Excellent Condition with 7715kms
Contact michael@crescentbikes.co.za or phone 053 80 777 60
From Strength To Strength, Let's Ride Together
Excellent Condition with 7715kms
Contact michael@crescentbikes.co.za or phone 053 80 777 60
Excellent Condition – Less than 2 months old
Contact Michael on bikes@crescentbikes.co.za or phone 053 80 777 60
The latest WR450F from Yamaha comes with a wide range of advanced engine and chassis technology that’s designed to deliver winning performance on the track and all-round versatility on the trail. At the heart of this remarkably capable enduro bike is a gutsy and reliable 450cc 5-valve engine which is renowned for its strong and useable power. And for 2012 we’ve equipped this legendary powerplant with an advanced fuel injection system for even more stable and responsive performance. The chassis also gets a serious upgrade, and the latest WR450F now runs with a compact 250-class bilateral beam frame for quicker turning and enhanced agility.
Just imagine what it would be like to have 450-class engine performance combined with 250-class handling agility. It may seem like an impossible dream. But Yamaha’s engineers set out to make it a reality. So we built a new kind of enduro bike that combines the best of both worlds. Now featuring a new fuel injection system, the high-torque 5-valve 450cc engine pushes out a wave of linear performance that gives this remarkable bike the ability to go fast without feeling you’re on the edge. And with its compact 250-class dimensions, the new short-wheelbase aluminium bilateral beam frame delivers precision steering with remarkable agility.
In the enduro and trail world the WR450F’s liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine has achieved legendary status for its durability and reliability. With its 5-valve cylinder head and new fuel injection system, this powerplant pushes out strong, useable and linear performance hour after hour.
The WR450F benefits from a compact new fuel injection system which makes for enhanced engine performance. By monitoring sensors which detect throttle position, intake temperature, air pressure, crank rpm and coolant temperature, the ECU is able to constantly adjust fuel volume and ignition timing to achieve optimal engine efficiency.
A Competition Kit is included which is aimed at riders who use the WR450F on closed courses. The kit includes a resonator exhaust system, as well as a 13/50 sprocket set and number of other performance parts. There’s also an optional Power Tuner system which allows riders to adjust the engine performance to suit varying conditions.
Unlike some conventional designs, the WR450F’s new bilateral beam frame is manufactured from a unique combination of forged, extruded and panel aluminium parts which are welded together to create a unit offering an idealised balance of rigidity. This gives excellent rider feedback combined with superior handling performance.
The new lightweight chassis has been developed directly from Yamaha’s MXGP-winning YZ250F. Featuring a short 1,475mm wheelbase and compact dimensions, this new 250-class design gives quicker turning and improved agility – and its special bilateral design allows the relocation of the fuel tank and radiators for a greater centralisation of mass.
With its new fuel injected engine and compact chassis, the WR450F adds an exciting new dimension to the E2 class. Complementing the new bilateral beam frame is a slimline 7.2 litre fuel tank with YZF-type sidepanels, as well as a lower 960mm high seat. And with black Excel wheel rims and Pro-Taper handlebars, the WR450F is ready for action.
WR450F | |
---|---|
Engine | |
Engine type | liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 5-valves |
Displacement | 449cc |
Bore x stroke | 95.0 mm x 63.4 mm |
Compression ratio | 12.3 : 1 |
Lubrication system | Dry sump |
Clutch type | Wet, Multiple Disc |
Fuel system | Fuel Injection |
Ignition system | CDI |
Starter system | Electric and kick |
Transmission system | Constant Mesh, 5-speed |
Final transmission | Chain |
Chassis | |
Frame | Aluminium Bilateral Beam |
Front suspension system | Upside-down telescopic fork |
Front travel | 300 mm |
Caster angle | 27º |
Trail | 115 mm |
Rear suspension system | Swingarm, (link suspension) |
Rear travel | 305 mm |
Front brake | Hydraulic single disc, Ø 250 mm |
Rear brake | Single Disc, Ø 245 mm |
Front tyre | 80/100-21 51P |
Rear tyre | 120/90-18 65P |
Dimensions | |
Overall length | 2,315 mm |
Overall width | 825 mm |
Overall height | 1,275 mm |
Seat height | 960 mm |
Wheel base | 1,475 mm |
Minimum ground clearance | 335 mm |
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) | 129 kg |
Fuel tank capacity | 7.2 litres |
Oil tank capacity | 1.2 litres |
Today, dual-sport bikes are spectacular. They’re on par with dedicated dirt bikes in performance, weight and technology. But man, are they expensive! It’s tough to get out the door with a new Beta, KTM or Husky for under R100,000. That sends most of us to the used-bike market looking for deals. This list is dedicated […]
Today, dual-sport bikes are spectacular. They’re on par with dedicated dirt bikes in performance, weight and technology. But man, are they expensive! It’s tough to get out the door with a new Beta, KTM or Husky for under R100,000. That sends most of us to the used-bike market looking for deals.
