Dirt Bikes

2021 Yamaha Enduro Motorcycles Revealed

The WR450F enjoys a host of engine and chassis revisions.

September 14, 2020

About two months after Yamaha unveiled its 2021 motocross and cross-country motorcycles, the bLU cRU recently announced its two enduro models—the WR250F and WR450F. Since the quarter-liter trailbike enjoyed a major overhaul last year, the larger-displacement model receives the attention for 2021.

After receiving a complete overhaul in 2019, the Yamaha WR450F enjoys a host of updates for 2021.Courtesy of Yamaha

2021 Yamaha WR450F Updates

Beginning with the engine, the 2021 WR450F features an all-new, more compact cylinder head with a redesigned combustion chamber shape and steeper valve angles, along with a higher-compression piston, longer connecting rod, a refined wide-ratio, five-speed transmission to provide smoother shifting, and a different crankcase breather system which is said to be more efficient and thereby decrease pumping losses.

The main change to the engine that can be identified from the outside is the cylinder head. It is more compact, and features a redesigned combustion chamber shape and steeper valve angles.Courtesy of Yamaha

Further down in the powerplant is a higher-compression piston and a longer connecting rod. The bike’s wide-ratio, five-speed transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting as well.Courtesy of Yamaha

The Tuning Fork brand also focused on the WR450F’s chassis for 2021. The bLU cRU’s flagship enduro bike features the latest evolution of Yamaha’s aluminum bilateral beam frame, which has been redesigned with new wall thicknesses and flex characteristics that are designed to provide improved cornering performance, traction, and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in a variety of off-road conditions. The engine mounts, top triple clamp, and front axle have been refined to reduce weight, match with the new frame, and improve handling and performance. The WR450F’s KYB suspension components have different compression and rebound characteristics to complement the new frame as well. Additional changes to the chassis include a newly designed front brake caliper, front disc, and brake pads.

The 2021 WR450F utilizes the latest evolution of Yamaha’s aluminum bilateral beam frame.Courtesy of Yamaha

To match with the new chassis, the KYB suspension components have different compression and rebound characteristics.Courtesy of Yamaha

The final changes made to the WR450F for 2020 include a more compact electric start system, a redesigned, full-featured enduro meter with a higher-contrast liquid crystal display, and a new real-time fuel consumption meter with a low fuel warning light. According to Yamaha, the combined changes made to the WR450F deliver an increased power output with a more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics. The 2021 Yamaha WR450F will be available from Yamaha dealers this month in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $9,799.

The front brake caliper and disc are newly designed.Courtesy of Yamaha

A more compact electric start system is one of the many updates the Tuning Fork brand’s flagship enduro model enjoys for 2021.Courtesy of Yamaha

2021 Yamaha WR250F Updates

The Yamaha WR250F received a major overhaul last year. So for 2021, the bLU cRU’s 250cc four-stroke enduro bike only features appearance changes in the form of a blue headlight, blue side number plates, black fork guards, and new graphics.Courtesy of Yamaha

The WR250F comes with appearance differences for 2021 with a blue headlight, blue side number plates, black fork guards, and new graphics. Yamaha’s smaller-displacement enduro model will be available in October 2020 in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $8,599.