2021 Yamaha WR250F and 2021 Yamaha WR450F

The Yamaha YZ450F received a number of significant updates to the engine, suspension and chassis last year. And although the 2021 model looked little different from the previous version, the changes made to the flagship cross-country model significantly improved the aspects that the designers had worked on.

For 2021, the YZ450F returns unchanged, minus the blue number plates and black fork guards. We received an invitation to test the 2021 YZ450F and remember what it was like to ride the twentieth version.

Yamaha YZ450F

Yamaha YZ450F
Yamaha YZ450F

Rumors that a completely unusual “cross bike” is brewing in the depths of the Yamaha concern arose almost a year ago. And representatives of the concern immediately rushed to deny this information with enthusiasm. At this point, every pique vest member of the motorcycle fraternity realized: something was really coming, and began to wait with interest for the summer wave of updating sports motorcycles. But now the summer has passed, all the competitors showed their new products, but there was no new YZ450F. The concern, as theatergoers say, “was on pause.”

Dimensions and weight

When dry, the motorcycle weighs 106 kg - not the worst, but not the best result among its competitors, but rather typical for most similar models.

• Length - 2190 mm ;
• Width - 834 mm ;
• Height - 1310 (total), 1000 (saddle) mm;
• Base - 1490 mm ;
• Ground clearance - 385 mm ;
• Weight - 110 kg .

The 2010 Yamaha YZ450F is a new stage in the 40-year history of Japanese “cross bikes”.

The 2010 Yamaha YZ450F is a new stage in the 40-year history of Japanese “cross bikes”.
The 2010 Yamaha YZ450F is a new stage in the 40-year history of Japanese “cross bikes”.

When the long-awaited new product finally saw the light, the pique vests could only scratch their heads and say: “Yessss...” The car is not just brand new - all the principles of the layout have been turned on their heads. To begin with, the engine is “upside down”: the intake is in front and the exhaust is in the rear. In addition, the cylinder is tilted not forward, but backward. Overall it looks like a V-twin with the front cylinder removed. Company specialists claim that this solution made it possible to adhere to the principle of “centralization of masses” - to pull all heavy units to the center of mass - and thereby improve the “agility” of the car in corners. And tilting the cylinder back made it possible to straighten the intake tract, improving filling. True, the outlet located under the saddle had to be bent in order to maintain the required length.

Suspension and chassis

These, too, have been significantly updated for 2021, including in the Yamaha YZ450F frame rigidity, engine mounts and top crossmember. The front axle and its clamps have also been updated, and the footpeg material has been changed to chrome-molybdenum steel. These changes were aimed at reducing the rider's effort to change direction, more predictable handling and reduced response to collisions at high speeds. In keeping with the chassis changes, Yamaha has also updated the YZ450F's suspension settings—the KYB SSS spring fork and shock absorber from the same manufacturer —to make them more progressive in smoothing out compression from mid-stroke to the end of the stroke.

I love the stability of the Yamaha YZ450F and the current version of the chassis has greatly improved handling compared to the previous version. The suspensions have been some of the best in their class for several years now and have required only minimal adjustments. In stock form, the motorcycle swayed a little on bumps and on excessively sharp, untimely braking or on bumps with sharp edges.

Yamaha YZ450F 2021

I spent some time making small adjustments in an attempt to find the perfect combination and adjust these nuances. In the end, I set the compression and rebound settings to 7 and raised the fork by 2 mm, and the shock was set to 104 mm sag, slow compression to 7, fast compression to ¾ turn, and the rebound remained at stock at 11. With these settings, the Yamaha YZ450F It seemed much more manageable to me, and the suspension stayed a little higher. That is, slightly tighter settings than stock provided, oddly enough, a more comfortable ride.

When riding, the Yamaha YZ450F feels a little long.

I moved the steering wheel spacers to the near position, turning them away from me - the second steering position out of four possible, if you count from yourself. Maybe next time I'll try to put it even in the first position. The Yamaha brakes clearly progressively, the front one is perfectly modulated, and the rear one clearly meters the force without blocking the wheel,

The configuration of the new aluminum alloy frame is far from “diagonal” - rather it is “full duplex”.

The configuration of the new aluminum alloy frame is far from “diagonal” - rather it is “full duplex”.
The configuration of the new aluminum alloy frame is far from “diagonal” - rather it is “full duplex”.

A frame with a modified configuration was also designed for the new power unit. For its different parts, different grades of aluminum alloys are used, which ensures the optimal value of rigidity. The suspensions have also been redesigned: the capacity of their reservoirs has been increased, and the travel of the front fork has increased by 10 mm.

A year earlier, the concern's engineers had already created a technical sensation by introducing the YZF-R1 sportbike with a crankshaft with crosswise knees. Ben Spies' success in WSBK racing shows that innovation has paid off. It remains to wait for the results of the 2010 Motocross World Championship to evaluate the innovations of the YZ450F.

Driving performance

Despite the declared cross-country characteristics, the maximum speed for the bike is only 150 km/h.

In the standard version, Dunlop tires with square studs arranged in a checkerboard pattern provide traction.

But at the same time, thanks to proprietary wheels, correct spokes and tubeless tires, it feels confident both on asphalt and on the ground, and the large shock absorber range ( ~ 300 mm ) allows you to easily overcome all sorts of bumps and holes on the way.

Fuel consumption and tank volume

The volume of the motorcycle's gas tank has increased from 6 liters (in the first years of production) to 7.5 (modern models). This reserve is enough for a distance of 200–350 km .

