Geoff Ballard & His Yamaha WR450F

Transmoto
Transmoto
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Published 2021-10-21
Geoff Ballard isn’t one to offer hollow praise. In fact, when it comes to rating motorcycles, the timeless Aussie enduro icon is about as understated as they come. So when Ballard started lifting eyebrows and banging on about how much he liked the 2021-model Yamaha WR450F that he’d bought himself earlier this year, we figured it was time to pick his brains about the thing. For example, where does he reckon it most improves on its predecessor? What did he do to customise his bike, and why? What’s it like to ‘live with’ and maintain? And does he have any complaints about its component spec or performance?

Armed with those questions, we cornered GB after he spent the day aboard a 2022 WR450F (which is basically a 2021 model with fresh graphics), stuck a mic up his shirtfront, and pressed ‘record’ on the camera. Here’s a snapshot of that candid conversation...
All Comments (21)
  • @jymjess
    I get so jealous of Jeff and his ability to know how and what he wants in his bikes.
  • @Adsventures
    Always a love hearing Geoff talk typical mtns man.lates back and always so honest and upfront. I can’t wait to get home and hit the Hampton forests I too love the loam we get and Yep I’m hooked on my ol WR 450 2008 yep just service and thrash that’s exactly the way. It’s the modern Xr…….reliable and just ride the pants of them….. great to see ya Geoff. Gotta love the Blue mtns.
  • @firffighter
    Geoff is the best interview in the industry! Practical, rider focused, and no BS! Thanks again Transmoto and keep this Ballard interviews and bike reviews coming!
  • @bbarker5766
    I met Geoff at the infamous Blackwater 100 races back in the 80's and he was the same back then.
  • @desrotter9752
    Great update Jeff, I love this bike so much fun from single track to Finke - Yamaha have done an amazing job with new bikes coming out. Straight out of the box 📦 ready to go.
  • @mixalis6168
    Would be nice to see a updated garage Geoff has !
  • @ammechanical7660
    Quality bike, and comes with a bash plate. Who would have thought. Great review cheers guys 🤙
  • @tdog54
    Just got one of these brand new 3 weeks ago with road reg. Bloody great bike.
  • @1966Cliffy
    Great interviews Transmoto. Please do more on the YZ FXs!!!
  • @wyattcitizenzap4539
    i think what gives the WR450F the turning ability is done by the angle the front wheel and fors are mounted so when you turn the bike wants to lean itself into the turns.
  • @Superdisco199
    Racers can be tough to interview lol. Would have liked him to follow through on the 450 v 250 differences with the mass centralisation. Also kinda dodged the '22 250 question at the end too. Good interviewing skills again though.
  • @mechcavandy986
    It seems like a MX bike. I’m 250 lbs and 6’1”. I might buy one of these. 👍🏻👍🏻
  • @1966Cliffy
    Just feeling comfortable throwing round my 08. Was thinking upgrade to 21. If GB says 22 is better, nuff said!
  • @raulx.garcia9387
    I tried the Comp ECU with the switch on my uncorked 2021 and didn't like it. In comp mode it felt like it didn't have a power band and in mild mode it felt way too soft with nothing at the top. With the stock exhaust and the EPA ECU here in the states it is much smoother off the bottom with a wicked mid range punch and still pulls strong to the top. You should try one. Thanks for the videos.
  • @peterl3220
    Hey Geoff you legend. About that fan you ripped off the bike, do you wanna send it my way, I'll use it here in the outback 😁😉
  • @stevenburton7922
    The Yamaha is an amazing bike. I read that the husqvarna 501 has 2 more inches of ground clearance. Do you have any issues smacking the bottom?
  • @josephfelice601
    Is Geoff's WR450F uncorked, or does it have the throttle screw mod?
  • @59plexi
    im a KTM guy but Yammy has that engine weight figured out...i have a 2008 505, they tilted it back about 7 degrees, not like the yammy tho