patrickZ
MF veteraan
It is not exactly surprising news but it is exciting news that Yamaha announced two all-new off-road bikes this week, and they used the Marconi Automotive Museum as a backdrop to show off their new machines. Following in the footsteps of the 250F off-road models, the all-new YZ450FX and WR450F are adaptations of Yamaha’s motocrosser with some big changes to adapt them to off-road racing and riding.
Both of the new models start from the 2016 YZ450F, which is a powerhouse of a motocrosser, and make some additions and some parts swaps that should make these bikes serious contenders in the woods, deserts, and mountains.
As for the additions that both of these new models share versus the 2016 motocrosser, both the FX and WR have electric starting, a skid plate (unlike last year’s 250FX, which only came with mounts, the 450FX comes with the skid plate), and kickstands.
As for the suspension modifications both of the off-road models share the same spring rates front and rear. In front the off-road models both have 4.5N/mm springs (compared to the 5.0N/mm front springs in the MX model) and all three 2016 450s share the same rear shock rate, a 56N/mm spring. Each of the three Yamaha 450s has its own valving spec, so while the MX bike has its motocross valving, the FX gets what Yamaha calls the “XC” spec, and the WR getting what it calls the “Enduro” spec.
The two new bikes have the motocrosser’s engine, but each off-road model gets its own unique tune, presumably with the FX being more aggressive than the WR. The FX engine is tunable with the GYTR Power Tuner, but the WR engine is not in stock form.
The off-road models each get a wide ratio transmission (a 5-speed, just like the MXer) and a different clutch (compared to the MX bike) with different fiber material, a judder spring, lighter clutch springs, and a different clutch actuator arm with a different cam on it. (Presumably all the mods are for a lighter clutch with a less-abrupt engagement, but Yamaha would not confirm this). The WR also gets an o-ring chain.
Both bikes also get revised engine mounts, as well as a ‘large capacity generator.’ They both swap their 19” rear wheel for an 18” rear, and in 2016 each of the 450 Yamahas comes with different tires. While the MXer comes with Dunlop MX52 tires, the WR comes with MX51s, and the FX gets Dunlop AT81s.
Only the WR is CARB/EPA legal, so it gets a green sticker in California. While the closed-course only FX keeps the YZF’s same exhaust, the WR gets something very different; the WR’s muffler/spark arrestor is a mechanical design (baffles rather than packing material). Along with this muffler/spark arrestor, only the WR gets a throttle stop and a resonator in the airbox. Other mods that the WR only gets are a headlight and taillight, an enduro computer, and a radiator fan.
On a completely different front, Yamaha also announced some other new additions to its 2016 model line up, and another off-road bike, the Super Tenere adventure bike will be offered in a 60th Anniversary edition yellow.
If you look at Yamaha’s full-sized racing MX and off-road bikes, they have a very full lineup of nine different models: 3 450s, 3 250Fs, and 3 two-strokes (250s and a 125). This doesn’t include their play/beginner bikes or their 85cc racer. It wasn’t too long ago people were wondering if the Japanese companies had given up on off-road, but Yamaha has taken some huge strides to re-enter the market. The company will also be announcing their 2016 race contingency (through their bLU cRU program) next week on the 15th of October.
The 2016 YZ450FX and WR450F will be available in November, which add to the excitement – these bikes are right around the corner. Check back here, we’ll be posting ride reviews as soon as we get a chance to ride these new models!