The average consumption in a mixed cycle is 3 liters.

YAMAHA WR250F 2021

YAMAHA WR250F 2021

The Yamaha WR250F is back in its glory. Its revolutionary four-stroke engine design with front intake and rear exhaust, dual overhead camshafts and liquid cooling, and the addition of a sixth gear in a wide-spaced gearbox, makes it an excellent tool for enduro racing and challenging terrain. An aluminum twin-spar frame and advanced KYB suspension give the WR250F an excellent balance of performance, handling and comfort.

An electric starter, 8-quart tank, durable plastic skid plate, O-ring chain, 18-inch rear wheel and full-feature meter make the WR250F ready to conquer right from the factory. A reliable fuel injection system ensures clean exhaust and smooth engine operation regardless of altitude or weather, while the compact headlight, taillight and aluminum side stand provide confidence and comfort in any adventure.

Chassis and handling

The 2021 Yamaha YZ450F motorcycle has more grip on the front wheel. The reason for this is the use of a stronger front axle shoulder in combination with a stiffer fork setting. Previously, front wheel grip, especially when cornering, was the YZ450F's weak point. The 2021 model has definitely addressed that gap. Also in 2018, drivers complained about the seat; it was difficult to move forward in it

In 2021, 16% denser foam was used to pad the seat. Now pilots can sit more comfortably in the saddle , especially when going uphill. A higher steering wheel position also helps with this.

Review of the Yamaha YZ450F 2015 motorcycle

Even 5 years ago, the Japanese company Yamaha presented motorcycle enthusiasts with a good motorcycle that captivated everyone. Just recently, the company announced an excellent update that gave the motorcycle new suspension and chassis, making the 2015 Yamaha YZ450F even more popular and competitive.

Last year the motorcycle was also slightly updated. Then the manufacturers worked on its engine so that its speed could be significantly increased. In the same year, all the changes are mainly related to making driving more comfortable and safe. In order for the driver to be able to easily control the 2015 Yamaha YZ450F vehicle, the manufacturers have installed an incredibly flexible chassis that can be independently customized to suit your needs and preferences. In addition, the fork has been modified, it has become much softer. In the updated model, the engine is located quite low and is framed by a housing made of aluminum alloy. In order for the driving quality to be at the highest level, the manufacturers decided to install updated modern Dunlop Geomax MX52 tires.

Unlike other Japanese manufacturers, Yamaha still retained the KYB suspension fork and did not switch to air suspension. This makes driving easier and more accessible, because you don’t have to spend a lot of time adjusting the pressure in the fork before each ride. In addition, this fork has fewer parts, so servicing it will be several times easier and cheaper.

If we talk about the sensitivity of the fork, it does an excellent job of dampening recoil on small bumps. Of course, there is room for improvement, because on large holes you can get quite noticeable feedback from the fork. This part is incredibly easy to use. It only needs to be configured once.

The rear shock absorber on the 2015 Yamaha YZ450F has a lot of sag. Depending on your weight, you can adjust its sensitivity. Initially, the motorcycle is configured for heavier drivers, but this model can also be used by thin motorcyclists.

When performing a maneuver, it may seem that the front part is overloaded and weighs more than the rear. In this case, absolutely everything will depend on your driving style. Some drivers press closer to the tank, while others pull back. In addition, the position of the engine and its radiator bloats the middle part of the motorcycle, which leads to slight discomfort for the rider. It is worth noting that the body of the 2015 Yamaha YZ450F motorcycle has become thinner and is significantly different from previous variations of the model. The driver also has the opportunity to independently adjust the steering wheel offset, which makes driving the vehicle even more comfortable.

If we consider the technical characteristics, the manufacturers have not changed anything here. To freshen up the model a bit, the company has made some changes to the engine tuning and installed a lighter exhaust pipe. The 5-speed gearbox was also better tuned and began to operate a little sharper. Yamaha has also switched to a 48-tooth sprocket, which will help distribute traction more widely.

Engine dynamics remained at the highest level as before. At medium speeds, the engine provides good traction, which will allow you to take turns well. At high revs and the last gear, the power build-up is smooth and monotonous. This means that the 2015 Yamaha YZ450F motorcycle can be used by both professionals and those who have only recently gotten behind the wheel of a motorcycle.

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Suspension

The 2021 Yamaha YZ450F motorcycle model was equipped with the softest suspension in its class. The KYB suspension components both front and rear were quite soft. In 2021, the suspension settings have become noticeably stiffer, but without jerking throughout the shock absorber travel. Now, thanks to these settings, the pilot understands the motorcycle better and knows exactly what is happening underneath. But the ride comfort was not affected at all. All test drivers admitted that the new suspension settings are much better than last year's. The spring rate is ideal for pilots weighing 80 kg.

None of the test drivers wanted to change the suspension settings, despite the harshness of the test track.

The YZ450F's stability at high speed helps the rider feel much more confident. There is an assumption that the Yamaha YZ450F motorcycle is the most stable in the class of 450 cc bikes. Only future competitions can confirm this.

GYTR range of high performance accessories

For serious enduro racers, a closed track racing ECU, control unit (CCU) and mode selector are available to give you access to Yamaha's advanced racing technologies. Switchable engine maps and wireless connectivity let you tune engine performance directly from your phone using the Yamaha Power Tuner App. A wide range of over 80 GYTR accessories, developed in collaboration with the factory, maximize the performance and potential of the WR range.