I bought a brand new 2018 wr450f 4 years ago it has been the best bike I have ever owned. Great power great suspension and has been super reliable. Oil changes and a new battery this year and plenty of tires lol
Great review. I just sold my 07 WR 450F which I thought was the best bike ever, until I got a 2019 a few weeks ago with only one hour on it, and GYTR ECU/CCU and exhaust. I love the tunability. Like riding two completely different performing bikes, BOTH with awesome suspension! That high traction map is NASTY! Way more power than my 07, and the ride (I'm in love you can tell). Just hitting 60 next year. My forever bike!
Excellent, enjoy sir. I'm unfortunately not able to ride for a bit. Run out of talent and snapped my leg in three places! Serves me right for not learning the track and where it goes. Jumped clean off it into the right hand bank!!! Muppet I am!
i thought the exact same about the WR being 'forgotten' here in the UK everyone is KTM obsessed. i owned the 03 WR 450 when they first came out and even tho there was a couple of recalls on it what a bike it was i loved it, had loads of on/off road bikes since and now after doin some digging want another.
Great presentation man, I'm from aus I have a 04 WR450f had it 6 months and love it could only dream of a 21 model had DR650, BMW F700GS both with mods WR is heaps of fun good stuff👍
Thanks Jim, hard being in front of a camera! Trying not to say Huumm while thinking what to say next. I do most things in one take! More videos planned. We are in Level 4 lock down here so not really possible to go anywhere just at the moment.
So good to hear your thoughts mate. I just picked up my new 2022 WR450f yesterday, without ever riding one ... My last new bike was a XR400 , 03 model. Thats how long I have been out of the game for. Been borrowing a mates YZ450f for rides, to insane for enduro.
Yamaha power tuner is a game changer. Is great to be able to make the bike what you want. Richer, leaner, andvanced or retarded all with a smart phone. This and the more WR make for one very versatile ride.
Really informative well done video on the WR. My grandson owns the YZ250fx and it is truly a sweet bike out of the box. I switched from 4 strokes (Yamaha, KTM) to a KTM 300XC-w and as much as I like the Yamaha’s suspension I could never give up the lightness, balance, and flick-ability of that 300. I’m 70 yrs old and have ridden dirt bikes since the early 70’s, and from my past experience riding all manner of dirt bike the KTM is for me the finest of the fine for quickness, tune-ability, lightness, all out maneuverability, and maintenance. I use to end up with arm pump almost immediately riding those heavier, vibrating, slow turning 4 strokes but that is almost non-existent on the 300. Until I throw a leg over a 4 stroke that can equal the qualities of the 300 I’ll have to stick with it. Anyway, my 2 cents from an old kager, have a great day and happy trails to you.
Yeah I've owned a KTM 300 or 250 for 10 years now too. Only just sold my 300 for this WR450F. Weight wise the WR450F is only a few of KG heavier than the 300 I had. Due to its mass centralized engine design it doesn't feel much heavy to be honest. It's not like older lumbering four bangers. If I buy another two stoke it would probably be a KTM 250 EXC over a 300 next. I like the zing of a 250 over a 300. They just feel nicer reving out I think. I'd take this 2021 Yamaha WR450F over a KTM four stroke however. If I'm being greedy I'd have both! No time for two bikes however sadly. I'm not into KTM TPi bikes so this initiated my change to Yamaha. I like the simplicity of two-strokes, if you're gonna mess around with throttle position sensors, fuel pumps and injectors you might as well be on a four stroke. My 300 was a 2017 bike with Lectron carburettor. Love Lectron!
@@twowheelpilot I hear you. I like the TPI (actually changed the ECU to an Athena) which I really like, and installed aftermarket fuel (non Chinese) pump and filters. Also installed an S3 head which does a great job of grunt throughout the power band (it pulls and pulls). You might say that I’ve spent a lot on aftermarket parts but I’d have to do that on any bike that I purchase just because I’m old and I need a Cadillac to ride so it doesn’t beat me up on the trails. Anyway, I’ll stick with the 300 also because I can do all the maintenance and mechanics myself unlike the 4 strokes. Have a great day.
That is a constructive critique! It will save me a ton on all the mods necessary for an even more expensive stock Husky with its questionable rear subframe... Thanks, and have a great day!
All KTM seems to end up with a ton of mods to make them how we want them. Mine did anyway. Don't over look the WR. I was going to go FX450 too however the WR is no soft trail bike and can do many more things than the FX. The WR is also better at single track/enduro. Enjoy whatever way you go. 👍
I have a 2019 yz 450fx and it's great even in tight single track I just leave it in the aggressive map it's fine if you have good throttle wrist control. so powerful on the top end and so fun have 200 hours and no problems all stalk no valve adjustments
no difference in single track between the two especially with the power tuner you can make the fx the same or less power then the wr and the fx is at least 20 pounds lighter
My titled and plated 2021 WR450F failed from a rod seizure at 7200 miles. I do maintain my bikes as recommended in the manual (seems every time someone mentions their Yamaha failed everyone jumps on the old lack of maintenance standby). Still trying to figure out what caused the failure. I've been hearing some talk on the street 2021 was not a good year for Yamaha dirt bikes. The bike is home with a new bottom end. I wonder how long this rebuild will last. Great bike hopefully it will not spin a rod at 7000 miles again.
