While the 2018 Yamaha WR450F doesn’t get a host of updates this year, it does have a few changes that you need to know about. Here are the essential fast facts on the 2018 Yamaha WR450F.1. The KYB fork gets updated for 2018. The pressure piston shape and holes have been changed, along with updated settings. These changes come from the YZ450FX and YZ450F race bikes. Also, there is a new fork seal wiper to increase reliability.2018 Yamaha WR450F
2. Race-ready Dunlop MX3S tires are now stock. This is a step-up from the previous Dunlop MX51 tires used on the WR450F. If you ride on soft-to-intermediate terrain, you’re set right out of the box. Tire size remains unchanged.3. The e-start 2018 Yamaha WR450F no longer has a kickstarter. The removal saves weight and cost. With the kickstarter gone, Yamaha added a small additional guard for the header pipe.4. There’s a new right-side plastic panel. We didn’t like the exposed electrics on the right side of the WR450F, and someone at Yamaha didn’t either. So, Yamaha added a small cover on the right side to hide and protect them. However, we haven’t seen the WR450F in person and, even after poring over photos of the bike and comparing it to the ’17, we can’t find the panel!5. The 2018 Yamaha WR450F also gets new graphics and the rims are now blue, and the price is unchanged. MSRP remains $8099.6. Everything that we liked about the WR450F remains unchanged. It is the tamed lighting-equipped enduro version of the YZ450FX off-road racer, with the engine tuned for environmental sensitivity. This makes it Green Sticker legal in California, and easier to convert to dual sport duties in motorcycle-friendly states.2018 Yamaha WR450F
2018 Yamaha WR450F Specs
ENGINE
Type: 4-stroke single
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 97.0mm x 60.8mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Cooling: Liquid
Valve train: DOCH, four titanium valves
Fuel Delivery: Keihin fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body
Ignition: Transistor controlled
Transmission: Wide-ratio constant-mesh 5-speed
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Final drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
Front suspension: Fully adjustable KYB spring-type fork w/ speed sensitive damping; 12.2 inches of travel
Hello everyone and welcome to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly Podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
This week’s Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha motorcycles. Filling the gap between the entry-level R3, and the flagship superbike R1, Yamaha’s YZF-R7 is a brilliant supersport machine that provides real performance—perfectly balanced with rider comfort. Check it out at YamahaMotorsports.com, or of course you can see it for yourself at your local Yamaha dealer.
This Podcast is also brought to you by the new, state-of-the-art Schuberth C5. The modular C5 is a flip up design that blends safety with amazing aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance within its light weight and compact design. Visit Schuberth.com for more information.
This week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena gives us his impression of the outrageously cool-looking new Indian Scout Rogue. The Rogue features a larger front wheel among several other changes, and the bobbed-looks and excellent 100 horsepower motor make the Scout Rogue an interesting—and very real—competitor to the offerings from Milwaukee.
In the second segment Neale Bayly brings us the third and final segment from Brian Slark—the man who helped bring Norton motorcycles to America. Having spent 27 years and counting at the Barber Museum in Birmingham Alabama, Brian talks us through the final part of his career, that of course includes how the museum got started and where it’s going.
From all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
