2008 Yamaha WR 450F vs 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 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
2012 KTM 350 XCF-W 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Titanium valves
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 08-
Colours-Orange/black/white
Make ModelYamaha WR 450F-
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-345 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-13.6 inches
Seat Height998 mm / 39.3 in970 mm / 38.2 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1,482 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance365 mm / 14.3 in-
Height1300 mm / 51.2 in1,146 mm / 45.1 in.
Length2175 mm / 85.6 in2,065 mm / 81.3 in.
Width825 mm / 32.5 in1,204 mm / 47.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight112.5 kg / 248 lbs107 kg / 235.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity8 Liters / 2.1 US gal8.50 litres / 2.25 gallons
Wet Weight122 kg / 268 lbs292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-12000
Max Power58 hp / 42.3 kW @ 9000 rpm-
Max Torque49 Nm / 33.1 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.3 inches
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-21.34 cubic inches
Fuel Control-Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Displacement (cc)-349.70 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 57.5 mm
Displacement449 cc / 27.4 in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 5 titanium valve per cylinder.Titanium valves
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke95 x 63.4 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:113.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Pressure circulation lubrication with two Eaton pumps
Fuel Induction39mm Keihin FCR flat-slide throttle position sensor-
IgnitionDigital CDI Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment
LubricationWet Sump-
StarterElectric / Kick-starterElectric & kick
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedMultidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated
Final Drive"O" ring ChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Primary transmission 24:73 Final drive 13:52.
Transmission / Drive5 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Single cradle frameCentral tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing
Suspension - Front46mm Kayaba inverted telescopic fork, compression and rebound damping adjustableWP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA PA
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Kayaba single shock, 315mm wheel travel, separate speed compression adjustmentWPSuspension PDS 5018 DCC
Rake-26.5°
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in300 mm / 11.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear318 mm / 12.4 in335 mm / 13.2 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-220 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-10.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-260 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-8.7 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 250mm disc 4 piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc 2-piston caliperSingle disc
Rims-Excel AL7 rims with silver anodized stripes,
Tyres - Front80/100-2180/100-21
Tyres - Rear110/100-18100/90-19

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

The 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W edges out the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Yamaha WR 450F - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 365 mm vs 345 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 KTM 350 XCF-W - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 970 mm vs 998 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 318 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2008 Yamaha WR 450F vs 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F and 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W?
The 2008 Yamaha WR 450F uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 5 titanium valve per cylinder., while the 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Yamaha WR 450F or the 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W?
The 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W has the lower seat at 970 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 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Yamaha WR 450F has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2012 KTM 350 XCF-W stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.