Yamaha WR450F: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
As one of Australia's best-selling motorcycles, the latest Yamaha WR450F is a near-perfect example of what a versatile enduro bike should be
Why is the Yamaha WR450F a bikesales BOTY finalist?
When we last received sales figures for individual models, the Yamaha WR450F was the best-selling motorcycle in Australia. That’s right – not just the bestselling dirt bike, but the best-selling full-size road-legal motorcycle. And now, with this latest update, the iconic enduro bike is more relevant than ever before.
Since its introduction in 1998 as the WR400F, the Japanese firm’s flagship enduro model has been the everyman’s bike. It has served professional racers, weekend warriors, and humble trailriders alike. It was never the fastest, lightest or flashiest enduro bike on the market, but it offered a no-fuss and bulletproof approach to dirt bike riding.
In recent years, however, Yamaha has injected the WR450F with DNA from its championship-winning YZ450F motocross model. The result is a bike that is more competitive and capable than any of its predecessors.
For 2021, the WR450F received significant changes including a new frame, updated suspension and brakes, and notable engine modifications. The changes bring the enduro model in line with the YZ450F, but the WR is far from just a motocross bike for the bush.
As has always been the case, the WR450F is a winner for its supreme versatility and durability. Whether you’re looking to race or just to trailride, the WR450F will give you what you need. While the updates do result in a sharper, faster and racier package, the WR450F is still user friendly and easy to maintain.
Who will the Yamaha WR450F appeal to?
As above, the Yamaha WR450F is the everyman’s enduro bike. It can suit all manner of riding styles and terrain, from high-speed desert riding, to tight and technical single trail, and everything in between.
Experienced riders will love the power and agility, while less-experienced riders will love the simple maintenance requirements and ease-of-use. That said, the WR’s motocross-like personality may take a little getting used to for those not familiar with it.
Many dedicated enduro riders have gravitated towards the European brands in recent years, however this latest WR450F could swing a few back over to the brand from the land of the Rising Sun. It is an attractive and competitive package that very few will dislike.
Related Reading:
Aprilia RS 660: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
BMW R 18: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Ducati Multistrada V4: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Harley-Davidson Pan America: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
KTM 890 Adventure R: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Suzuki Hayabusa: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Yamaha MT-09: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Harley-Davidson LiveWire: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
2021 bikesales Bike of the Year starts here
2021 bikesales Learner Bike of the Year starts here
2020 bikesales Bike of the Year
How much does the Yamaha WR450F cost?
If there is one downside to the Yamaha WRF450F, it is the price tag. At $15,949 ride away, it is certainly not on the cheaper side. But it is important to note that many of its European competitors are in the same ball park. The reality is that dirt bikes just aren’t as cheap as they once were.
And you could look at it this way – for that price, you get a capable, well-equipped and well-built motorcycle that is versatile, durable, and high-performing. And that sounds like a pretty good deal to us.
What have we already said about the Yamaha WR450F?
When bikesales’ Sam Charlwood tested the 2021 Yamaha WR450F back in March, he was instantly drawn to the machine’s motocross influences. “Don’t discard the motocross rhetoric as pure PR fluff,” he said in his review. “The Yamaha WR450F feels unapologetically like an MX bike.”
But he also concluded that the changes to the WR “conspired to deliver a sharper, more engaging machine that really does elicit confidence.” He also said that Yamaha had updated the machine “without diluting the WR’s user-friendly appeal.”
In summing up, he said that the Yamaha WR450F is “a bike for every off-road occasion, if there ever was one.”
Yamaha WR450F at a glance:
Price: $15,949 ride away
Engine: 449cc Liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve
Output: N/A
Transmission: Constant mesh 5-speed
Weight: 119kg
Seat height: 955mm
Fuel capacity: 7.9lt
Related Reading:
2021 Yamaha WR450F Review
Advice: What is a dirt bike?
Yamaha Australia reveals 2021 WR450F 'Aussie Edition'
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
