The 2018 WR450F Rally

The heavily updated WR450F Rally is the machine that will power Yamalube Yamaha Official Team riders Xavier de Soultrait, Adrien Van Beveren, Franco Caimi and Rodney Faggotter in their quest for top honours at Dakar Rally 2018.

With its development based on the production enduro WR450F platform, Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team engineers focused on perfectly combining high performance characteristics with extreme reliability over long distances.

Taking advantage of the WR450F reversed cylinder technology, the engine produces a strong and controllable power and torque output. Featuring parts developed by GYTR, all internal engine modifications focus on combining outstanding performance with controllability. A series of specially developed EFI fuel maps along with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, which sweeps under the engine, further enhance the bike’s performance.

Based on Yamaha’s aluminium frame the WR450F Rally’s chassis package features a 2cm longer swingarm for added high-speed stability. Topping the team’s priorities was the goal of maintaining a neutral riding position, which is as close as possible to the stock WR450F enduro bike. Featuring a modified offset of 25mm, team engineers placed the extra fuel tanks in a position that allows free and easy rider movement.

To safeguard fuel autonomy for the long stages the new plastic tanks hold 33lt of fuel. Prioritising weight optimisation on every part of the bike, the end result gives a total dry weight of 142kg. In the suspension department, the new WR450F Rally has a KYB Factory developed rear shock. An oversize 300mm front disk handles the added loads of braking from higher speeds.

Kicking off on January 6 in Paraguay the 2018 edition of the Dakar will see team riders pilot the new WR450F Rally over 8,000km of rough terrain, as they battle their way through Bolivia and towards the finish in Argentina.

Yamaha Motor Europe proudly announced in 2017 that, in partnership with Rally Raid Parts and Accessories Manufacturer DRAG’ON, they will be making the Official Yamaha WR450F Rally Replica available for for purchase. Read all about it here.

Original Source[ YAMAHA RACING ]

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• WR450F Rally