Thank you. More planned however COVID-19 hold ups and I run out of talent! Appreciate the compliment. Very hard putting your own face on a screen. Well I find it daunting! 😊
@@twowheelpilot awesome mate I will check it out.. I got my first look at the new WR 450 yesterday out on the trail. They sure do look like a quality bit of gear.
I like mine a lot and agree with what you are saying. I thought about adding a rekluse coming from a 300 that creeps this 450 takes a lot of clutch at slow speed
Awesome video! Did I understand that you are 230lbs? I am looking to get one however I am 6' 3" and 235 and am concerned that the suspension will bottom out? What are your thoughts? Thanks Jason
I am currently riding a 2019 KTM 300xc. I have been considering going back to a 4 stroke only for the simple fact that I like the option to just swing into a gas station if need be. The WR 450 is at the top of my list. I also have a KTM 890 adventure R. Also a monster on the trails. Do you miss the 2 smoker?
Interesting I also have a KTM890R adventure. I've now sold the Yamaha WR450 and gone back to a 2017 KTM300EXC Six day bike. I've been planning to make some more videos but haven't had time. The Yamaha is a great bike. However, for the sort of riding I do the two stroke suits me better. I like hardcore single track and slower more technical riding. As flexible as the WR is with the power tuner. It's still no two stroke.
I am torn between this and the yz450fx. I live in the US so we have to uncork the engine for full power and I don't think the wr comes with mapping. I currently have a 2009 yz250 that is built into a Woods machine for GNCC riding. I am getting older (45) and my son is starting to ride, so I want to step into the 4 stroke world. 2 Stroke are the most fun but most demanding, so I want to get an easier to ride bike.
Hi there, I wouldn't say a 4 stroke is easier to ride. It's funny as over the years it's like two strokes and four strokes have swopped places. Two strokes have become more manageable and broader power and alot of four strokes actually quite peaky with narrow. The KTM 350 SXF/XCF is one good example of these. Give me a good 450 any day over a 350. Easier to ride I think. The WR450F is down on power vs USA spec FX450 however can be uncorked if needed. If it's easier to ride and more manageable you want, you may even prefer the USA spec WR over FX. The FX gearing is different and the bike has more agressive power. They don't really like going slow so expect more clutch work vs the WR or a Two stroke. I don't know where you ride so it's hard to say. General rule, if you prefer signal track, flowing young kits about, Enduro and woods riding get WR. If you prefer MX and gncc racing get the FX. The 2021 WR450F is still very much at the pointy end of race bike so don't think it couldn't do the odd MX because it will do just fine. Maybe get the WR and if you still want more then just get the Unlocked ECU, communication unit etc we get here stock. I'm 43 and carrying alot of injury so I appreciate a bike that looks after me alot these days.
Great review of the WR..however I think your a bit off on the 450fx. I live in US I'm 60 years old and recently bought 22 450fx. I was concerned about tight slower terrain. Riding in the rocky desert of Az. You can lug this bike like crazy. Works extremely well in slow, tight rocky single. I run mine in the mud map that comes as one of the options on the map switch. Bike never flames out and is very easy to control the power. Great bike for pretty much everything.
Hello,, Ive got the '05 WR450F totally clean all free mods and street legal, total beast and love it but kicking around a new '23 but im afraid in the states its to choked down with emissions and would be slower than mine...Without doing a pipe what exactly would I have to do to totally uncork it..Mine has a carb and not fuel injected..I just do light trails im not a racer...👍
USA regs alot different to here in NZ. You would need alot of mods and an uncorked ECU. If not street legal don't stress. Just uncork the WR as I did. If you are running on the road that changes things.
Hi there, never used the WR450F on the road. Literally got it home and stripped it off all it's road gear and out in a box. Yes I've ridden 500 EXC and Husky 501 bikes. They all are horrible on the road. All competition dirt bikes don't do road well. Sure plenty of people do use them like that but I'd rather have a proper ADV bike. I own a KTM 990S adventure. It's easier to increase tank size on a KTM 500 vs the WR450. Suspension leagues better on the Yamaha and brakes better too. If I were dual sport riding alot and doing a few trail rides you can't go wrong with a DRZ400E. Cheap to buy, run and hold a good amount of oil. They go dam well too uncorked. Not like a 500 EXC or WR450 but no slug. Totally depends on your needs and expections. I've owned about 25 KTM dirt bikes plus Husaberg/KTM bikes and One DRZ, and now this Yamaha.
I forgot to mention the WR450 feels lighter than a KTM 500 but it all fairness it's 50cc less and mass centralized so that helps alot too. For duel sport use that isn't much of a concern.
