Weekend warriors, trail riders and enduro racers have two reasons to be happy: Yamaha and Kawasaki have two new off-road machines. Yamaha’s WR450F may not be a completely new model like Kawasaki’s KLX450R but it borrows heavily from the YZ450F motocrosser, with a new frame, new engine and a page-long list of other updated parts and pieces. The KLX is new to the Kawasaki catalog and like the WR, it was bred from a motocross bike, the KX450F.
Testing enduro bikes is the best part of my job. It gives me the opportunity to be out enjoying nature while doing my favorite thing—riding motorcycles. And these bikes are the fastest way to get away from it all. On top of that, the WR and KLX are the best off-road-ready machines I have ridden to date. Before I spoil the magazine story in the July issue, take a look at some extra pictures from our testing.
Sound off! Which bike is better?