Yamaha WR450F 2-Trac Dakar
Yamaha WR450F 2-Trac Dakar | |
Manufacturer | |
---|---|
Class | Enduro |
Weight | |
Recommended Oil | Yamalube 10w-40 |
Manuals | Service Manual |
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Yamaha WR 450F 2-Trac Dakar
Yamaha says that the WR450F is the most successful 450cc
machine in the Dakar. In the hands of David Frétigné, the machine won the
450cc class in 2005 and 2006, while Helder Rodrigues finished ninth overall
with the bike in 2006.
As renowned innovator Yamaha pioneered with the WR450F in
2004 against the big capacity 1000cc twins. The light and nimble machine
performed above everybodys expectation and won three stages in 2004,
finishing seventh overall, a year later the WR even finished fifth overall.
Traditionally the WR450F is equipped with a high-performance
DOHC 5-valve mono cylinder engine that is tuned to deliver remarkably strong
power in the low to mid range. The engine is mated to a steel semi-double
cradle frame, making the 2006 WR a proven concept that combines high
reliability with winning performance.
In the punishing Dakar rally a bike not only needs to be
fast, but also be predictable, give ample feedback to the rider, and most
important, be forgiving when the rider makes a mistake. All these qualities
the WR offers in abundance and make it to one of the preferred weapons of
choice.
What makes the WR450F truly unique is that it can be
equipped with Yamahas revolutionary "2 Trac" two-wheel drive system. This
system provides drive to the front wheel and improves traction and increases
stability.
Developed by suspension company Öhlins, 2-Trac uses a hydraulic pump located on top of the gearbox to force hydraulic fluid into the special front wheel hub. The hub contains a hydraulic motor, which is set in motion through the pressure of the fluid, to provide drive to the front wheel. The pressure, and consequently the pulling power on the front wheel, varies depending on the amount of rear-wheel spin. Sensors allow the system to regulate itself and apply the most appropriate ratio of power between front and rear. The system gives the rider great benefits in the deep desert sands where 2 Trac delivers unrivalled traction and stability. The motorcycles in the Dakar can compete in different specifications, either in "Marathon" or in "Super Production" guise.
The first category are standard machines that only have the essential modifications done to survive in the rally, while the latter super production category are heavily modified prototype bikes. Every team will make their own modifications, but many Yamaha WR riders opt for the "Kit Afrique" that Yamaha Motor France offers as a base to work from. This kit looks after all the standard modifications (shown in the photo above) necessary for desert racing such as:
Double front fuel tank with enlarged capacity and double rear fuel tank with a total capacity of 45 liters
Vacuum fuel pump
Fairing with screen for rider
protection at high speeds and double xenon head lamps
Instrument panel including GPS
system, tripmaster, roadbook holder with lighting
Carbon fiber skid plate for
engine protection with integrated tank for drinking-water
Special low slung exhaust
system
Raised triple clamps and handle
bar
Modified disk brakes front and
rear for higher performance
Modified rear shock settings
Source web Bike World