I had a WR400F and sold it, I had a KDX200 and sold it. I have a '01 YZ250F and love it. I race harescrambles and trail ride and that's it, no moto. I run 13/52 gearing and I'm 6'3" 190lbs. This bike is perfect. I would get a estart bike but the weight is too much to carry around. I think you will love this bike in the woods. The bike runs great and I do pretty well on it. It is getting a 10oz. flywheel weight and a 18" rear rim this winter but ran great for the last year and a half without it.
Enjoy and happy holidays.
Great info guys! I have been struggling with the issue of YZF or WR for a couple months now. I think I am ready to make the swith to thumper. I race cross country and hare scrambles but I seem to do most of my riding on motocross tracks due to the convenience. Had concerns about YZ fuel range, and my 200 lb weight, but thanks to these posts I have decided on the YZ 250f. Anyone want to buy a KTM?
Thanks,
Ron
New to Forum
Who knows the actual top speed of a YZF and a WR (standard gearing, give or take a little). i doubt that the YZF will pull 75 miles plus. A friend has a 2001 YZ250WR and it runs out of gearing almost all the time.
Also, when you guys refer to 'woods', do you mean enduro type work or single trail riding?
The WR suspension was made for trails. I would take correct suspension valving over a few extra pounds anytime. Every little bump that the MX suspension does not absorb will be sent to your legs.
I disagree. I owned a WR250 (2-stroke) that was setup suspension wise for the woods and I've owned a 2001 YZ250F that had suspension set up for MX.
Stock the YZ250F was very, very good in the woods suspension wise and was exceptional engine wise. After the re-valve the suspension was even better in the woods... I just had to change clickers and I was happy.
I've raced and ridden a fair amount in the woods before getting into MX as my favorite. If I was still riding trails as much as I used to I never would have gotten rid of the YZ250F... it was that damn good in my opinion.
Truespode makes a good point in that it dosen't matter if you like the YZ suspension or not because you can have it re-valved to your liking thus you get the suspension you want plus the lighter weight. Also you will not have to mess with WR motor "enhancements".
i suppose it's less wrenching but if you are doing the right thing and pulling the bike down from the start, then it doesn't take long at all. How long did it take you to undo the enhancements?
Will the new 18" rear wheel make the bike sit any lower? Why'd they put a 19" on it anyway??? I'm considering the yz250f and would not mind if it sat a little lower than 39"!
I dont think yamaha measures their seat heights the same as other manufacturers. I've tried a wr250f and yz250f and neither seemed any higher than my kdx 220 or gas gas 300.
The 18" rear wouldn't change the height of the bike at all. The outside diameter of the two tires is the same or close to it. The 18" has more sidewall than the 19" for woods riders to protect against flats. A 19" is susposed to turn better.