Kiwi Rider March 2024 Vol.2 | Page 39

tank is larger and lower down for more weight centralisation . Then there ’ s the seat , bodywork , suspension and back wheel - again , new . A small update , but the footpegs should be less prone to clogging up in the mud . Basically ... it ’ s new .
ERGONOMIC PACKAGE The launch venue was at Josh Green ’ s property which is a haven for off-road riding with miles of single track , some quite challenging and Enduro special test type tracks , huge jumps and everything in between . And it rained – a lot . I last rode the WR450F in 2021 here in NZ . With the updates , the initial feel of the Yamaha is
much improved . It is noticeably smaller , lighter , more agile and with significant ergonomic improvements . Interestingly , the distance between the seat and the footpegs is the same , so taller riders are still happy , but the rear subframe / guard area is lower along with the lowering and rounding of the airbox / radiator shrouds which makes the Yamaha feel noticeably smaller and more manageable and thus more capable . A great deal of effort has gone in to mass centralisation , and also lowering the centre of gravity . Yes , I know – we tend to write this every year with each new model of every brand ,
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