Yamaha WR450F

The WR450F is the YZ450F made for the bush and the road. It shares the reverse cylinder engine and the aluminium frame, but gets a wide ratio gearbox, softer suspension, a bigger tank, a kickstand, an 18 inch rear wheel and everything needed to get it registered. Since 2019 it has had electric start and the same Power Tuner app as the motocross bike.

It suits a trail rider who wants a strong, reliable 450 that can be ridden to the trailhead, an enduro racer, or a farm and bush rider who wants something that starts every time. Against the KTM 450 EXC F it is heavier and a bit plusher; against the CRF450RL it is far more powerful. The resale is excellent in Australia.

Same engine as the YZ450F, so the same oil rules: change it every 10 to 15 hours for trail riding, sooner if it is raced, with a filter every second change. It takes just under a litre with a filter and a 10W 40 or 10W 50 full synthetic. Trail bikes do a lot of slow, hot work, so check the coolant and the radiator fins before every ride.

Air filter every ride in dust, valves at the interval in the table, and grease the linkage and swingarm bearings more often than the manual says if the bike sees creek crossings. Chain and sprockets wear faster on a trail bike than a motocross bike because of the grit and the kilometres.

Most WR450Fs sold in Australia have been de restricted by the dealer or owner, so ask what was done and whether the throttle stop, the airbox and the muffler insert are original. Check the rego status and whether it has a roadworthy. Look at the frame under the engine and the radiator guards for rock damage, and check the electric start works hot and cold. A trail bike with high kilometres and a clean airbox is better than a low kilometre bike with a dirty one.

Prices in Australia hold up well. See the recent sold prices on the Marketplace page linked below.