MotoSpecs

2008 Yamaha WR 450F vs 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R vs 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2008 Yamaha WR 450F 2008 Yamaha WR 450F

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 5 titanium valve per cylinder.
Power
58 hp / 42.3 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
122 kg / 268 lbs
2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
56.4 hp / 41.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
115 kg / 253.5 lbs
2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
992.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 082008 - 09
Colours-Lime Green
Make ModelYamaha WR 450FKawasaki KLX 450R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-320 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-12.6 inches
Seat Height998 mm / 39.3 in940 mm / 37.0 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1,481 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance365 mm / 14.3 in320 mm / 12.6 in
Height1300 mm / 51.2 in1,255 mm / 49.4 in.
Length2175 mm / 85.6 in2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width825 mm / 32.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight112.5 kg / 248 lbs450 kg / 992.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity8 Liters / 2.1 US gal7.94 litres / 2.10 gallons
Wet Weight122 kg / 268 lbs-
Performance
Max Power58 hp / 42.3 kW @ 9000 rpm56.4 hp / 41.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque49 Nm / 33.1 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm50 Nm / 5.1 kg-m @ 7500 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement (ci)-27.40 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.8 x 2.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-96.0 x 62.1 mm
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)-449.00 cc
Displacement449 cc / 27.4 in449 cc / 27.3 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 5 titanium valve per cylinder.Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Carburettor. Keihin FCR40
Bore x Stroke95 x 63.4 mm96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Induction39mm Keihin FCR flat-slide throttle position sensorKeihin FCR
IgnitionDigital CDI Digital AC-CDI
LubricationWet SumpForced lubrication, semi and #8209;dry sump
StarterElectric / Kick-starterElectric & kick
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operated-
Final Drive"O" ring ChainChain
Gearbox-5-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Single cradle frameAluminum, perimeter design
Suspension - Front46mm Kayaba inverted telescopic fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable48mm inverted AOS-type cartridge fork with 22-way compression damping and 20-way rebound damping / 12.0 in.
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Kayaba single shock, 315mm wheel travel, separate speed compression adjustmentUNI-TRAK® single shock system with 22-way low-speed, two-turn variable high-speed compression damping and 22-way rebound damping / 12.4 in.
Rake-27.7°
Trail-122 mm / 4.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in285 mm / 11.2 in
Wheel Travel - Rear318 mm / 12.4 in278 mm / 10.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 250mm disc 4 piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc 2-piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front80/100-2180/80-21
Tyres - Rear110/100-18110/90-18

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2008 Yamaha WR 450F and the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2008 Yamaha WR 450F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 365 mm vs 320 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 318 mm vs 278 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 285 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 115 kg vs 122 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 940 mm vs 998 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2008 Yamaha WR 450F vs 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F and 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R?
The 2008 Yamaha WR 450F uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 5 titanium valve per cylinder., while the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F or the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R is lighter at 115 kg compared to 122 kg for the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F - a difference of 7 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F or the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R?
The 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R has the lower seat at 940 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 Yamaha WR 450F sits higher at 998 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F or the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Yamaha WR 450F has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2009 Kawasaki KLX 450R stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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