@@twowheelpilot Cheers for your reply, all good points ! I've also had a few - 15 or so KTM/Husqvarna's - Loved the 500 - great on and off road, liked the characteristic of the 500 on the road - sure not all day but between tracks, occasional commute, wheelies! It just chugged along at 120 no problem. I wondered how the 450 would compare. Hopefully we are not locked down too much longer ! cheers
@@jarrahhealy7139 Yeah lock down in New Zealand isn't much fun. Level 4 is a killer. Literally stay at home. Eat, sleep work from home repeat.... The KTM 500 is a great bike. Probably a little better suited to dual sport that the Yamaha 450 however it's rediculous however priced they are and the suspension has to be done on the KTM. The time you do all that the Yamaha is literally thousands cheaper. See other other video Road to dirt. Over here it's like $3500 difference for the same spec KTM 450 EXC and the 500 is even more expensive. Add at least $1200 for suspension work on the KTM and the Yamaha is looking like a bargain. Would be ace if Yamaha made a WR500 too but not looking likely. Personally however I've been down the competition dirt bike on the road as a light ADV rig before and I hate it. They make everything to easy off road and on road suck on a long ride. I did 5500k down the south island this year in one hit. That would of been horrible on a single cylinder competition bike. Give me a twin Anyway plus ADV bikes take more work off road which is more fun for me. Things you'd fly up or down on a dirt bike take more thought and I like the challenge. I've always said doing proper ADV events on a competition dirt bike is like going to a crap trail ride. Take a big adv bike and things get interesting real fast.
Getting back into riding after 15 plus years out. I'm a former A enduro rider. Looking at the Husqvarna te 300 and fe 450 and the Yamaha we 450. How is the Yamaha on tight trails/rocks/river beds? Is the suspension harsh when doing slower technical riding. Does it have a violent hit in the upper revs? Ill be riding everything from single track to jeep trails. Ive heard the Yamahas are lower maintenance..is that really true? Does the air intake noise bug you? Is it really that loud. I've heard guys say that they like the way the air intake sounds and other guys hated it...penny for your thoughts...haha! Steve from Ohio USA.
Hi Steve, you sound like a single track fan like me. Depends on how hard and technical you are going. If you are talking "hard Enduro" technical then I'd say get the two stroke. I've had both the 300 KTM and this Yamaha while I was trying to decide what to keep. The Yamaha won in the end. Simple answer is Yamaha has better suspension out the box. I've left mine stock where I feel with a Husky or KTM with WP you have to spend the money on the suspension. (I poured plenty of $$$ into mine and the KYB SSS fork is still better) If you are lighter, Slower and just ride slow speed tight trails the WP will just about cope. The KYB suspension has a much bigger scope of use out the box. You can always add a Zeta light Free piston. Cheap and DIY mod to KYB. I have one just haven't put this in the bike yet. Not sure I'll bother. I've owned the KTM made Husaberg FE/FX450 before. The air box is in the same place as the Yamaha. Personally I don't mind the sound. I like intake noise. Character in a good way. No the power doesn't have a crazy hit. Power is very smooth. It's anything you want it to be with the Power Tuner. If you were going 450 I'd say get the Yamaha. If you mainly ride hard Enduro but the Husky two stroke and sort the suspension. I wasn't keen on TPi so stated looking at four strokes. Settled on the Yamaha. No regrets.
@@twowheelpilot Thanks for the feedback....very helpful. I'm 6 feet tall 205 pound. Muscle not fat..Haha. my enduro will be flowing single track, lots of hill climbs only 5 to 10 percent hard enduro. I'm 58 and in good shape. I will take trips out to Colorado so hopefully the Yamaha does well at 8 to 14 thousand feet (Silverton co.). So is the intake sound loud or just kind of there. I've read were guys say they were going to wear ear plugs? Does it flame out.much or have they worked that out? Thanks
@@stevenburton7922 I don't wear ear plugs with any dirt bike. Road bikes yes for sure. No it doesn't flame out as much as Euro four strokes I've owned. Won't lug like a two stroke however but that is to be expected.
I bought a 2021 wr 450f I don't like the seat suspension was harsh but breaking in for sure getting better I haven't done ecu yet but will be next upgrade what handguards do you have
Hi Jason, what do you weigh? The KYB suspension is supportive for sure. I'd never call it harse however..I love it. You could always try a free LT piston in the fork, K-Tech and Zeta make them for that bike. Cheap mod too. I've the Zeta Armour guard with side mount. If you want I can make a video and upload it for you. Won't take long. Best setup as the armour guards can't rotate in a crash. Part numbers: Side mount ZE71-1822 Armour guard ZE72--0151 Plus whatever plastic shield you want. I use ZE72-0406. The free piston I mention above is ZE56-40010 I've no issue with the seat however at 6.3 I have ordered the same seat in tall version.
