This thing looks like it can finally provide veritable alternative to KTM 500 for dual sporting - provided it is reasonably easily plateable of course. The following article says "the WR is fully compliant with EPA emission and noise requirements". Does that make it legal - once the roadworthy kit is put on?
https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2019-yamaha-wr450-announced-first-look-all-new-model/
The 5 speed gearbox is a bit of a bummer but the KYB suspension with linkage could more than compensate for it if wolf skaap's hype is to be believed - that could give it significant edge over KTM, suspension of which isn't exactly top notch (though more than good enough for me).
The Australian promo video (there are different videos for different markets like Canada), but this one is probably closest to the riding we can do:
[youtube]https://youtu.be/hpkuDZDU88A[/youtube]
Edit: I see now that the video says that the bike in video is equiped with competition kit including CCU that can be tuned by smartphone - which is only for closed circuit. So I deduce two things - there is going to be roadworthy but without the tuning kit and that is a good news as in Africa I'm sure we will be able to work around that issue and have bike both plated and wth full on competition kit... at least I hope so.
https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2019-yamaha-wr450-announced-first-look-all-new-model/
The 5 speed gearbox is a bit of a bummer but the KYB suspension with linkage could more than compensate for it if wolf skaap's hype is to be believed - that could give it significant edge over KTM, suspension of which isn't exactly top notch (though more than good enough for me).
The Australian promo video (there are different videos for different markets like Canada), but this one is probably closest to the riding we can do:
[youtube]https://youtu.be/hpkuDZDU88A[/youtube]
Edit: I see now that the video says that the bike in video is equiped with competition kit including CCU that can be tuned by smartphone - which is only for closed circuit. So I deduce two things - there is going to be roadworthy but without the tuning kit and that is a good news as in Africa I'm sure we will be able to work around that issue and have bike both plated and wth full on competition kit... at least I hope so.