This list is dedicated to bikes that are at least five years old. They are rated in terms of value and and dirt-riding capability. The bikes chosen represent the middle of the bell curve in terms of size. We haven’t included big adventure bikes or small RV bumper bikes.
KTM 450, 530 (2008 & LATER)
We are forced to put these bikes at the top of the list because they’re so stinkin good. But they aren’t cheap. Finding a 5-year-old EXC for sale is tough, as people tend to hold on to them until death. So expect to pay a premium of around $6000. The reason that the KTM sits so high on a list of bargains is because you can expect to recoup your investment when you sell the bike. If you sell the bike.
KTM 450, 525 (2007)
KTM first made the EXC line street legal in 2007 after Husqvarna proved it could be done. In 2007, KTM still was making the older RFS motor, but don’t let that slow you down. This motorcycle is excellent by any standards, in both 450 and 525 (510cc) configurations. The only problem is that most of the ‘07s have been ridden into the ground by now, and they still bring in about $4500.
SUZUKI DR-Z400SE, (2000 & LATER)
The Suzuki was and still is an excellent bike, just rather old-school compared to the KTMs that sit higher on the list. It’s simply not as light, powerful or well-suspended as more modern dual-sport bikes. But the price is right. A Suzuki DR-Z in good condition can be had for around $3200. Age and condition play a big role because the Suzuki has gone virtually unchanged through its long production run.
BETA RS450, RS525 (2008 – 2010)
This bike makes the list because we love it. But you’ll probably never find one. In 2008, KTM had a new motor for its own dual-sport bike, but continued producing the older RFS motor for Beta. The RS line was 100 percent street legal and the motor was spectacular. Unfortunately, there were probably less than 100 imported in ‘08. Numbers got only slightly better as time went on. Beta would produce its own motor in later years. This photo is of the dirt-only RR model from ‘08.
HONDA XR650L (1992 & LATER)
This bike was the virtual definition of dual-sport for decades. It’s gone unchanged since it was introduced in 1992. That’s quite a run. Today, it feels very old fashioned, but if you get around the rider ergos, you’ll find that it still works very well. In fact, the suspension is excellent. If left unmodified, the air-cooled motor is unbreakable. Price can be anywhere, but keep in mind that a brand new one has an MSRP of $6690.
HONDA XR CONVERSIONS (1996 & LATER)
These are somewhat high-risk buys in some states. In California and Nevada, it’s possible for the DMV to change its mind and revoke a license plate, even if it’s been on the bike for years. In states that don’t care, like Arizona, Vermont and Florida, you can usually get a license plate for a toaster. The bottom line is that if you live in a strict state and your XR400R, XR600R or XR650R has a license plate in good legal standing, it can add $1000 to the worth of the motorcycle. But it can be gone tomorrow.
HUSQVARNA TE510, 450 (2006 & LATER)
In 2006 Husqvarna was the first company to make its regular dirt bike street-legal with minimal DOT equipment. It was a great motorcycle, but exceedingly rare. BMW didn’t buy Husqvarna until 2007, and quantity and quality didn’t improve until years later. But any 2006 Husky you find will have the bugs worked out by now and is worth around $3600. Parts availability for Italian Huskys is OK–for now.
HUSQVARNA TE250, TE310 (2006 – 2009)
Good luck on finding a street-legal Husky TE250 from 2006. They only imported a handful. It was a fine bike, and there were more made as time went on. In 2010 it was replaced with an all-new fuel-injected motorcycle, but it was slower that first year. The TE310s and 250 that came later were fantastic, but newer and more expensive than the bikes we’re dealing with here. Expect to pay about $2800 for a TE in good shape. There were very few 310s based on the carbureted motor, but they’re worth around $3500.
9HONDA XR250L (1991 -1996)
It’s hard to believe that the classic XR250L has been out of production for almost 20 years. Honda made a bunch of them between ‘91 and ‘96 and all of them are still out there, running well. The 250 wasn’t very fast, but it was reasonably light and well-suspended for the time. There was no electric start, so deal with it. You can find a good XR for around $1700.
SUZUKI DR350SE (1991 – 1999)
The DR seems somewhat forgotten these days, but it was a beloved bike in its day. The DR was the object of massive hop-up attempts back then, but it resisted them all. It was at its best in stock form. It was an electric-start, air-cooled bike with decent power and suspension. Weight was its downfall, as was typical of dual-sport bikes back then. They’re out there in wildly different condition. A good one is worth $2000. A bad one is worth nothing.