Yamaha is hoping that it striking new factory WR450F will have what it takes to win the 2015 Dakar Rally.
Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team Yamalube has unveiled its new WR450F Rally factory machine, which the company is hoping will net the win in the 2015 Dakar Rally with one of its factory riders, Olivier Pain, Alessandro Botturi or Michael Metge.
The 2015 Yamaha WR450F Rally is visually quite different from the previous Yamaha YZ450F Rally. Immediately noticeable is its single carbon-fiber fuel cell–its predecessor used five different tanks located around the motorcycle. Yamaha says that switching to the single fuel cell allows for an optimal weight distribution and improves the general balance of the machine. The WR450F is also narrower and more compact than the YZ450F-based machine, which is said to help improve its handling. The new machine also features an electric starter and a six-speed gearbox. The exhaust pipe is from Akrapovic, and it lends to the modern profile of the WR450F Rally.
After finishing third in the 2014 Dakar Rally, Yamaha says that testing of the WR450F Rally has gone well, and Team Director Alexandre Kowalski said that the company is looking forward to showing its full capability in 2015.
“It is a new start for Yamaha Factory Racing, with the arrival of this brand new WR450F Rally that the riders have extensively tested and developed and which they will be able to push to the limits,” Kowalski said. “Solid and experienced, Alessandro Botturi completes a team already composed of Olivier Pain (third in the 2014 Dakar) and the promising Michael Metge. Both among the riders and the technical team the motivation is strong to take the WR450F Rally onto the top spot on the podium. Front runner on the Dakar since the very beginning – remember we were there in 1979! – Yamaha have everything in place to add to their outstanding record.”
José Leloir, Team Manager for the Yamaha Factory Racing Rally Team, added, “We have just finished three intensive and positive weeks in Sardinia. These extensive tests have allowed us to fine tune the set-up of the new WR450F Rally in readiness for the 2015 Dakar. Clearly we are satisfied with the potential of this new machine and I would like to personally thank the technical team for all their hard work since the previous edition.”
Yamaha WR450F Rally Specifications
Engine
450cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder with electric-start
Special crankshaft
Racing spec. exhaust system
Programmable ECU
6 speed gearbox
Engine External
Akrapovic exhaust system
Get programmable ECU (with GPA)
Superprox front and rear sprockets
DID chain
Twin-air (air filter)
Rekluse clutch parts
Innteck seals and bushes
Yamalube lubricants
Chassis
Factory spec. triple clamps
Factory swingarm (with water tank)
Carbon-fibre fuel tank
Carbon-fibre airbox
Carbon-fibre fairing
Chassis External
KYB Factory rear suspension
KYB Std front fork with Yamaha Factory Team settings
Motomaster front disc (300mm)
Motomaster rear disc (245mm)
Haan front and rear wheels (rear hub with damper)
Michelin tires
MigTEC roadbook reader
Acerbis hand guards
Kudvek stickers
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