2012 Yamaha WR450F - First Impression - Dirt Rider Magazine

The new 2012 Yamaha WR450F is pretty exciting, especially to those in the off-road world. It might even be of interest to those in the motocross world because it's really a combo of many Yamahas mashed all together. The frame of the new WR450 is exactly the frame from the 2012 YZ250F, the only change is a couple mounting points for the now fuel injected WR450 engine, which has powered the WR450 for many years and is essentially the same power plant that propelled the 2009 YZ450F motocrosser. The new swing arm is a modified version of last years WR450 swing arm. The fuel injection comes from a Keihin 42mm throttle body and a 12 hole injector. The new three-phase A.C. magneto generator puts out 160 watts to drive the EFI system.

To complement the new slimmer feel of the frame, the WR450 now has the KYB speed sensitive system forks, which house the spring in the lower inner tube, moving more weight down. The bodywork on the new WR450 is the same as the YZ250F, giving it a very aggressive, cool look. Ground clearance has been increased with the new frame, keeping those feet a little farther from the ground and danger.

If you wanted to knock ten pounds of the new WR450 you could take the electric start off, including the battery. In stock trim the WR450 still has a throttle stop to help it pass the EPA testing and make it green sticker legal in California.

We've spent a couple hours riding the new WR450 and so far are loving it, thanks to the fuel injection and all new frame and suspension. We will be racing the River Ranch GNCC out in here in Florida on it in and will have an even better feel for what it is about. The new WR450 was designed and built to handle more aggressive riding than previously so the real test of the machines versatility will come in the next few weeks as we test on every type of terrain possible. Wish us luck, two hours in the Florida sand whoops is going to be just a little tiring!