Yamaha WR 450F Rally

After a fine 3rd place in 2014 and an extremely satisfactory series of tests, Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube set out in search of a new victory in the most demanding rally-raid of them all. The riders, Olivier Pain, Alessandro Botturi and Michael Metge will benefit this time from a brand new WR450F Rally that will allow them to show their full potential on the forthcoming Dakar 2015.

Alexandre Kowalski (Team Director - Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube) -
“It is a new start for Yamaha Factory Racing, with the arrival of this brand new WR450F Rally that the riders have extensively tested and developed and which they will be able to push to the limits. Solid and experienced, Alessandro Botturi completes a team already composed of Olivier Pain (3rd on the 2014 Dakar) and the promising Michael Metge. Both among the riders and the technical team the motivation is strong to take the WR450F Rally onto the top spot on the podium. Front runner on the Dakar since the very beginning - remember we were there in 1979! – Yamaha have everything in place to add to their outstanding record.”

José Leloir (Team Manager - Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube) -
“We have just finished three intensive and positive weeks in Sardinia. These extensive tests have allowed us to fine tune the set-up of the new WR450F Rally in readiness for the 2015 Dakar. Clearly we are satisfied with the potential of this new machine and I would like to personally thank the technical team for all their hard work since the previous edition.”

Unprecedented, this new WR450F Rally is distinctly different from the previous Yamaha YZ450F Rally and features a single carbon-fiber fuel cell – as opposed to the five of its predecessor – for an equivalent capacity. As the riders Olivier Pain, Alessandro Botturi and Michael Metge were able to appreciate during October tests, this choice allows for an optimal weight distribution and improves the general balance of the machine. Narrower and more compact, the WR450F Rally is more maneuverable and easier to place. But this solution is only one of a number of improvements made to the machine that, among other things, gains an electric starter, without increasing overall weight and a six speed gearbox. The exhaust pipe has been supplied by the famous Akrapovic brand. Finally, in terms of looks, the WR450F Rally boosts new bodywork that gives it an even more modern profile.

Yamaha WR450F Rally Specification

Engine
450cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder with electric-start
Special crankshaft
Racing spec. exhaust system
Programmable ECU
6 speed gearbox

Engine External
Akrapovic exhaust system
Get programmable ECU (with GPA)
Superprox front and rear sprockets
DID chain
Twin-air (air filter)
Rekluse clutch parts
Innteck seals and bushes
Yamalube lubricants

Chassis
Factory spec. triple clamps
Factory swingarm (with water tank)
Carbon-fibre fuel tank
Carbon-fibre airbox
Carbon-fibre fairing

Chassis External
KYB Factory rear suspension
KYB Std front fork with Yamaha Factory Team settings
Motomaster front disc (300mm)
Motomaster rear disc (245mm)
Haan front and rear wheels (rear hub with damper)
Michelin tires
MigTEC roadbook reader
Acerbis hand guards
Kudvek stickers