Xr650r Or Wr426f?

John I have never ridden the XR650. From what I understand about the riding you are going to be doing the Wr 426 would be a plus. Less weight would be a big factor in tight mountains trails like Rampart. I also understand that the WR426 has better suspension which would help bring you back down when you are doing any motocross or jumping type of riding. The 650 is a proven machine with an excellent record for reliability and super power supply. The Wr426 has a Wrocket of an engine but it can also have Locomotive strengths when needed to conquer up hill Mountain trails. The 650 has a larger Gas supply but the WR426 will bring you close to 90- miles on a tank. I am not sure if the Xr 650 has E-Start which is a plus but also adds to the Weight. The WR426 does not have E-start. I do not have any problems starting mine Cold Hot or on any day and it seems like neither does anyone else after the initial break-in. Make sure to post this on the XR site at Thumper.com to collect some information from the XR Crew.

Maybe we can get together and head for the Trails of Colo.

WRockomotive

A few Mods nothing that cost anything except a Magnetic Oil Plug.

YAMAHIKE of Colorado

WR426
TTR125L
PW50:)

Hey,
Well, I think you will have your hands full with either bike in the tights. The XR650 probably weighs more, but the WR is no light-weight. I think the smooth, torquey and "lazy" power delivery of the XR's is king in the woods, just my opinion. The WR probably puts out a bit more power than the XR650, plus it should rev higher. For MX and the like, I would think you would be better off with the WR because of more rigid forks and better suspension overall.

Everybody in these forums will tell you to run the other way from the XR and run and get a YZ/WR or KTM, but you already ruled out the KTM. If you want to MX then the XR probably isn't for you. However, for any other reason, including tons of USABLE power, and bullet-proof reliability the XR will do you right every time. Good luck, and remember, pick what bike YOU want, and what YOU think will be best for where YOU ride.

XR's are great reliable bikes but for any jumping or motocross the YZF is a lot more suited to the conditions. I would definitly go for the Yamaha: more power, less wieght, better suspension.

comparison

I touched on this in another thread, however I was in the same situation last year, and rode both machines (along on the same ride) before purchasing. I went with the 650R, but I could certainly live with the WR too. To me, the WR just didn't feel any lighter, although it is on paper. Whether that's because the Honda carries it's weight well or vice versa with the Yamaha, I'm not sure. The Honda in fact is about the same weight as the old XR600, but to me felt tons lighter, and much less tiring in the technical stuff. I don't THINK I'm in any better shape since then either!
What sold me over all was the Honda engine, which makes about 5 horse more then the WR, but feels way stronger with the torque factor. The Honda starts pretty good too, better then even an XR400 I would say based on my experience.

Doug