Yamaha WR450F 2026 — Specifications

Yamaha has seriously recommitted to its WR 450 F 2024->2026. This is the lightest, narrowest, and fastest 450 cc enduro motorcycle ever built by the brand. Based on the latest generation of YZ 450 F, which has demonstrated its potential by winning victories in MXGP and AMA Supercross, the WR 450 F is characterized by its performance, a power that is always manageable, and optimal agility.

For added peace of mind, the WR 450 F benefits, worldwide first, from an electronic anti-theft locking system, accessible via the free Power Tuner application. This feature allows owners to lock the ECU so that the engine does not start until the owner has unlocked their machine using a password. The Power Tuner application also features a lap timer function and allows for simple and intuitive settings. It can also be used to adjust traction control parameters.

For 2026, the machine features a new blue seat with a non-slip surface to allow the rider to maintain their position during hard acceleration. To facilitate movement on the motorcycle and transition from a seated to a standing position, the flat and thin seat has rounded edges.

The style of this enduro has been radically revised, the super-compact bodywork being derived from the latest YZ 450 F, already widely praised for its impressive agility. The WR 450 F benefits from numerous design modifications and enduro-specific settings - including a revised ECU with a refined FI mapping, a revised chassis stiffness, and suspension settings with a lower roller height - as well as a larger fuel tank and specifications fully adapted to enduro.

Developed based on the YZ 450 F block, the latest generation reverse-head engine of the WR 450 F develops increased power thanks to a new high-efficiency intake system that benefits from a redesigned flow, offering a more direct path to the 39 mm diameter titanium intake valves.

Lighter and narrower than the previous model, this 450 cc high-tech dry-sump engine also features a new forged piston, a lighter cylinder liner, a connecting rod bearing, and a new timing chain, all designed to withstand superior performance.

The intake system of the WR 450 F has been completely redesigned. Fresh air now passes through the space between the fuel tank, the frame, the seat, and the side panels to enter the airbox. The short silencer improves mass centralization and emphasizes the compactness of the WR 450 F. The ECU has also been revised and its FI-specific settings are designed to deliver more controllable power at low rpm with strong and linear torque and exceptional performance at mid and high rpm.

To benefit from reduced weight and an increased feeling of lightness, the WR 450 F type 2024 is equipped with a newly designed clutch with steel plates and springs with eight optimized friction discs specific to the WR. The primary gear and the clutch casing are integrated, and the six springs of the previous model are replaced by a single diaphragm spring that offers better control during clutch engagement and slip on slow-speed corner exits.

The long 5-speed gearbox features increased spacing between the main shaft and the countershaft, and the main shaft gears are wider for increased durability and reduced weight. The spaced ratios allow the rider to achieve optimal performance on all terrains, whether they are slow and technical or fast and wide.

The chassis of the WR 450 F follows the general design of the latest generation of YZ 450 F and features a number of specific technical modifications to ensure its suitability for enduro racing. The main modification to the frame is the repositioned steering tube, which is 15 mm lower than previously. Combined with the modified tank rails that incorporate a new U-profile at the rear, the aluminum double-beam frame allows the center of gravity to be lowered, which translates to increased agility in directional changes.

Compared to the YZ 450 F cross, the WR 450 F enduro frame benefits from revised flex characteristics to increase shock absorption. Allowing slight lateral flex when absorbing shocks on rough terrain, the WR 450 F frame offers a more forgiving behavior that contributes to reducing rider fatigue and providing a better feel. Other new enduro-specific features include special engine mounts with an additional degree of flexibility.

The bodywork of the WR 450 F is characterized by refined panels, 50 mm narrower than previously, as well as a much thinner midsection and a flatter seat profile that facilitate rider position changes during braking, acceleration, and cornering.

The compact side panels contribute to the efficiency of rear air intake, and the smaller front and rear fenders emphasize the narrowness of the WR 450 F. The new front fender also improves airflow to the radiators for more efficient cooling, and the newly shaped rear fender incorporates a profiled lower section that facilitates rider handling of the motorcycle.

The KYB front and rear suspensions of the WR 450 F, the best in their class, are known for their excellent performance at different speeds and on different terrains. Compared to the latest YZ 450 F, the WR 450 F 2024-2026 benefits from a 10 mm reduction in travel at the front and rear, which lowers the seat height and the center of gravity. The combined effect of the machine and the rider seated 10 mm lower makes a significant difference in the motorcycle's handling, particularly in slow-speed cornering on technical terrain.

The riding position of the WR 450 F has been revised: the footrests have been moved downwards to increase the distance between the rider's hips and feet by 10 mm, and the handlebars have been slightly brought closer to the rider. This riding triangle offers a more natural riding position to provide a greater sense of rider/machine unity and better chassis control.

The KYB fork incorporates a manual adjustment device for compression damping for tool-free adjustment. In addition, the combination of reinforced fork seals and redesigned fork protectors offering the tubes better protection against dirt and debris extends the life of the seals.

Yamaha was the first to offer wireless tuning on its 4-stroke competition off-road models, and the Power Tuner application for the WR 450 F has been further improved. The application's new version features a quick tuning function that allows you to easily select any engine setting, favoring smoothness or aggressiveness, simply by sliding a bar. This is an obvious and intuitive function that allows you to select different engine power settings depending on the conditions - and the new Lap Timer function allows riders and teams to discover the most effective settings.

The Power Tuner application also retains the previously available 4x4 (16 value) matrix, which allows riders to make finer adjustments to fuel and ignition timing.

Every characteristic of the WR 450 F has been designed to give the rider optimal control in all conditions, and the traction control system is another example of how this high-tech enduro machine has been designed to allow riders of all levels of experience to reach their full potential. Equipped with two levels of assistance and an OFF function, this electronic control technology temporarily suppresses power using the ignition command when rear wheel slip is detected.

The rider can easily select different engine maps and different anti-spin settings using the multi-function switch located on the left side of the handlebar. Custom maps can be downloaded to the motorcycle using the Power Tuner application, and the best settings can be selected "on the fly" to achieve the best performance in changing riding conditions.

The WR 450 F is ready to endure. It has a lightweight 18-inch rear wheel, enduro tires, lighting, instrumentation, a side stand, and a radiator fan. The fuel tank is larger than the YZ 450 F (7.4 liters), and the airbox is accessible without tools, while an engine guard and enduro silencer complete its features.

- More robust and lighter engine type YZ 450 F- More efficient air intake- Monoblock steel clutch with diaphragm spring- Lightweight long 5-speed gearbox- New compact aluminum frame- KYB suspensions with shorter travel to lower the center of gravity- More slender and compact bodywork to facilitate rider mobility- Optimized ergonomics- Simplified Power Tuner application for total control- Traction control system- Ready to endure- Non-homologation model

Photos and info: Yamaha