Ballard helps design Yamaha WR450F

Yamaha Motors Australia spokesman Sean Goldhawk says Ballard was invited to Japan to give his views on the first major update of the bike in almost five years.

Goldhawk says Australia and NZ are the biggest markets in the world for the WRs, which was one of the reasons Ballard was invited to provide input into their update. Multi-medal winning enduro team manager Ballard, 52, describes the new bike as a complete package. 

"It really is strong in every area and an ideal bike for Aussie conditions," he says. The WR450F is the top-selling enduro bike in Australia by more than two to one over the KTM 350EXCF. The new WR inherits a lot of technology from the 2012 YZ250F motocross bike, including an aluminium bilateral beam frame similar for sharp steering and handling.

It also gets twin-chamber suspension inspired by the YZ, but tuned more for enduro riding to absorb big hits with a softer initial travel for tight turns. The fuel injection can also now be tuned for stable engine performance in a variety of temperatures and altitudes with a hand-held, portable Power Tuner from the YZ450F. It connects to the WR450F via a coupler.

The 450cc engine has been tuned to meet the requirements of the new FI system and chassis changes, but retains liquid cooling and five titanium valve, single-cylinder layout. A special cam profile has been developed to suit enduro RPM use and the five-speed gearbox has ratios suitable to cover a wide range of riding environments.

The engine is fitted with an exhaust pipe resonator to improve power output in the low to midspeed range. The new radiator has a wider core to increased reliability and resist shock. The WR also gets a new enduro seat, slim plastic resin 7.2 litre fuel tank, a fuel level warning light, black Excel rims, a new headlight cover, side covers and graphics.

Testers claim the new engine is smooth with easy EFI tuning and crisp throttle response. They have also praised on the excellent suspension. However, it's still heavier than it should be and the three-month parts-only warranty may be industry standard, but it's really not good enough.

Yamaha WR450F

Price: $12,990
Warranty: 3 months (parts only)
Service interval: 3000km/3 months
Engine: 449cc liquid-cooled EFI single
Transmission: 5-speed, chain
Body: 2315mm (L); 825m (w); 1275m (h), 960mm (Seat), 335mm (Clearance)
Wet weight: 129kg
Fuel: 7.2L tank
Tyres: 80/100-21; 120/90-18