Yamaha has launched its four-stroke enduro range for 2024, including a new-generation WR450F.
The 2024 Yamaha WR450F can be seen as the enduro equivalent of the update Yamaha’s flagship motocrosser, the YZ450F, received for the 2023 model year. Slimmer bodywork, a new motor, new chassis, greater tunability through the Power Tuner App, and revised suspension (with 10mm less stroke for a lower seat height and lower centre of gravity) from KYB all feature. There is also a new disc spring clutch with friction plates that are specific to the Yamaha WR, while the six-spring setup of the previous version is replaced by a single-spring format for 2024. Yamaha says this new single-spring setup allows for better control.
As ever, the 2024 WR450F is derived directly from the YZ450F, the 2023 model of which came within two races of winning the AMA Supercross 450SX title earlier this year, before Eli Tomac ruptured his achilles at the penultimate round of the series. In Europe, the new bike has been used to reach the top step of the MXGP podium by Jeremy Seewer and Maxime Renaux this year. So, the WR450F’s 2024 updates have a decent pedigree.
As standard, the 2024 WR450F comes with a new traction control system, itself featuring two levels of assistance as well as an ‘off’ setting; enduro-spec tyres, lights, instruments, muffler, sidestand; an engine guard; a radiator fan; toolless airbox access; and a 7.4-litre fuel tank.
2024 Yamaha WR450F Technical Highlights
- All new YZ450F-type engine
- Higher efficiency air intake
- New disc spring clutch
- Lightweight, wide-ratio, five-speed transmission
- New aluminium chassis
- Shorter stroke KYB suspension for lowered mass
- Slimmer and more compact bodywork
- Revised ergonomics
- Simplified Power Tuner App
- New traction control system
- Full enduro-ready specification
Of course, there is not only a WR450F in Yamaha’s 2024 enduro range, but also a WR250F. Since the WR450F is receiving in 2024 the updates the YZ450F received in 2023, it is unsurprising that the 2024 WR250F does not receive the updates of the 2024 YZ250F. Perhaps they will come for the 2025 model year.
Either way, the WR250F retains a strong base, derived from the up-to-2023-generation YZ250F, which took Maxime Renaux to the MX2 World Championship in 2021; and Colt Nichols and Justin Cooper to the AMA Supercross 250SX East and 250SX West titles, respectively, the same year. This year, the 2023 YZ250F was used by Haiden Deegan to win the Redbud and Washougal Nationals in the AMA Pro Motocross series.
2024 Yamaha WR250F Technical Highlights
- YZ250F-type engine
- Yamaha’s reverse-head technology
- Aluminium frame
- KYB suspension
- Power Tuner App
- Wide ratio, 6-speed transmission
- Mass centralised design
- Two-mode engine mapping switch
- Lightweight multi-function display
- Developed using Yamaha’s MX2 race winning technology
The 2024 WR450F is available from November 2023 and will be offered in Icon Blue. The WR250F is available from October 2023 and will be offered in Icon Blue with new graphics. Head to the Yamaha website to find out more, and to locate your nearest dealer.
