Vehicle Class:
Competition Enduro Motorcycle
Intended Use:
Off-road riding, enduro racing, trail riding
Key Competitors:
KTM EXC series, Honda CRF-X, Suzuki DR-Z, Kawasaki KX-FX
Engine Technology:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 5-valve, single-cylinder engine
Chassis Design:
Lightweight aluminum frame, long-travel suspension, high ground clearance
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on torque and tractable power delivery for off-road conditions
Target Audience:
Yamaha WR450F owners, mechanics, and technicians looking for in-depth service information
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, assembly, inspection, and overhaul of engine components (cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, connecting rod, valves, timing, etc.)
Fuel System:
Carburetor (type and model specific), fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filters
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coil, spark plug, wiring
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, water pump, coolant specifications
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch (operation, adjustment, replacement), gearbox (gear ratios, inspection, disassembly/assembly), final drive (chain, sprockets, adjustment)
Suspension Front:
Front fork (disassembly, assembly, oil types, damping adjustments), steering system (headset bearings)
Suspension Rear:
Rear shock absorber (rebuild, adjustment), linkage system, swingarm
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), caliper overhaul, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, lighting, starter motor, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), fuses
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, footpegs, body panels, seat
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection, spoke tension, tire pressure recommendations
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, brake checks, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common running issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor tuning, clutch adjustment, suspension settings, chain slack
Torque Specifications:
All critical fastener torque values for engine, chassis, and suspension components
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes troubleshooting guides to identify and resolve common and complex issues
Parts Identification:
Detailed diagrams and part numbers for identification (though not a full parts catalog, it aids in service)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 5-valve, single-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
95.0 mm x 63.4 mm (typical for this era, specific manual may confirm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 12.3:1 (varies slightly by year)
Starting System:
Kick starter
Estimated Horsepower:
Approx. 40-45 HP (at crank, varies by year and tuning)
Estimated Torque:
Approx. 30-35 lb-ft (at crank, varies by year and tuning)
Carburetor Type:
Keihin FCR MX (flat slide, large diameter, e.g., FCR41)
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, octane rating 91 or higher
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple disc, cable-actuated
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual for each gear
Final Drive:
Chain drive (RK or EK 520 O-ring chain typical)
Transmission Oil Type:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher, JASO MA)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.1 Liters (1.2 US qt)
Length:
Approximately 2170 mm (85.4 in)
Width:
Approximately 825 mm (32.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1280 mm (50.4 in)
Seat Height:
Approximately 990 mm (39.0 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 112 kg (247 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 120 kg (265 lbs) (with all fluids)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 9.0 Liters (2.4 US gal)
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 10-15 hours of riding (or as specified in manual, depends on usage intensity)
Air Filter Cleaning Interval:
Every 5-10 hours of riding or after dusty conditions
Spark Plug Inspection Interval:
Every 20-30 hours of riding
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 50-100 hours of riding (critical for 5-valve engines)
Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:
Every 5-10 hours of riding or after wet conditions
Engine Oil Specification:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher, JASO MA)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 Liters (1.1 US qt) (engine only)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Coolant Specification:
Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at 50/50 ratio
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, piston rings, valve guides, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, swingarm bearings
Potential Problems:
Carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude and temperature, occasional starter gear wear (if applicable on later models with electric start), timing chain tensioner wear
Manufacturer History:
Yamaha Motor Company, established 1955, renowned for its performance and innovation in motorcycles.
Model Lineage:
The WR series has a strong heritage in off-road competition, evolving from earlier YZ models.
Key Changes 1998-2007:
This period saw gradual updates, including chassis refinements, engine tuning improvements, and suspension advancements. Notably, carburetion and internal engine components saw revisions to optimize power delivery and reliability.
Production Period:
1998-2007 (as covered by the manual)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other international locations.