Yamaha Racing has launched the Official Yamaha
WR450F Rally Replica. It is the replica of the bike which rallyist Xavier de
Soultrait used to win Merzouga Rally 2017.
The replica has been created by Rally Raid parts and
accessories partner DRAG’ON. The company has collaborated with Yamaha Motor
Europe to give an opportunity to the owners of the bike to take part in the
2018 Dakar Rally. DRAG’ON will offer a tailor made Rally Race Service – from
transporting a full stock of official spare parts to offering race side
mechanical support. Thus, the participant only needs to focus on the race.
The Yamaha WR450F Rally Replica draws power from a
449 cc single cylinder engine with fuel injection and liquid cooling. The
powerplant works in tandem with a 5-speed gearbox and a final chain drive.
Yamaha has not divulged the power and torque figures. The bike comes with both
electric and kick start for added versatility in the rally. The exhaust system
is from Akrapovic.
The front upside down forks and the rear link-type
monoshock hold the semi-double cradle frame. The suspension travel is massive –
at 310 mm for the front and 318 mm for the rear. Off-road-spec tyres wrap the
21-inch front, and the 18-inch rear spoke wheels. For anchorage the bike uses a
290 mm disc at the front and 245 mm disc at the rear. The bike gets a generous
31-litre fuel tank as well.
