wr450F or DRZ400

[miScott]

Is there anyone in the Grass Lake area that has a WR450F or DRZ400 / KLX400?
I'm buying one of them next year but have only sat on them, and the sales people that I have talked to, have never riden one.
I have been riding for 25 years, and only owned 2 bikes, an XR75, and a TT250. :(

Thanks,
miScott

 

[BellevegasB]

Hey there,

I can't help you directly, as I don't live in the area, but I do have a DRZ400. Mine is the S model, so it's probably not what you're looking for, but I can still give advice. I would say off hand, go for the WR450F. I love my DRZ, but it's up for sale b/c I want a lighter bike. The DRZ was my first bike, and it served it's purpose well, but after a year I'm ready for something with more kick and less weight. Don't get me wrong, the DRZ is powerful, and definitely more than I need offroad, but I wouldn't mind something faster either. Good luck!

 

[Jimbokdx]

Not even a close race... WR450! Its like asking, "do I get the KIA or the Lamborghini?"

Jimbo

 

[miScott]

Thanks for the info., both of you. My current bike is very tired, 1980 TT250G. So I can't wait to get the new ride. I think my buddy is tired of me trading with him on the trail. He rides a 1999 KDX200. I love the weight, and suspension, of the KDX, but not a big fan of the 2 stroke.

Thanks again.

miScott

 

[Jimbokdx]

I currently own a KDX200 and a WR450.  Totally different animals  My WR is awesome, but in really tight trails, it can be a handfull just because of the weight (which really isn't bad).  I also have a KX250F.  That's a really cool bike.  All the advantages of a 4 stroke but lightweight and narrow like a 2 stroke.  It would make a killer woods bike!

Jimbo

 

 

[drk98]

For a 4 stroke the WR is about the only real competitive bike around. The rest are even heavier and won't handle on a track. The DRZ/KLX are dirt road bikes that are street legal. The XR is a desert machine. If you had to get a four stroke I wouldn't even get a trail bike. The RM/KX250F are good on the trails too.

For a 2 stroke the KDX is about it. It's light. It's reliable and low maintainence. Easy to ride for a 2 stroke because of the low end power. Many people question the KDX if it will pull them. Whats you height/weight?Do you ride trails or the track?

 

[miScott]

TwoStroker,
I'm 6'1" / 230 lbs. I ride woods trails here in Michigan, but once a year ride the jeep roads around Silverton, Colorado. My buddy is planning on joining me this year with his KDX200. And I'm a little worried about him fouling out the plug on the downgrades. Earlier this year I was up at over 13,000 ft, and didn't see a single 2 stroke all week.
I like his KDX. The suspension is awsome and the weight is great. It even has a nice punch when it hits the power band. I just would rather stay with a 4 stroke. Some of the long rides in Colorado I was riding over 100 miles a day. The KDX hits reserve around 60 miles and you can't just pull into a gas station and fill up, like I did.
I'm thinking that the WR450 will be my best choice. Just wish I knew someone around here that I has one I could ride. I haven't even heard one running yet.

miScott

 

[drk98]

I'd say thats you best bet.

 

[MWEISSEN]

miScott,

I had to throw a curve in your decision-making process, but also being from Michigan (Standale, a stone's-throw away), I'd like to help you make the best decision.

You may want to add the KTM 450 to your short list. I owned a WR400 a couple years back, and didn't really like the bike for Michigan riding. Reasons:
1. The bike and Michigan sand didn't get along. It would knife-edge into the deep sand we have here, and generall give me fits
2. After a long day of riding, I was really beat by the extra weight and high center of gravity of the bike.
3. The tall seat height really bugged me personally.

I have to qualify these comments a little when compared to your "specs". I'm 5'11. With your 6'2", you'll certainly fit the bike better. And I believe they've really improved the WR450 since my '99 WR400.

