ORC AUGUST 2002 NEW ELECTRIC YAMAHAS
OVERLINE: 2003 YAMAHA WR450F & WR250F
HEADLINE: ELECTRIC YAMAHAS!
SUBHEAD: END OF THE KICKSTARTERS?
BYLINE: BY THE STAFF OF ORC
Last
month, we showed you the all-new YZ450F four stroke racer. Yes, it
was revolutionary, and most certainly it will give all the new
high-tech four strokes a run for their proverbial money.
But here we have something more important and
absolutely a breakthrough. It's the electric starting WR 450 and
250. Both bikes are billed as enduro machines, but as we know, the
bulk of them are used for the all-important trail rider/fun
market.
Let's face it, folks. The Yamaha
four strokes, while light and fast, could be a real nightmare to
start at times.
This should solve that
problem for once and all!
So let's take a
look at this pair of easy starters, shall we?
WR450F
The all-new WR450F for 2003 has more power, significantly reduced weight, a stronger chassis, smoother suspension, more aggressive bodywork, and pushbutton electric start. But the magic little trigger not the only new thing on this bike. From its larger 449cc four-stroke powerplant and stiffer, lighter-weight frame and swingarm, to stronger brakes and countless other upgrades, this totally new off-road weapon now boasts broader power and sharper, suppler handling. It's also enduro-ready, with head and taillights, resettable tripmeter, large-capacity fuel tank, USFS-approved spark arrestor and race-spec Excel rims. With a manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $6,399, it's priced right.
WR250F.
Thoroughly massaged from stem to stern, this quarter-liter machine enters the new season with much of the same fine-tuning as its big-bore WR450F brother, starting with invaluably handy, push-button electric start. In fact, the 250 was designed with greater ease of use - and precision of performance - with a stronger, lighter-weight frame providing greater lateral rigidity for responsive handling with less flex. Recalibrated front and rear suspension settings, coupled with a lighter, stiffer swingarm, ensure smoother damping action with more precise wheel control. And an all-new, lighter-weight rear master cylinder and front and rear disc brake calipers deliver stronger stopping power with greater feel. This little beauty has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $5,799. WR450F FEATURES FOR 2003:
***
WR250F FEATURES FOR
2003
WR450F
The all-new WR450F for 2003 has more power, significantly reduced weight, a stronger chassis, smoother suspension, more aggressive bodywork, and pushbutton electric start. But the magic little trigger not the only new thing on this bike. From its larger 449cc four-stroke powerplant and stiffer, lighter-weight frame and swingarm, to stronger brakes and countless other upgrades, this totally new off-road weapon now boasts broader power and sharper, suppler handling. It's also enduro-ready, with head and taillights, resettable tripmeter, large-capacity fuel tank, USFS-approved spark arrestor and race-spec Excel rims. With a manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $6,399, it's priced right.
WR250F.
Thoroughly massaged from stem to stern, this quarter-liter machine enters the new season with much of the same fine-tuning as its big-bore WR450F brother, starting with invaluably handy, push-button electric start. In fact, the 250 was designed with greater ease of use - and precision of performance - with a stronger, lighter-weight frame providing greater lateral rigidity for responsive handling with less flex. Recalibrated front and rear suspension settings, coupled with a lighter, stiffer swingarm, ensure smoother damping action with more precise wheel control. And an all-new, lighter-weight rear master cylinder and front and rear disc brake calipers deliver stronger stopping power with greater feel. This little beauty has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $5,799. WR450F FEATURES FOR 2003:
-
The big news, of course, in addition to being
stronger, lighter and better- handling than ever - the 450 features
all-new, super-easy electric starting!
-
All-new, liquid-cooled, 449cc, 5-valve, DOHC,
4-stroke with titanium valves features longer 63.4mm stroke (up
from 60.1mm) and completely new-design cylinder head, piston and
crankshaft, delivering flatter, broader torque (for instant
hook-up) with higher over-rev capacity and crisper, more linear
throttle response.
-
Cylinder head is smaller in design for reduced
weight.
-
All-new, lighter-weight crankshaft helps
decrease inertial mass by 20%, reducing friction for faster-revving
low-rpm response.
-
New-design piston features shorter skirt and
smaller pin boss diameter to help reduce weight.
-
Shorter, lighter-weight titanium valves and
load-reduced springs are nearly 20% lighter, further reducing
reciprocating mass for faster-revving, harder-hitting power
delivery across the rev range.
-
Additional weight-reducing engine upgrades
include: smaller-design cam chain tensioner and oil pump; aluminum
oil hose (was steel); all-titanium exhaust header, flange, bracket
and heat shield; and lighter CDI ignition unit, coil ad magnet
rotor.