@@twowheelpilot I'm 6 feet and 235lbs but suspension is getting better also from the dealer tires had 32lbs in the tires which is 17lbs over so that made a difference letting air out as far as seat I'm going to get a seat concepts seat which should make things better a video of the hand guards would be great waiting for skid plate before riding too much but I want to be out riding if I could ever get away from work lol
@@jasonshellop4840 Hi there, I'll get a video of the hand guards up this week. Please see my Zeta hand guard video upload in the mean time. Love their range. Best on the market in my opinion.
I’ve always loved Yamaha. Had a wr426. Still miss the 12 l tank. What is the fuel range on the wr please Thinking of this or a 500 something. I’m a 115 kg rider including gear
Hi John. I get that question alot. Many reasons. The WR is more suited to single track, Enduro trail ride. However the WR will still handle GNCC type courses with ease and can be plated so fully road legal here at the time I purchased the bike. Looking at the specs the gear box has been made stronger too over the mx based box. For me the WR can wear many hats and do many things. It's also full power here in New Zealand.
@@twowheelpilot Okay thanks for that, definitely helps with some decision making! I am doing the Dakar in January this year and I currently have the KTM 450 excf 2018. I went for that as apposed to the xc-f because it had the power output that could run the navigation equipment and strong LED lights. Do you know if the the yz450fx and the wr450 run the same stater and power out put? Thanks man.
Here are some link to the parts like Michelin tyres and the bash plate. I have a SOFT front and MEDIUM rear fitted. www.michelin.com.au/motorbike/tyres/michelin-starcross-5-soft www.michelin.com.au/motorbike/tyres/michelin-starcross-5-medium www.yamaha-motor.co.nz/products/motorcycle/off-road www.axp-racing.com/en/ www.mcnews.com.au/off-road-motorcycles-sales-figures/ If anyone wants to ask any questions please sing out and I'll do my best to help.
Same as any competition four stroke. Lots of oil changes. 5 hours comes around real fast. Haven't owned the bike for hundreds of hours so can't comment on piston changes yet etc.
Like any of these high performance four strokes. They all hold bugger all oil so has to be expected. Most about 1ltr. It's doing alot of work so I'd not want to leave it longer than about 5 hours. No getting away from it that two strokes are cheaper to own long term however if you like four strokes then that isn't really an option. At least a Yamaha 450 is under stressed and being Japanese reliable going off friends bikes at least. More than I can say for some brands and highly strung 250F's. I'd never buy a 250F for that reason. Valve train time bomb pulling high revs constantly. I like to have some machanical sympathy. 😁🙏👍
Hi there, yes the unlocked competition ECU and the parts below are all included from Yamaha Brand new in NZ and Aus. GYTR Communication Control Unit B7R-H59C0-V0-00 Map Switch - WR B7B-83976-00-00
@@josephfelice601 No idea sorry. New Zealand price is $15,600 currently for year 2021. With shipping cost going through the room with Covid-19 the 2022 bikes will cost more. A 2021 KTM 450 EXC here is $17,900 for example and still doesn't have fan and other parts like the WR450F.
Hey bro, I am moving to NZ in 2 weeks. I am between the Wr450f, Crf450rl and the ktm 500. Help me decide! I want it for dual sports, but mostly off roading. Is the 5 speed a problem on the highway?
Hey mate, as much as I love the Yamaha I have to say for duel sport KTM 500 all the way. Extra 50cc on the road is nice and the 6 speed gear box. Plus easier to fit larger gas tank on the KTM. Off road out the box, Yamaha all the way. It's an impressive package.
I bought a brand new 2018 wr450f 4 years ago it has been the best bike I have ever owned. Great power great suspension and has been super reliable. Oil changes and a new battery this year and plenty of tires lol
Great review. I just sold my 07 WR 450F which I thought was the best bike ever, until I got a 2019 a few weeks ago with only one hour on it, and GYTR ECU/CCU and exhaust. I love the tunability. Like riding two completely different performing bikes, BOTH with awesome suspension! That high traction map is NASTY! Way more power than my 07, and the ride (I'm in love you can tell). Just hitting 60 next year. My forever bike!
Excellent, enjoy sir. I'm unfortunately not able to ride for a bit. Run out of talent and snapped my leg in three places! Serves me right for not learning the track and where it goes. Jumped clean off it into the right hand bank!!! Muppet I am!
That was a great video! I have the 2022 WR450F and I love it! And I will be 50 this year! Wouldn't trade it for any other 2022 bikes!
Thank you. Please see my other videos.
i thought the exact same about the WR being 'forgotten' here in the UK everyone is KTM obsessed. i owned the 03 WR 450 when they first came out and even tho there was a couple of recalls on it what a bike it was i loved it, had loads of on/off road bikes since and now after doin some digging want another.
Awesome video man 👍🏻 will be my next bike coming from a 250 exc tpi.
