The 2009 Yamaha WR450F is the same machine as last year, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing considering it almost won our 2008 450 Enduro Shootout.
Courtesy of Yamaha
2009 WR450F
ENGINE:
- 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke with five titanium valves delivers more broad power than ever, with high over-rev capacity and crisp, linear throttle response.
- Special WR camshafts, carburetion, intake ports, exhaust, etc., all work together to produce an engine with mind-boggling low- and midrange power.
- Special crank balance factor and AC generator provide super-smooth running. A piston oil-jet provides increased cooling for long life.
- Dry-sump lubrication system carries the oil reservoir inside the engine cases, for excellent mass centralization and simplified plumbing.
- 39mm Keihinr FCR flat-slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS) produces ultra-precise fuel/air mixing and lightning-quick throttle response.
- No-tools airbox uses hinge-type quick-open lid. Battery rides low for excellent handling.
The 2008 450F was a bad mama-jama in its own right, but with the progressive nature of our sport, how will the unchanged '09 fare against the rest of the enduro market.
- Digital CDI ignition system delivers more precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimal timing for fast, strong response during hard acceleration.
- Large-capacity radiators with reinforcements ensure maximum cooling efficiency with great strength.
- Wide-ratio five-speed transmission uses strengthened gears and YZ450F-spec multiplate clutch-good for quick-hitting power in the woods, as well as eye-opening top-end power.
- Lightweight exhaust system maximizes engine power and allows hassle-free replacement of oil filter.
- Aluminum muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor looks trick and keeps things light.
- Works-style clutch lever features oversize barrel adjuster for easy, on-the-fly adjustability of lever/cable play. - Electric start ensures easy restarts.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION:
- YZ-inspired aluminum frame helps reduce weight while optimizing mass centralization. An extensively tested assembly of aluminum forgings, castings and extrusions, the WR frame retains legendary Yamaha handling and response.
- Removable aluminum rear subframe is constructed of square-section tube for reduced weight.
- Fully adjustable air-/oil-separate 48mm cartridge-type fork delivers precise, fade-free handling; fork protectors provide excellent tube protection.
- Tapered swingarm adopts YZ-style linkage for controlled, compliant rear suspension action. Lightweight axle and holders reduce weight in a critical area.
- The KYBr shock provides 12.0 inches of travel with adjusters for high- and low-speed compression damping, rebound and spring preload-and features a larger piggyback reservoir for excellent damping and fade resistance.
- Wave-style brake discs reduce unsprung weight and provide excellent performance. Front and rear calipers with aluminum pistons deliver strong stopping power with progressive feel.
- Lightweight 21-inch front and 18-inch rear Excel rims provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance.
- Premium Dunlopr knobbies offer unbeatable, competition-spec traction and excellent wear.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
- Cool YZ-derived bodywork and a thick seat look great and feel excellent on long rides. ProTaperr aluminum handlebar in forged triple clamp for light weight and great comfort.
- Slim-design lightweight fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons.
- One-piece, high-strength, plastic skidplate shaves weight and offers great protection.
- Lightweight, 35-watt headlight and sweet LED taillight maximize visibility and draw less current.
- Adjustable front brake lever.
- Ultra-wide footpegs for more comfort.
- Repackable aluminum muffler shaves weight.
- Front wheel collar makes front wheel removal quick and easy.
2009 W250F
Nothing new on this front either. The 2009 WR250F gets a fresh set of graphics but is mechanically unchanged.
- 249cc liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke with five titanium valves delivers excellent low- and midrange power, with high over-rev capacity and crisp, linear throttle response.
- Special WR camshafts, carburetion, and exhaust and ignition systems work together to produce a quick-revving engine with great low- and midrange power.
- 37mm Keihinr FCR flat-slide carburetor with throttle position sensor (TPS) ensures ultra-precise fuel/air mixing and lightning-quick throttle response.
- Close-ratio five-speed gearbox tackles almost any terrain. - No-tools airbox uses hinge-type quick-open lid. Battery rides low for excellent handling.
- Digital CDI ignition system delivers more precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimal timing for fast, strong response during hard acceleration.
- Large-capacity radiators with reinforcements ensure maximum cooling efficiency with great strength.
- Lightweight exhaust system maximizes engine power and allows hassle-free replacement of oil filter.
- Aluminum muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor looks trick and keeps things light.
- Works-style clutch lever features oversize barrel adjuster for easy, on-the-fly adjustability of lever/cable play.
- Electric start ensures easy restarts.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION:
- YZ-inspired aluminum frame reduces weight while optimizing mass centralization. An extensively tested assembly of aluminum forgings, castings and extrusions, the WR frame retains legendary Yamaha handling and response.
- Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed of squaresection tube for reduced weight.
- Fully adjustable air-/oil-separate 48mm fork tubes deliver precise, fade-free handling; fork protectors provide excellent tube protection.
- Tapered swingarm uses YZ-style linkage for controlled, compliant rear suspension action. Axle and holders reduce weight in a critical area.
- The KYBr shock provides 12.2 inches of travel with adjusters for high- and low-speed compression damping, rebound and spring preload-and features a larger piggyback reservoir for excellent damping and fade resistance.
- Wave-style disc brake rotors front and rear reduce unsprung weight and provide excellent performance. Front and rear calipers with aluminum pistons deliver strong stopping power with progressive feel.
- Lightweight 21-inch front and 18-inch rear rims provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for optimal suspension performance.
- Premium Dunlopr knobbies offer unbeatable, competition-spec traction and excellent wear.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
- Cool YZ-derived bodywork and a thick seat look great and feel excellent on long rides.
- ProTaperr aluminum handlebar in forged triple clamp shaves weight and increases comfort.
- Wide footpegs for great comfort.
- Slim-design, lightweight fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons.
- One-piece, high-strength, plastic skidplate shaves weight and offers great protection.
- Lightweight, 35-watt headlight and sweet LED taillight maximize visibility and draw less current.
- Adjustable front brake lever.
- Repackable aluminum muffler shaves weight.
- Front wheel collar makes front wheel removal quick and easy.