-
Retooled carburetor features throttle cover
with improved sealing and all-new hot start system with convenient,
handlebar-mounted lever.
-
Larger-capacity radiator and louvers ensures
maximum cooling efficiency.
-
Redesigned airbox features all-new retaining
bracket for improved sealing.
-
Super-strong twin-spar frame redesigned with
reduced weight and greater lateral rigidity for minimal flex and
sharp handling.
-
All-new tapered swingarm features less weight
and greater rigidity for more compliant rear suspension
action.
-
Recalibrated front fork settings deliver
improved damping force with less bottoming for a smoother, more
compliant overall stroke.
-
Rear shock refinements include improved
actuation, a new linking ratio and enhanced damping
force.
-
New-design removable aluminum rear subframe
reduces weight and allows easy maintenance.
-
All-new, lighter-weight front and rear master
cylinders and calipers, combined with 250mm fully floating front
and 245mm rear disc, delivers stronger stopping power with greater,
more progressive control and feel.
-
Retooled steering crown combines with all-new
bodywork - flatter seat, fuel tank and radiator shrouds - creates a
more aggressive riding position while allowing optimal rider
movement.
- More weight savings come via all-new, two-piece (part aluminum, part plastic) engine protector plates and thinner-walled engine guard construction.
-
All-new automatic decompression system
eliminates manual lever, ensuring easy restarts in any
gear.
-
Liquid-cooled, 449cc, 5-valve, DOHC, 4-stroke
produces tremendous, hard-hitting low- and mid-range torque and a
broader powerband tuned specially for enduro/off-road performance
needs.
-
39mm Keihin FCR flat-slide carburetor with
throttle position sensor (TPS) ensures ultra-precise fuel/air
mixing and lightning-quick throttle response.
-
Digital CD ignition system delivers more
precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimal timing
for faster, stronger response during hard
acceleration.
-
Slick-shifting, wide-ratio, 5-speed
transmission with YZ450F-spec, multi-plate clutch geared specially
for quick-hitting power in woods and hard-pulling top-end on
wide-open trails.
-
Lightweight exhaust system maximizes engine
power and allows hassle-free replacement of oil
filter.
-
Stainless steel muffler with USFS-approved
spark arrestor resists corrosion.
-
Primary kickstarting (with all-new automatic
decompression and hot start lever) ensures easy
restarts.
- Trick, works-style clutch lever features oversize barrel adjuster for easy, on-the-fly adjustability of lever/cable play.
-
Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed
of square-section pipe for reduced weight.
-
Lightweight 46mm inverted Kayaba cartridge
fork features 11 .8" of travel with compression and rebound damping
adjustability.
-
Low-friction outer tubes and aluminum piston
rods ensure smooth, compliant fork stroke for superior handling and
light steering.
-
Rear suspension system features fully
adjustable Kayaba shock with 12.4" of travel and separate adjusters
for high- and low-speed compression damping.
-
Lightweight 21" front and 18 rear Excel rims
provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for
optimal suspension performance.
- Premium Dunlop 739 knobbies offer competition-spec traction and excellent wear.
-
Endure-legal lighting front and rear increase
versatility by maximizing nighttime and low-light
visibility.
-
Large, 2.6-gallon fuel tank ensures excellent
range.
-
Resettable tripmeter allows rider to keep
track of both mileage and fuel reserves.
-
Wde, cleated, folding cast alloy footpegs
provide excellent comfort, grip and ground
clearance.
-
Adjustable front brake lever.
-
Cleated rear brake lever and folding shift
lever tip offer superb grip and excellent
durability.
-
Lightweight aluminum kickstand adds
convenience and tucks up high when not in use.
-
Team Yamaha-inspired two-tone (black/blue)
seat.
-
Repackable exhaust silencer.
-
Durable, comfortable handlebar
grips.
- Stainless steel clutch cable for longer life.
| Engine | 449cc liquid cooled, 5-valve DOHC, four stroke, titanium valves |
| Bore/Stroke | 95 x 63.4 mm |
| Comression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Carburetion | 39 mm Keihin |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Transmission | Wide ratio 5-speed |
| Final Drive | 520 chain |
| Suspension/Front | 46 mm Kayaba forks, 11.8 inches travel |
| Suspension/Rear | Kayaba shock, 12.4 inches travel, adjustable |
| Brakes-Front | 250 mm disc |
| Brakes-Rear | 245 mm disc |
| Tires-Front | 80/100 21 Dunlop |
| Tires-Rear | 110/100 18 Dunlop |
| Length | 85.4" |
| Width | 32.5" |
| Height | 51.2" |
| Seat Height | 39.2" |
| GroundClearance | 14.6" |
| Dry Weight | N/A |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.6 gallons |
-
The 250cc 4-stroke enduro machine returns
lighter than ever - and featuring all-new, super-easy electric
starting!
