2012 WR450F Test and APC built

So today I finally got the chance to spend some time on a new 2012 model WR450F. The day was spent jumping from the KTM530 to the WR450F. In its defence the WR hasn’t been to Teknik’s yet like the KTM has, it basically hasn’t had very much setup at all.
Steve and I left after the dawn services and travelled up to the Watagans. Straight away the first thing I noticed about the WR is how easy it started with the fuel injection as it was only 13 degrees. I asked to ride the 530 first as I wanted to get myself reacquainted with it as I do like the setup, power delivery and the ergos. After a run through the tight chopped up singles and back we headed down German Point track. About halfway down I swapped onto the WR, I have been itching to have a ride on it since it arrived at the workshop to be prepared for the APC rally. First thing that grabs your attention is how smooth the power delivery is. It has the most linear power of any dirt bike I have ever ridden while still delivering plenty of power compared to the 530. The brakes are strong and provide good feel. The cable clutch is light but a little bit grabby but the gearbox shift was smooth. On the second run up the hill from the bottom I was forced to stop as Steve had stopped. I watched him on the 530 use the rekulse to start of and I thought bastard there is no way I will get this going here yet it tractored up really well. On the next hill I shifted it up into third when it was defiantly a second gear hill, the engine lugged and pulled clean as the hill finished all the way to the limiter. It is very wet up there at the moment even though I didn’t like the tyres them being Metzeler 6 days (a personal preference I know) the engine provided plenty of hook up.

We swapped bikes all day, and are taking them out again on Saturday after I make some setup changes on Friday. I have to say that I am really excited now about riding it once Teknik’s finish the suspension.

I left my camera in the car so the only photos I have are of the bikes when we got back to the car. I will add to the thread after Saturday and when the suspension is done

TB