Great presentation man, I'm from aus I have a 04 WR450f had it 6 months and love it could only dream of a 21 model had DR650, BMW F700GS both with mods WR is heaps of fun good stuff👍
Thanks Jim, hard being in front of a camera! Trying not to say Huumm while thinking what to say next. I do most things in one take! More videos planned. We are in Level 4 lock down here so not really possible to go anywhere just at the moment.
So good to hear your thoughts mate. I just picked up my new 2022 WR450f yesterday, without ever riding one ... My last new bike was a XR400 , 03 model. Thats how long I have been out of the game for. Been borrowing a mates YZ450f for rides, to insane for enduro.
Yamaha power tuner is a game changer. Is great to be able to make the bike what you want. Richer, leaner, andvanced or retarded all with a smart phone. This and the more WR make for one very versatile ride.
Really informative well done video on the WR. My grandson owns the YZ250fx and it is truly a sweet bike out of the box. I switched from 4 strokes (Yamaha, KTM) to a KTM 300XC-w and as much as I like the Yamaha’s suspension I could never give up the lightness, balance, and flick-ability of that 300. I’m 70 yrs old and have ridden dirt bikes since the early 70’s, and from my past experience riding all manner of dirt bike the KTM is for me the finest of the fine for quickness, tune-ability, lightness, all out maneuverability, and maintenance. I use to end up with arm pump almost immediately riding those heavier, vibrating, slow turning 4 strokes but that is almost non-existent on the 300. Until I throw a leg over a 4 stroke that can equal the qualities of the 300 I’ll have to stick with it. Anyway, my 2 cents from an old kager, have a great day and happy trails to you.
Yeah I've owned a KTM 300 or 250 for 10 years now too. Only just sold my 300 for this WR450F. Weight wise the WR450F is only a few of KG heavier than the 300 I had. Due to its mass centralized engine design it doesn't feel much heavy to be honest. It's not like older lumbering four bangers. If I buy another two stoke it would probably be a KTM 250 EXC over a 300 next. I like the zing of a 250 over a 300. They just feel nicer reving out I think. I'd take this 2021 Yamaha WR450F over a KTM four stroke however. If I'm being greedy I'd have both! No time for two bikes however sadly. I'm not into KTM TPi bikes so this initiated my change to Yamaha. I like the simplicity of two-strokes, if you're gonna mess around with throttle position sensors, fuel pumps and injectors you might as well be on a four stroke. My 300 was a 2017 bike with Lectron carburettor. Love Lectron!
@@twowheelpilot I hear you. I like the TPI (actually changed the ECU to an Athena) which I really like, and installed aftermarket fuel (non Chinese) pump and filters. Also installed an S3 head which does a great job of grunt throughout the power band (it pulls and pulls). You might say that I’ve spent a lot on aftermarket parts but I’d have to do that on any bike that I purchase just because I’m old and I need a Cadillac to ride so it doesn’t beat me up on the trails. Anyway, I’ll stick with the 300 also because I can do all the maintenance and mechanics myself unlike the 4 strokes. Have a great day.
That is a constructive critique! It will save me a ton on all the mods necessary for an even more expensive stock Husky with its questionable rear subframe... Thanks, and have a great day!
Great video man. I've been on a 2016 KTM 350 XCF-W Six Days(with a ton of mods) and I'm pretty much sold on the 2021-22 450FX.
All KTM seems to end up with a ton of mods to make them how we want them. Mine did anyway. Don't over look the WR. I was going to go FX450 too however the WR is no soft trail bike and can do many more things than the FX. The WR is also better at single track/enduro. Enjoy whatever way you go. 👍
I have a 2019 yz 450fx and it's great even in tight single track I just leave it in the aggressive map it's fine if you have good throttle wrist control.
so powerful on the top end and so fun have 200 hours and no problems all stalk no valve adjustments
no difference in single track between the two especially with the power tuner you can make the fx the same or less power then the wr and the fx is at least 20 pounds lighter
Cheers pal you’ve made my mind up👍
Curious as to what decision that is?
Thanks
@@twowheelpilot to get the wr450 or the ktm 450👍
My titled and plated 2021 WR450F failed from a rod seizure at 7200 miles. I do maintain my bikes as recommended in the manual (seems every time someone mentions their Yamaha failed everyone jumps on the old lack of maintenance standby). Still trying to figure out what caused the failure. I've been hearing some talk on the street 2021 was not a good year for Yamaha dirt bikes. The bike is home with a new bottom end. I wonder how long this rebuild will last. Great bike hopefully it will not spin a rod at 7000 miles again.
Great review mate.👍
Thank you. More planned however COVID-19 hold ups and I run out of talent! Appreciate the compliment. Very hard putting your own face on a screen. Well I find it daunting! 😊
Also see my road to dirt video for more WR information.
@@twowheelpilot awesome mate I will check it out..
I got my first look at the new WR 450 yesterday out on the trail.
They sure do look like a quality bit of gear.
I like mine a lot and agree with what you are saying. I thought about adding a rekluse coming from a 300 that creeps this 450 takes a lot of clutch at slow speed
Load the right fuel map and alot of that goes away. Mine will lug on a part throttle with no clutch now.
