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2014 YZ/WR 250f

By ggamster,
in WR250F/YZ250F/YZ250FX

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ggamster

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I didn't want to post this is make/model specific because so many good members wouldn't get to see it.  I have been looking at building a great light weight/durable woods bike.  I have a 2012 wr450f with just about everything I would ever want on it but it does get a bit hard to handle on the hard enduro type of terrain I like to ride.   I don't love two strokes and KTM isn't my first choice.  Closest dealer is an hour and a half away and while they hold up well, I have come to love the Yamaha reliability.  I have heard nothing but great reviews about the new yz250f.  It is 40lbs lighter than my 450 and has a huge bottom end.  So I'm thinking 

 

18" rear wheel

core exp 3.0

revalve

cycra hand guards

turbliss

skid plate

 

and call it good.  

 

I'm just guessing that is about $2000 in parts and I can get the bike for $6200 

 

That's $8200 

 

What do you think?

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woods-rider

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I would say it sounds like a great plan for most, but you already have the 2012 WR450. Have you done any weight shaving to the 450 like removing the battery and starter, kickstand, lights, excess wiring, radiator catch tank, odometer/computer, etc? These are things I wouldn't want to lose myself, but if you are thinking about a YZ then you probably don't mind.

 

Taking these off should get you somewhere around 20+ lbs lighter and still have the 450 grunt, wide ratio trans, and $$$ in your pocket. Now there's only 20 or less lbs difference and once you add the 18" wheel, hand guards, skid plate, etc to the 250 you are probably down to around 10-15 lbs different.

Edited by woods-rider
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ggamster

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It is a good point but I don't think you will get close to the 20lbs mark.  I think you can easily get 10+ by with removing the starter and the battery and other extras but I love the 450 as is.  I'm not wanting to get rid of it.  I am just looking for a nice fit,sexy, girl.  Maybe a bit hard to live with but soooo fun to play with.

Edited by ggamster
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woods-rider

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It is a good point but I don't think you will get close to the 20lbs mark.  I think you can easily get 10+ by with removing the starter and the battery and other extras but I love the 450 as is.  I'm not wanting to get rid of it.  I am just looking for a nice fit,sexy, girl.  Maybe a bit hard to live with but soooo fun to play with.

 

So you want to get another bike in addition to your WR450?

 

The battery and starter alone are ~10 lbs. If you remove everything I listed it will be 15-20 lbs.

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gatorfan

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IMO e-start is a MUST for woods riding. As far as I know, KTM is the only manufacturer to have e-start on a 250 4t MXer.

I am in similar boat as you. Considering MXer for woods and don't want KTM for same reasons as you.

For the moment I'll probably wait and see what the 2015 WR250F has to offer. Likely overhauled along the lines of the YZ.

Edited by gatorfan
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gatorfan

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Yah, I'm wanting to keep my 450 and get a super light other bike. I don't love two strokes so that is why i dont buy a yz. The deal about the kick start is I was thinking with the rekluse I would be only sarting it a few times per ride???

1). You can get YZ250F

2). The e-start on trails is not about how many times you start it. It's about getting in a position where you cannot manage the bike and kick it over at the same time. For example, when stalled on a steep hill.

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hart

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Man, I cant imagine anyone knocking your plan! I'm right with you, I don't believe those 2 bikes will end up anywhere near 20lbs different. I've rode those big lugs in the woods and endure and its a world of difference. I really like the Yamaha reliability and straight line stability so that's my dream too. The recluse will take away all the value of e-start IMHO

  If you can afford to take the loss is the big question. I sure see folks buy up their dreams and then 2 years later sell it out with 20 hours on it for a 3000+ loss.

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bajadiver

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You might want to rethink the yz250f and stick to a WR. my son and I have ridden in oregon with a friend , I had a CRF450 My son  who races MX  his YZF250 and our friend has a WR 250. Our friend lives and rides up there and he sticks it in 3rd and just goes. my son and I spent alot of time shifting and slipping the clutch due to the terrain. had a blast but his WR had a shorter wheel base and was geared for the tight trail  and is able to lug it without stalling at Browns Camp.  His WR is totaly stock ( I think it is a 06)  glad you are sticking to the blue. I no longer ride red. my son now has two YZ 250f's  09 and 14

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Dillier23

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I had a similar bike, CRF450X and switched to a YZ250F a couple years ago. I had the CRF modded heavily with cams, carb, suspension and a bunch of other smaller stuff. Would I do the switch again? NO.....the woods setup CRF was far better than what the YZ could match.

 

This is not a suggestion that the YZF couldn't be a great woods bike with the right mods, but it wouldn't be a wise choice for me to buy a second bike or sell yours and commit fully to the YZ250F. The rider has more to do with the fun of the bike than the bike itself.

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BazookaJoe

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Ggamster-

Depending what skill level you ride at, there is more/less value on the e-button. There is constant reference to the need for an e-button when wadded up on the side of a hill. True, a button is nice in those instances. However, the e-button brings along a bunch of extra lbs which help to fatigue the rider and hence, leave him wadded up on the side of a hill.

I own both a well set up WR and also a well set up YZF. I take the YZF every time that I do not need a headlight & license plate. My vote (from the vantage point of a 50+ A rider)- If you're a good rider, get the YZF + revalve + bash protection, but maybe skip the 18" wheel.

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caddielack

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This is exactly what I'm doing, got my 2014 yzf 250 beginning of December.

So far about 10 hrs on it from 3 club races and dome practice riding, no mods except 18" rear wheel, barkbusters, radiator guards and skidplate.

I have a Rekluse on order and will do some revalving also, bike is a good platform to build from, coming from a 2013 Husaberg 250 FE the Yamaha acctually is more race ready and needs less attention to become a good woods racer imo.

I say go for it!

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