-
Redesigned airbox features all-new retaining
bracket for improved sealing.
-
Larger-capacity radiator and louvers ensures
maximum cooling efficiency and minimal horsepowe
-
Super-strong twin-spar frame redesigned with
reduced weight and greater lateral rigidity for minim sharp
handling.
-
All-new tapered swingarm features less weight
and greater rigidity for more compliant rear
suspension.
-
Recalibrated front fork settings deliver
improved damping force with less bottoming for a smoother overall
stroke.
-
Rear shock refinements include improved
actuation, a new linking ratio and enhanced
damping.
-
Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed
of square-section pipe for reduced weight.
-
All-new, lighter-weight front and rear master
cylinders and calipers, combined with 250mm fully floating and
245mm rear disc, delivers stronger stopping power with greater,
more progressive control and fee
-
Retooled steering crown combines with all-new
bodywork - flatter seat, fuel tank and radiator shroud, for more
aggressive riding position while allowing optimal rider
movement.
-
More weight savings come via all-new,
two-piece (part aluminum, part plastic) engine protector walled
engine guard construction.
-
All-new automatic decompression system
eliminates manual lever, ensuring easy restarts in any
gear.
- All-new hot start system features convenient handlebar-mounted lever.
-
Liquid-cooled, 249cc, 5-valve, DOHC, 4-stroke
with factory team-spec titanium valves produce hard-hitting low-
and mid-range torque and a broader powerband tuned specially for
enduro/off-road needs.
-
Lightweight forged piston reduces reciprocal
mass and friction for faster revving and greater
durability.
-
Stratospherically high, 13,500-rpm
redline!
-
37mm Keihin FOR flat-slide carburetor with
throttle position sensor (TPS) ensures ultra-precise fu
lightning-quick throttle response.
-
Digital CD ignition system delivers more
precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimum stronger
response during hard acceleration.
-
Lightweight exhaust system with specially
shaped header angle maximizes engine power and easier replacement
of oil filter.
-
Aluminum exhaust silencer looks trick and
reduces weight.
-
Primary kickstarting with integrated hot-start
button ensures easy restarts in any gear.
-
Slick-shifting, wide-ratio, 5-speed
transmission with heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch geared specially
road/enduro power delivery and features an involute spline set-up
for smoother shifting.
-
Dry sump lubrication system uses frame as oil
tank, helping to create a more compact engine and handling
performance.
-
Magnesium cylinder head cover helps shave
weight.
- Works-style clutch lever features race-spec barrel adjuster for on-the-fly adjustability.
-
Lightweight 46mm inverted Kayaba cartridge
fork features 11 .8" of travel with compression and rebound
adjustability.
-
Low-friction outer tubes and aluminum piston
rods ensure smooth, compliant fork stroke.
-
Rear suspension system features fully
adjustable Kayaba shock with 12.4" of travel and separate and
low-speed compression damping.
-
Lightweight 21' front and 18" rear rims
provide exceptional durability and help reduce unsprung weight for
suspension performance.
- Premium Dunlop 739 knobbies offer competition-spec traction and excellent wear.
-
Enduro-legal lighting front and rear increase
versatility by maximizing nighttime and low-light
visibility.
-
Large, 2.6-gallon fuel tank ensures excellent
range.
-
Resettable tripmeter allows rider to keep
track of both mileage and fuel reserves.
-
Wide, cleated, folding cast alloy footpegs
provide excellent comfort, grip and ground
clearance.
-
Cleated rear brake lever and folding shift
lever tip offer superb grip and excellent
durability.
-
Lightweight aluminum kickstand adds
convenience and tucks up high when not in use.
-
Repackable exhaust silencer.
-
Durable, comfortable handlebar
grips.
- Stainless steel clutch cable for longer life.
| Engine Type | 249 cc, liquid cooled, 5-valve, DOHC, 4-stroke, with titanium valves |
| Bore and Stroke | 77 x 53.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Carburetion | 37 mm Keihin |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Transmission | Wide ratio 5-speed |
| Final Drive | 520 chain |
| Suspension/Front | 46 mm Kayaba forks with 11.8" travel |
| Suspension/Rear | Kayaba shock, 12.4"travel, fully adjustable |
| Brakes/Front | 250mm floating disc |
| Brakes/Rear | 245 mm disc |
| Tires/Front | 80/100 21 Dunlop |
| Tires/Rear | 100/100 18 Dunlop |
| Length | 85.1" |
| Width | 32.5" |
| Height | 51.2" |
| Seat Height | 39.2" |
| Wheelbase | 58.0" |
| Ground Clearance | 15.0" |
| Dry Weight | N/A |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.6 gallons |
 |
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