@@twowheelpilot I haven’t tuned it yet cause I don’t understand the app
Awesome video! Did I understand that you are 230lbs? I am looking to get one however I am 6' 3" and 235 and am concerned that the suspension will bottom out? What are your thoughts? Thanks Jason
I am currently riding a 2019 KTM 300xc. I have been considering going back to a 4 stroke only for the simple fact that I like the option to just swing into a gas station if need be. The WR 450 is at the top of my list. I also have a KTM 890 adventure R. Also a monster on the trails. Do you miss the 2 smoker?
Interesting I also have a KTM890R adventure. I've now sold the Yamaha WR450 and gone back to a 2017 KTM300EXC Six day bike. I've been planning to make some more videos but haven't had time. The Yamaha is a great bike. However, for the sort of riding I do the two stroke suits me better. I like hardcore single track and slower more technical riding. As flexible as the WR is with the power tuner. It's still no two stroke.
I am torn between this and the yz450fx. I live in the US so we have to uncork the engine for full power and I don't think the wr comes with mapping. I currently have a 2009 yz250 that is built into a Woods machine for GNCC riding. I am getting older (45) and my son is starting to ride, so I want to step into the 4 stroke world. 2 Stroke are the most fun but most demanding, so I want to get an easier to ride bike.
Hi there,
I wouldn't say a 4 stroke is easier to ride. It's funny as over the years it's like two strokes and four strokes have swopped places. Two strokes have become more manageable and broader power and alot of four strokes actually quite peaky with narrow. The KTM 350 SXF/XCF is one good example of these. Give me a good 450 any day over a 350. Easier to ride I think. The WR450F is down on power vs USA spec FX450 however can be uncorked if needed. If it's easier to ride and more manageable you want, you may even prefer the USA spec WR over FX. The FX gearing is different and the bike has more agressive power. They don't really like going slow so expect more clutch work vs the WR or a Two stroke. I don't know where you ride so it's hard to say. General rule, if you prefer signal track, flowing young kits about, Enduro and woods riding get WR. If you prefer MX and gncc racing get the FX. The 2021 WR450F is still very much at the pointy end of race bike so don't think it couldn't do the odd MX because it will do just fine. Maybe get the WR and if you still want more then just get the Unlocked ECU, communication unit etc we get here stock. I'm 43 and carrying alot of injury so I appreciate a bike that looks after me alot these days.
Great review of the WR..however I think your a bit off on the 450fx. I live in US I'm 60 years old and recently bought 22 450fx. I was concerned about tight slower terrain. Riding in the rocky desert of Az. You can lug this bike like crazy. Works extremely well in slow, tight rocky single. I run mine in the mud map that comes as one of the options on the map switch. Bike never flames out and is very easy to control the power. Great bike
for pretty much everything.
Hello,, Ive got the '05 WR450F totally clean all free mods and street legal, total beast and love it but kicking around a new '23 but im afraid in the states its to choked down with emissions and would be slower than mine...Without doing a pipe what exactly would I have to do to totally uncork it..Mine has a carb and not fuel injected..I just do light trails im not a racer...👍
USA regs alot different to here in NZ. You would need alot of mods and an uncorked ECU. If not street legal don't stress. Just uncork the WR as I did. If you are running on the road that changes things.
Great video. Just bought 2022 I'm 66 years old! Old.... old school. Should you uncork or do mapping not sure? Maybe both?
I did both, and put a TwinAir power flow intake on and YZF pipe. Night and day different
@@twowheelpilot thanks
imagine me at a stoplight with a 27 inch inseam
Hey Mate great Vid, how do you find it on the open road ? have you ridden a 500 exc ? how does it compare ? cheers
Hi there, never used the WR450F on the road. Literally got it home and stripped it off all it's road gear and out in a box. Yes I've ridden 500 EXC and Husky 501 bikes. They all are horrible on the road. All competition dirt bikes don't do road well. Sure plenty of people do use them like that but I'd rather have a proper ADV bike. I own a KTM 990S adventure. It's easier to increase tank size on a KTM 500 vs the WR450. Suspension leagues better on the Yamaha and brakes better too. If I were dual sport riding alot and doing a few trail rides you can't go wrong with a DRZ400E. Cheap to buy, run and hold a good amount of oil. They go dam well too uncorked. Not like a 500 EXC or WR450 but no slug. Totally depends on your needs and expections. I've owned about 25 KTM dirt bikes plus Husaberg/KTM bikes and One DRZ, and now this Yamaha.
I forgot to mention the WR450 feels lighter than a KTM 500 but it all fairness it's 50cc less and mass centralized so that helps alot too. For duel sport use that isn't much of a concern.
