going too far from the standard map and TC setting . As mentioned , the standard power is very strong and quick throughout the rev range with a free revving nature and excellent top end . What truly surprised me was the excellent traction it got despite the intermediate rear tyre and very slippery and wet conditions . A few times the 450 wheelied when it had absolutely no right to given the very slick terrain . At times the WR ’ s power reminded me of a 250 twostroke motrcrosser in the mud , where they just seem to cut through the shit and hook up – excellent stuff . Credit here must go to the Yamaha development team that has produced a whole new engine . Personally , I think the reduced engine inertia along with clever electronics has resulted in the improved tractability . On single track , I did stall it twice , but this was more about getting used to the strong rear brake in tricky terrain than power delivery . The power is very responsive from idle , so novices would be well advised to ease the power back a bit for slick conditions ( just use the slider in the updated app ). The TC setting is more like a slightly mellower power mode than traction control . For the first time in my life , I really liked the TC setting . It just took a slight edge off the power that I found more relaxing and easier to use in the tricky single track . The terrain was like Riverhead in mid-summer during heavy rain , but tighter and quite rocky – real Enduro stuff . For open terrain , the non-TC mode offered slightly more grunt . So yes , the engine is excellent and highly competitive in all regards . For the record engine , updates include larger 39mm titanium valves , new piston , cylinder , crank shaft , balancer assembly , a move to dry sump lubrication . A Belleville single washer spring clutch replaces the old six coil spring item . Also , the gearbox , while still a five speed , now has three vertically stacked transmission shafts which reduces weight and is more compact . An excellent option for clutch hard races is a genuine GYTR hydraulic clutch upgrade system .
KIWI RIDER 43