I read that the husqvarna 501 has 2 more inches of ground clearance. Do you have any issues smacking the bottom?

[@bartmcdowell8349]

2016 sits pretty high up

[@newportbeach3621]

What is the pivot assistance for the clutch you talked about

[@josephfelice601]

Is Geoff's WR450F uncorked, or does it have the throttle screw mod?

[@josephfelice601]

4:09 : KTM weight perception compared to Yamaha WR450f

[@phill4337]

can i hunt ducks with this bicycle