I switched back to a 2 stroke, a KTM 250 EX/C, and am not looking back at a four stroke for awhile. Before this I've owned an XR250, WR400, and YZ250F. Nice bikes, but I certainly like my KTM better.

However, I think the KTM better fits Michigan riding. I know some guys that would gladly let you try a KTM if you'd like, and I have a work friend that has a WR426 that would probably let you try his bike out as well.

I would have to say the Suzuki should be out, and your short list should be the WR and KTM.

Hope this helps!

 

[miScott]

MWEISSEN,

If you wouldn't mind me trying out the WR and the KTM that would be great.
Are they put up for the season yet?
Got a place to try them by you, or do you want to meet at one of the trail heads?

Was looking at the KTM website, looks like they are about a grand more than the WR.

Thanks,
miScott

 

[MWEISSEN]

The KTM 4 strokes are more, but in the long run they'll be the same or less. The KTM's are really ready to go, while you'll find you'll need new bars, tires, chain, etc on the WR either right away or withing a short while.

I don't own the bikes, but know guys that do.

Pick "profile" at the bottom of the page on this message, and e-mail me from the profile page with your personal e-mail/phone etc, and I'll get it to the guys that can help you with a trail test.

If you want to test ride a KTM 250 two stroke, I can set you up with that!

 

[miScott]

I can't get to profile or to private message. It says I do not have permissions.

Please email me at [email protected].

Thanks again,

miScott

 

[oticoyote]

I have been looking at the WR450 for a while but I am a bit concerned about all the talk about woodruff key failures on the 2003 models. I have an opportunity to buy a 2003 at a very good price but I just might splurge for the 2004 because Yamaha has apparently addressed this issue in the new model (although time will tell if the problem is solved). Any comments?

 

[drk98]

Make sure you check out the fuel injected, reverse cylinder Canondale 440. LOL! They should stick to bicycles.:)

Over a WR I'd look at the KTM line up cuz the bike will probably last longer(and so will the loan) but they are really top notch, high preformance bikes.

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by TwoStroker
Over a WR I'd look at the KTM line up cuz the bike will probably last longer(and so will the loan) but they are really top notch, high preformance bikes.

2-stroker... with advice like that you should be able to provide examples to back it up (and not just heresay).

I know many people with WR's and KTM's that have success and failure. Eric Gorr recently posted about potential issues with KTM's conical springs (he has been tuning bikes longer than I have been walking).

What I have learned is that bike longevity is proportional to the maintenance of the bike by the owner in the majority of cases.

Ivan

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by oticoyote
I have been looking at the WR450 for a while but I am a bit concerned about all the talk about woodruff key failures on the 2003 models.

Be careful when you listen to talk. Some of it has merit but a lot of it is talk.

For example, there are a lot of people who own CRF450's who have had major issues with their valves. Enough people that Kibblewhite has made some profit selling stainless steel replacement valves and springs.

However, there are a lot of people who have not had any issue.

Take all advice with a grain of salt, buy something you want and have fun. If you are worried at all about the bike for any reason pass on it and buy something else. You want to be confident in your decision as much as possible.

Ivan

 

[kelsorat]

I'll just reply based on your original choice decision between the DRZ400 and the WR450. After hearing about your last bikes, I would go with the DRZ400. Main reasons would be the incredible deal you could get on a DRZ and the fact that the WR might me a handful.
I own a DRZ400E 2002 model, and I have to say that it is truly built for the casual trail rider. It is reliable and built to last. I rode comfortably on my DRZ for 150+ mile adventures/trailrides. Good components, grease fitting for the suspension components, great plastics, and nice comfy seat.
However, the DRZ is not meant to be a competitve dirtbike. She's heavy, and I can contest to the pain and suffering you will put yourself through if you decide to use the DRZ in a competitve situation. I was sore for 3 days after using my DRZ in a California Desert Enduro event.

 

[drk98]

Just what I've heard and mag tests(like Truspode said can be a load of exageration).