YAMAHA WR450F (2003-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2003, the Japanese maker released the Yamaha WR450F, an off-road motorcycle that debuted in 1998 under the WR400F designation. The bike shared many design concepts and components with the Yamaha YZ400F motocross machine.

The fourth generation of the WR450F began with the 2007 model, which gained an aluminum frame that slightly reduced the overall weight. The 2007 model also got a revised engine with a new balancer, cylinder head, and camshafts.

The fourth generation was manufactured from 2007 to 2011, and the 2009 WR450F model received new graphics, while the 2010 machine was not sold in the United States market.

The 2012 WR450F marked the beginning of the fifth generation and included some modifications, such as a 2012 YZ450F frame, a KYB SSS front fork, a fuel injection system, and a modified engine position, rotated backward for a new center of gravity and handling improvement.

The 2003 Yamaha WR450F was powered by a 449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine that delivered 58 hp with a peak at 9,000 rpm and 49 Nm (36 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The bike's braking power was achieved by a four-piston caliper with a 250 mm disc mounted on the front wheel and a dual-piston caliper with a 245 mm disc mounted on the rear wheel, delivering excellent stopping power.

As for suspension, the bike's riding was softened by a 46 mm inverted Kayaba fork with compression and rebound adjustability on the front and a fully-adjustable Kayaba shock absorber on the rear.