WR450F (CJ35W)

The WR450F is Yamaha's YZ450F motocross platform reworked for the woods and the open desert, and that bloodline shapes everything about it. The reversed-cylinder single centralizes mass and gives the intake a remarkably direct path. It gets enduro-specific mapping, a wide-ratio 5-speed box and suspension valved to soak up rocks, roots and trail trash instead of supercross whoops. Traction control and ride modes are standard, and the smartphone app lets you swap engine maps at the trailhead. In the enduro class, this is the bike for fast, serious riders. It is not a soft trail bike.

It changes direction readily and keeps its motocross sharpness where the ground gets ugly. It is built tough, fully adjustable at both ends and backed by a deep aftermarket, so it grows with the rider instead of being outgrown. It suits experienced riders who want motocross-grade chassis response on single track and desert routes. The caveat is simple. Out of the crate, a throttle stop and a tight muffler baffle hold it back, so plan on sorting both. The 37.6 in (955 mm) seat and tall stance ask for commitment too. A newer rider will find it a lot of motorcycle.