Q's About 08 wrf450 Blackbird

[WALKINGWOUNDED]

My brother is in Mozambique Africa. There's not too much in the way of roads where he is located, so he purchased an 08 WRF450 Blackbird to navigate the trails, ruts and cattle trails. Neither one of us have ever heard of a Blackbird model. Just wondering if anyone is familiar with that model, and any quirks they may have of as well as tips on maintaining the bike. He won't be railing ruts or launching 90ft tripples, just riding rural roads/trails and an occasional muddy flooded conditions. Thanks for any advice.

[BAHeron]

Looks like just a decal kit makes it a "Blackbird"?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Blackbird-Graphics-Decal-Kit-Yamaha-WRF-250-450-05-06-/170743690703?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c11df5cf

[WALKINGWOUNDED]

I'm not familiar with the WR in general, but I think they are pretty decent bikes just from what I've learned here on TT. I'll tell my brother just to keep an eye on the things you would normally watch on any bike. I'm thinking synthetic oil would be idea for the engine, but not sure if the tranny and engine share the same oil. If they do, what would be a good oil to run?

[WALKINGWOUNDED]

My brother called me today and wanted to know how to check the engine oil. I've never owned a Yamaha or been around a WR. I think my freinds YZF dipstick is located on the front of the engine but not for sure. He said he has been all over the engine and can only find what looks to be a plastic oil fill cap, but no dipstick. Also does the WR share engine and tranny oil like the YZF? Thanks for any help/advice.

[geshields]

Monty,

Here is a link to the owners manuals for Yamaha's. It doesn't have the 2008 listed but it should give a starting point from the 2007. I don't believe they changed much. http://www.yamaha-mo...uals/index.aspx

Greg

btw, how's the collarbone doing?

Edited January 20, 2012 by geshields

[grayracer513]

My brother called me today and wanted to know how to check the engine oil. I've never owned a Yamaha or been around a WR. I think my freinds YZF dipstick is located on the front of the engine but not for sure. He said he has been all over the engine and can only find what looks to be a plastic oil fill cap, but no dipstick. Also does the WR share engine and tranny oil like the YZF? Thanks for any help/advice.

The dip stick location depends on the year model. All Steel Framed models ('03-'05 YZ450 and '03-'06 WR450's have the dip stick located on the left side of the frame just below the steering head. '06-'09 YZ450's and '07 -'11 WR450's have the dip stick in front of the cylinder to the left. And yes, they are all dry sump lube systems that share the same oil between engine and trans.

Here's some info that may be useful:

http://www.thumperta...ad.php?t=852961

http://www.thumperta...660#post8765660

http://www.thumperta...903#post5221903

You should be able to find the '08 manual here:

http://www.yamahaownershandbook.com.au/?r=0

[WALKINGWOUNDED]

Thanks for the help gentlemen, he found it.

Greg the collarbone is fine. It healed right away, but was in 4 pieces and really crooked. I had it broke loose and plated with 9 screws.

Edited January 21, 2012 by WALKINGWOUNDED