Used Yamaha WR450F....any years to avoid

[stevet]

45-year old...started riding dirt at age 5....been riding sportbikes last 8-years...but I need to get back to dirt bike riding...

being that I live in Calif...I need a green-sticker dirt bike...my dirt bikes in the past were all 2-stroke....and will probably have to buy a used bike...

a magazine recently did a test of a bunch of 450's and the WR450 got good reviews....not a good as the KTM, but not nearly priced as much either...

any year of the WR450 to watch out for.....they like the 05....not sure how the 04, 03 or 02 rated...

any input would be appreciated...thanks

 

[RCJ81]

If you want a WR the 05 is the only one to qualify for the Green Sticker.

 

[stevet]

a dealer here in the san francisco area has an ad saying they have an 05 wr450 for $6499 OTD......tempting

 

[mylesc]

I have 2 buddies that both got the 05 WR's. I've ridden them and they're great bikes. There's a ton of mods to do to derestrict them. I keep hearing rumors that 06 Yamaha YZF's will have aluminum frames but don't know if the same is true for the 06 WR's. That's a good price OTD in this area.

 

[fundgh]

Why do you say that the 05 is the only one that qualifys for the Green sticker?

 

[Amber Farris]

The 05 got quite a few upgrades, one being a smog pump which allows it to qualify as a green sticker ride. The make kits so you can remove the pump for better performance....man the game we have to play in CA. I have never ridden an 05 but I have read quite a few reviews and they are really awesome. The first great thing about the 05 is that they have a removable baffle in the exhaust that lets you get better airflow, but still quiet enough for a our sound limits. All the pervious models you needed to purchase a new end cap or new exhaust. The other main difference is the motor. The previous 450 motors were known as being a bit ill manored, where as the new motor is much smoother and usable, but still fun. The ergos may have changed too, but I am not sure. The 250F got slimer and lower, although I think the 450F is taller that the 05 250F. Good Luck!!!

 

[tphss]

Well, watch for the Models prior to when it became the WR450F... Meaning: the WR400 and the WR426F. I wouldn't go with those, the WR450F is much more revised after the other generations, it has electric start, it's easier to ride, more powerfull, lighter, narrower and easier movement across the seat beeing close to motocross flat seat.

I had a 2001 model WR250F before my CRF250X, it was hell to start and tune.
You need to put the 2003 cam to make it easier to start.
4-strokes without auto de-compression and/or without Elec start are not for my liking, specially not the WR family prior to 2003 models.

 

[binthedirtnow]

A buddy has an '05 wr 450 and I got to ride it. Great bike. If I had that kind of money I'd get one. Great ergos for riders under 6', light feeling, easy to use power and controllable too. Actually, when I rode the bike I thought it was a 250 because of the rr fender he has on it. It seemed so mellow and easy to ride but torquey and controllable at the same time, I thought "wow I really like the 250's", duh!!!. Didn't fell heavy or big. I'm 5'9" 165lbs novice and I don't have experience with big bikes, yet I could ride that thing all day anywhere I'm capable of riding. Nothing to be afraid of power-wise. Suspension's great too.
B