Yamaha Announces Redesigned WR450F and Returning WR250F for 2021

Yamaha updated the WR450F’s engine, frame, suspension and brakes with the goal of producing a lighter, more powerful and better handling enduro and trail bike.

The 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric-start Single receives a new cylinder head with a reshaped combustion chamber and steeper valve angles. The compression ratio was increased to 13.0:1 from 12.8:1, and a new crankcase breather system was adopted to improve engine efficiency. The five-speed transmission was also further refined for smoother shifting. Yamaha claims the engine is lighter, more compact, and produces more power across the rev range.

The aluminum bilateral beam frame has different wall thicknesses and flex characteristics to improve cornering, traction and bump stability. The 2021 WR450F receives new engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle to reduce overall weight. The KYB suspension also received updates to its compression and rebound characteristics. Yamaha also added a redesigned front brake caliper, brake pads and front rotor.

Other updates include a more compact electric start system and an updated LCD screen that now includes a low fuel warning and a fuel consumption meter.

The 2021 Yamaha WR450F will be offered in Team Yamaha Blue for $9,799. Expect to see it in showrooms this month.

The WR250F returns with a similar Team Yamaha Blue color for $8,599. It will arrive in dealerships in October.

Begin Press Release

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, has announced its 2021 WR Enduro models including a redesigned WR450F, the machine of choice for serious trail riders and enduro racers. Designed with the flexibility to win in the tightest enduro conditions as well as fast, rough, open trails, the newest WR450F features a refined, more efficient engine, a redesigned frame with all-new flex characteristics, updated suspension settings, and more.

“Yamaha’s WR lineup builds on the proven success of our innovative motocross designs, using industry-leading technology to provide uncompromised performance,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “The newly redesigned WR450F provides a lighter, more powerful, and better handling off-road experience for both, serious enduro racers and recreational trail riders alike.”

Welcome to the victorYZone
Yamaha’s off-road competition bikes offer the very latest in technology with performance features designed to help racing enthusiasts reach their maximum potential, win races, and stand on top of the podium.

New 2021 WR450F:

The 2021 WR450F is designed to perform in the widest range of conditions. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The forward-positioned downdraft intake with rear exhaust powerplant houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The wide ratio, five-speed transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crankcase breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire rpm range for stronger and more linear pulling power.

The latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminum bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with new wall thicknesses and flex characteristics that provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in any off-road condition. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class leading KYB® suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics were carefully refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance. To bring the new package to a stop, the 2021 WR450F features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front disc. The combined changes deliver increased power output with more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics.

To further showcase the WR450F’s off-road prowess, a more compact electric start system, advanced fuel injection, a redesigned, more compact full-featured enduro meter with higher contrast liquid crystal display, a new real-time fuel consumption meter with low fuel warning light, aluminum side stand, sealed O-ring chain and 18-inch rear wheel are all standard equipment. The front-positioned intake and rear-positioned exhaust layout deliver the widest spread of reliable power while balancing the weight for excellent mass centralization.

The 2021 WR450F will be available from Yamaha dealers in September in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $9,799 MSRP.

2021 WR250F:
Yamaha’s winning design returns with the 2021 WR250F. With its revolutionary front-intake, rear-exhaust, liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke power plant, added sixth gear, and wide ratio transmission, this is the weapon of choice for enduro racing and technical trail riding. The aluminum bilateral beam frame, and industry leading KYB suspension of the 2021 WR250F provide the ultimate balance of race-winning performance, rideability and comfort.

With electric start, a 2.16-gallon fuel tank, rugged plastic skid plate, sealed O-ring chain,18-inch rear wheel and fully featured enduro meter, the WR250F is ready to win right out of the box. With reliable fuel injection that provides clean running regardless of weather or elevation, a compact headlight, taillight and aluminum side-stand, the 2021 WR250F provides the confidence and comfort for any adventure.

The 2021 WR250F will be available from dealers in October in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $8,599 MSRP.

GYTR full line of high-performance accessories
For serious enduro racers the GYTR closed-course competition engine control unit (ECU), communication control unit (CCU) and dual mode switch unlock the WR’s advanced racing technology. The dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity is handled through the industry’s first wireless tuning system, highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App, which allows racers to adjust their engine performance right from their phone. A wide range of over 80 GYTR accessories, developed in conjunction with the factory, for optimal performance and fit increase the winning potential of the WR line. Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at https://www.shopyamaha.com.

Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2021 YZ and WR models are eligible for Yamaha’s current 2020 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10 percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive an instant $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com. The 2021 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program details will be announced soon.

For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/motocross/pages/yamaha-off-road-contingency-program.

Learn more about the newly redesigned WR450F, WR250F and the rest of Yamaha’s off-road lineup at www.yamahamotorsports.com/.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.