Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
450 Differences 450 Differences
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 23
450 Differences
Would someone please be kind enough to explain the difference between WR450F and YZ450F? Would either of these bikes (with suitable preparation, obviously) be okay for trans Africa etc? Or would I be better off on XT600/Tenere etc? Thanks for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Apr 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
They are both competition bikes, one is an enduro bike the other is a motocross bike. Neither would be suitable for any long distance trip. I believe the WR450F would need valves checked at 5000 and the MXer wouldn't last more than 30 hours. Forgive me if I'm wrong as I'm just going off the top of my head.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Apr 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Actually, among the new generation 4 strokes out there, Yamaha by far have the most reliable and proven bike. It requires the least maintenance and has a stellar reputation in this world. But that world is a different one from going RTW.

The Yam about beats them all: This would include
the Honda CRF450X, Kawi KX450, Suzuki RMZ 450, Husky 450, Husaberg 450, KTM 450.

Actually, the new Kawasaki 450 enduro bike would no doubt match the Yam WR450. Still, not a tourer by any stretch.

The WR's are going years with just routine maintenance. The MX version is truly a race bike .... not a good choice for long distance. But even the MXers are very reliable in that class.

Biggest problem I see with taking the WR450 would be carrying luggage.
The subframe is not designed for a big load. If you could keep you load down to maybe 60 lbs. you might be OK. Or beef it up some. Acerbis make BIG tanks and they get fantastic mileage if you don't get on it. My little WR250 get about 60 mpg if I"m just plodding along.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 235
I'm a big fan of the WR, but as Mollydog said, not for RTW. Having said that there probably isn't any bike that is incapable of doing a RTW, but that statement also needs to be read in the same vein as there isn't a bike that is incapable of doing 50 odd laps of a Grand Prix circuit. When it comes to suitability of the bike, the simpler, more agricultural with higher tolerance levels, the better. Clue that in with steel frames etc etc and you are left with a bike that on paper at least is a bit of a dog. On that note, the XT is your best friend.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
34L/55W v 1VJ - Engine differences andylarkin Yamaha Tech 3 31 May 2007 21:54
differences between a moped and a scooter? BMBaxter Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 3 Nov 2005 19:23
xr600/650 differences blackjack Honda Tech 17 30 Mar 2004 07:18
XR & XLR differences martync Honda Tech 2 21 Jan 2004 22:39
Differences between KLR and KLX Gijs Kawasaki Tech 3 10 Dec 2002 00:16

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:22.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top