@@twowheelpilot Cheers for your reply, all good points ! I've also had a few - 15 or so KTM/Husqvarna's - Loved the 500 - great on and off road, liked the characteristic of the 500 on the road - sure not all day but between tracks, occasional commute, wheelies! It just chugged along at 120 no problem. I wondered how the 450 would compare. Hopefully we are not locked down too much longer ! cheers
@@jarrahhealy7139 Yeah lock down in New Zealand isn't much fun. Level 4 is a killer. Literally stay at home. Eat, sleep work from home repeat.... The KTM 500 is a great bike. Probably a little better suited to dual sport that the Yamaha 450 however it's rediculous however priced they are and the suspension has to be done on the KTM. The time you do all that the Yamaha is literally thousands cheaper. See other other video Road to dirt. Over here it's like $3500 difference for the same spec KTM 450 EXC and the 500 is even more expensive. Add at least $1200 for suspension work on the KTM and the Yamaha is looking like a bargain. Would be ace if Yamaha made a WR500 too but not looking likely. Personally however I've been down the competition dirt bike on the road as a light ADV rig before and I hate it. They make everything to easy off road and on road suck on a long ride. I did 5500k down the south island this year in one hit. That would of been horrible on a single cylinder competition bike. Give me a twin Anyway plus ADV bikes take more work off road which is more fun for me. Things you'd fly up or down on a dirt bike take more thought and I like the challenge. I've always said doing proper ADV events on a competition dirt bike is like going to a crap trail ride. Take a big adv bike and things get interesting real fast.
Getting back into riding after 15 plus years out. I'm a former A enduro rider. Looking at the Husqvarna te 300 and fe 450 and the Yamaha we 450. How is the Yamaha on tight trails/rocks/river beds? Is the suspension harsh when doing slower technical riding. Does it have a violent hit in the upper revs? Ill be riding everything from single track to jeep trails. Ive heard the Yamahas are lower maintenance..is that really true? Does the air intake noise bug you? Is it really that loud. I've heard guys say that they like the way the air intake sounds and other guys hated it...penny for your thoughts...haha! Steve from Ohio USA.
Hi Steve, you sound like a single track fan like me. Depends on how hard and technical you are going. If you are talking "hard Enduro" technical then I'd say get the two stroke. I've had both the 300 KTM and this Yamaha while I was trying to decide what to keep. The Yamaha won in the end. Simple answer is Yamaha has better suspension out the box. I've left mine stock where I feel with a Husky or KTM with WP you have to spend the money on the suspension. (I poured plenty of $$$ into mine and the KYB SSS fork is still better) If you are lighter, Slower and just ride slow speed tight trails the WP will just about cope. The KYB suspension has a much bigger scope of use out the box. You can always add a Zeta light Free piston. Cheap and DIY mod to KYB. I have one just haven't put this in the bike yet. Not sure I'll bother. I've owned the KTM made Husaberg FE/FX450 before. The air box is in the same place as the Yamaha. Personally I don't mind the sound. I like intake noise. Character in a good way. No the power doesn't have a crazy hit. Power is very smooth. It's anything you want it to be with the Power Tuner. If you were going 450 I'd say get the Yamaha. If you mainly ride hard Enduro but the Husky two stroke and sort the suspension. I wasn't keen on TPi so stated looking at four strokes. Settled on the Yamaha. No regrets.
@@twowheelpilot Thanks for the feedback....very helpful. I'm 6 feet tall 205 pound. Muscle not fat..Haha. my enduro will be flowing single track, lots of hill climbs only 5 to 10 percent hard enduro. I'm 58 and in good shape. I will take trips out to Colorado so hopefully the Yamaha does well at 8 to 14 thousand feet (Silverton co.). So is the intake sound loud or just kind of there. I've read were guys say they were going to wear ear plugs? Does it flame out.much or have they worked that out? Thanks
@@stevenburton7922 I don't wear ear plugs with any dirt bike. Road bikes yes for sure. No it doesn't flame out as much as Euro four strokes I've owned. Won't lug like a two stroke however but that is to be expected.
I bought a 2021 wr 450f I don't like the seat suspension was harsh but breaking in for sure getting better I haven't done ecu yet but will be next upgrade what handguards do you have
Hi Jason, what do you weigh? The KYB suspension is supportive for sure. I'd never call it harse however..I love it. You could always try a free LT piston in the fork, K-Tech and Zeta make them for that bike. Cheap mod too. I've the Zeta Armour guard with side mount. If you want I can make a video and upload it for you. Won't take long. Best setup as the armour guards can't rotate in a crash.
Part numbers:
Side mount ZE71-1822
Armour guard ZE72--0151
Plus whatever plastic shield you want. I use ZE72-0406.
The free piston I mention above is ZE56-40010
I've no issue with the seat however at 6.3 I have ordered the same seat in tall version.
@@twowheelpilot I'm 6 feet and 235lbs but suspension is getting better also from the dealer tires had 32lbs in the tires which is 17lbs over so that made a difference letting air out as far as seat I'm going to get a seat concepts seat which should make things better a video of the hand guards would be great waiting for skid plate before riding too much but I want to be out riding if I could ever get away from work lol
@@jasonshellop4840 Hi there, I'll get a video of the hand guards up this week. Please see my Zeta hand guard video upload in the mean time. Love their range. Best on the market in my opinion.
