01 02 WR250F vs. 03 WR250F

[hockey4life]

i am positive the WR is the bike for me. But now the hard part dishin out the cash. I wanted to know, What is in the best interest of my wallet. If i go with a 02 used WR for $4,900 or a 01 for $4,250 and change the seat and tank and any other mods necessary from 01 or 02 would it still cost less than a 03 WR. And if so what are suggested mods for 01 02 models to get them a little more up to date?

 

[scairns]

Didn't they add the magic button for 03 ?

I have heard of starting issues with the 01, 02 models.

 

[geremacheks]

Hockey---don't be so positive.

Compare the weight of these bikes to the KTM RFS line. I think the new WR250F is about 250#'s and the 450, 262#, all, no gas. (Read the 450F test in the new Dirt Bike, April issue.) A used EXC KTM 400 EXC is about 256#'s no gas. The used 520 EXC is the same weight. The KTM EXC's all have e-start and are still relatively light.

If your're going to stick with the Yam's, the new 450 e-start is only about 10 to 12 pounds heavier than the 250F. Point? The 250 is not a light bike.

But it's your $$, and you got to do what you got to do.

 

[hockey4life]

Hey man i hear ya but there is one problem with the 400 and 520 they would kill me. This is my first bike and I wanna stay 4 stroke so the 200 250 and 300 are out too.

 

[geremacheks]

You're a beginner, but you're going for a race-oriented bike, the WR250F. If you think you can handle that, then a EXC 400 should be no problem, is my guess. Throttle control on the 400 is easy.

If as a beginner, you were thinking of a XR 200, 250, or 400, then maybe a jump to the WR 250 or EXC 400 would be too much. Maybe you have some friends that own some of these bikes and you can try them out.....?

Whatever, don't rush into it. Think. And try out some bikes. The tallness of the race bikes may turn you off as a beginner.

 

[hockey4life]

Yeh ive ridden and xr 250 and was comfortable but i am 6'1 and 170 lbs so im gonna need the WR. I'll look into the 400, whats the seat height on that??

 

[trailrider1]

The KTM 400 is about 36", but it has a narrow frame/profile so it feels shorter. The XR's have a wide sofa-seat/frame that makes it feel taller. I believe the 250F is 39"? I would think the KTM is an easier bike to control than the 250F because you have more torque at lower rev's; you don't have to be as aggressive & charge hills the same way you would on a 250.

 

[beer_stud_76]

if money is not the issue, i say definitely look into one of the 400's or 450's or even 520-525.

the 4 stroke KTMs have very linear power delivery, not scary at all.

 

[gxdragon]

Cycleworld just had a short review on the wr250 which said that the years prior to the 03' handled like a 2 stroke. So if you're set on a wr250 and want it to handle like a 4 stroke the 03 is the one to go with. Also wr250 = 42bhp the wr450 = 59bhp.

 

[hockey4life]

Hey geremachecks (i think i spelled it right). thanks for gettin m thinkin on the KTM. I went to a dealer ship the other day and checked them out. I fell instantly in love with the 250 exc racing. just wanted to say thanks.

 

[geremacheks]

Well, maybe now we should get you interested in a Husaberg......

Whatever you do, take your time, and think it out, and read some tests. It's amazing how our thoughts and opinions keep changing with time. Act too quickly, and you may find yourself on the wrong bike. :thumb: