As goes the motocross bike, so goes the enduro bike—Yamaha has overhauled the WR450F for 2024, and it gets many of the same improvements as the recent WR450R MXer.

So, you get a new engine for ’24, with larger intake valves (39mm diameter), new piston, conrod and many other internals. Much work was spent lightening the engine’s insides, cutting 2.4 lb off the total. There’s also a retuned ECU that Yamaha claims will improve tractability. In the bottom end, the clutch is more compact with lighter, more positive action. The wide-range five-speed transmission has enduro-specific gearing.

Yamaha also says there has been considerable work to develop a lower center of gravity. The aluminum frame has been re-worked; the gas tank is larger at the bottom, to carry the fuel lower; the muffler is shortened as well.

The suspension is new, from KYB. There’s tool free compression damping adjustment atop the fork, with 11.8 inches of travel up front and 12 inches in rear. The seat height is dropped 10mm, and Yamaha made slimmer bodywork so riders’ legs would more easily reach the ground.

Other new equipment includes a lighter rear wheel and brake, new switchgear, a new skid plate and fender with a grab handle, and a lighter li-ion battery.

You can see more changes and other details listed at Yamaha’s websitehere. Yamaha says it’s only available with blue plastics this coming season, and that it will be at US dealerships in November carrying a $10,199 MSRP (plus whatever taxes and fees your dealer adds).