I’ve always loved Yamaha. Had a wr426. Still miss the 12 l tank. What is the fuel range on the wr please Thinking of this or a 500 something. I’m a 115 kg rider including gear
I'm about your weight geared up. No idea on the range sorry. Never bothered to check.
Around 80km, light goes on
@@zzxx33mh wow is that all. I was hoping at least 100 klm.
This bike should have blinkers on it! It would sell twice as much
It did have, check out my other video.
Hi, I’m looking at buying in the same bike, would you say the bike is capable of doing the hard motocross race
Thanks
Yes, the bike is the most YZ it's ever been. If you are A grade, and Motocross is all you do then a YZ is obviously a better choice.
Thanks, for the the reply just looking for a bike what I can ride to the shops and do that one of mx race 😂
Thanks.
Looking to do the same thing in 2022. Why did you go for the WR VS the yz450fx?
Hi John. I get that question alot. Many reasons. The WR is more suited to single track, Enduro trail ride. However the WR will still handle GNCC type courses with ease and can be plated so fully road legal here at the time I purchased the bike. Looking at the specs the gear box has been made stronger too over the mx based box. For me the WR can wear many hats and do many things. It's also full power here in New Zealand.
@@twowheelpilot Okay thanks for that, definitely helps with some decision making! I am doing the Dakar in January this year and I currently have the KTM 450 excf 2018. I went for that as apposed to the xc-f because it had the power output that could run the navigation equipment and strong LED lights. Do you know if the the yz450fx and the wr450 run the same stater and power out put? Thanks man.
Sorry if I missed it but what rpm does it sit on at 100kmh?
No idea sorry. No rev counter on a competition Enduro bike.
Here are some link to the parts like Michelin tyres and the bash plate. I have a SOFT front and MEDIUM rear fitted.
www.michelin.com.au/motorbike/tyres/michelin-starcross-5-soft
www.michelin.com.au/motorbike/tyres/michelin-starcross-5-medium
www.yamaha-motor.co.nz/products/motorcycle/off-road
www.axp-racing.com/en/
www.mcnews.com.au/off-road-motorcycles-sales-figures/
If anyone wants to ask any questions please sing out and I'll do my best to help.
Hello, I'm a 190cm 210lbs rider without gear, is this a good bike for a beginner especially since it has the power tuner app?
Hi there,
Absolutely not. This is not a beginner bike at all. Might I suggest the 250 WR or FX instead. Any 450 will punish in inexperienced hands.
@@twowheelpilot I see, what about a 350?
What do you think about the service intervals, I wanna know your opinion…
Same as any competition four stroke. Lots of oil changes. 5 hours comes around real fast. Haven't owned the bike for hundreds of hours so can't comment on piston changes yet etc.
Like any of these high performance four strokes. They all hold bugger all oil so has to be expected. Most about 1ltr. It's doing alot of work so I'd not want to leave it longer than about 5 hours. No getting away from it that two strokes are cheaper to own long term however if you like four strokes then that isn't really an option. At least a Yamaha 450 is under stressed and being Japanese reliable going off friends bikes at least. More than I can say for some brands and highly strung 250F's. I'd never buy a 250F for that reason. Valve train time bomb pulling high revs constantly. I like to have some machanical sympathy. 😁🙏👍
Does the Aus & Nz come with competition GYTR ecu as stock?
Hi there, yes the unlocked competition ECU and the parts below are all included from Yamaha Brand new in NZ and Aus.
GYTR Communication Control Unit
B7R-H59C0-V0-00
Map Switch - WR
B7B-83976-00-00
What's the price in AUS? Thanks
@@josephfelice601 15-16k
@@josephfelice601 No idea sorry. New Zealand price is $15,600 currently for year 2021. With shipping cost going through the room with Covid-19 the 2022 bikes will cost more. A 2021 KTM 450 EXC here is $17,900 for example and still doesn't have fan and other parts like the WR450F.
Hey bro, I am moving to NZ in 2 weeks. I am between the Wr450f, Crf450rl and the ktm 500. Help me decide! I want it for dual sports, but mostly off roading. Is the 5 speed a problem on the highway?
Hey mate, as much as I love the Yamaha I have to say for duel sport KTM 500 all the way. Extra 50cc on the road is nice and the 6 speed gear box. Plus easier to fit larger gas tank on the KTM. Off road out the box, Yamaha all the way. It's an impressive package.
@@twowheelpilot I saw the ktm 500, looks lower quality compared to the honda and yamaha. Does it come with map switch in NZ?
@@twowheelpilot The Honda is too heavy I think, but probably vibrates less and as better suspension than the other 2?
@@plantpower3048 the Yamaha has the best suspension by far in my opinion at the box
@@plantpower3048 only the KTM 500 six day model comes with the map switch.