2016 WR450 Ride Report & Opinions

[Texas2Smoker]

Not to take too much away from the previous model the new 16' is very well sorted. The only issues are it costs more, doesn't have a big tank and is a bit tall. I just had Enzo lower mine an 1', make it more plush and spring it for my weight. I emailed Acerbis on the need for a little larger gas tank and they replied they are coming out with a bit bigger tank for the 16' WR250. That should also fit the 450 I believe.

I understand you used to have an 09? WR so you know how they are (at least the non FI). I pretty much am just wondering how mad I should be that I didn't wait for the '16, and am looking for opinions from anyone with a 12-15 and a 16 or people who have compared both. I think I remember you saying you hadn't ridden the last generation correct? Sorry if I'm derailing this thread.

[KennyMc]

Not to take too much away from the previous model the new 16' is very well sorted. The only issues are it costs more, doesn't have a big tank and is a bit tall. I just had Enzo lower mine an 1', make it more plush and spring it for my weight. I emailed Acerbis on the need for a little larger gas tank and they replied they are coming out with a bit bigger tank for the 16' WR250. That should also fit the 450 I believe.

You think it's taller than previous models? When I rode my '07 on the street, I was on my tippy toes. I seem to be about the same when I sat on '16 in the showroom.

[SteveThe Snakes]

I understand you used to have an 09? WR so you know how they are (at least the non FI). I pretty much am just wondering how mad I should be that I didn't wait for the '16, and am looking for opinions from anyone with a 12-15 and a 16 or people who have compared both. I think I remember you saying you hadn't ridden the last generation correct? Sorry if I'm derailing this thread.

I still have a 07' and 09' dirt ones and a 08' supermoto. I love WR's. I purposely skipped the 12-15 models. It's not enough of a difference IMO and the fuel injection didn't look to help the hp at all.

[SteveThe Snakes]

You think it's taller than previous models? When I rode my '07 on the street, I was on my tippy toes. I seem to be about the same when I sat on '16 in the showroom.

If I'm not mistaken they claim the new one was lower but that sure didn't work out for me while riding the new one.

[2Speed]

If I'm not mistaken they claim the new one was lower but that sure didn't work out for me while riding the new one.

How did you go about lowering it? Link or shock?

 

I want to drop mine about 1" as well. The height is good for MX, but a bit too tall for off road, IMO.

 

May also look at softer seat foam.

[SteveThe Snakes]

How did you go about lowering it? Link or shock?

 

I want to drop mine about 1" as well. The height is good for MX, but a bit too tall for off road, IMO.

 

May also look at softer seat foam.

I took the suspension to Enzo and had it lowered internally. I also put a Guts seat ribbed cover with just slightly softer foam than stock.

[KennyMc]

If I'm not mistaken they claim the new one was lower but that sure didn't work out for me while riding the new one.

What were all the sag numbers before you sent it out to ENZO? 

[SteveThe Snakes]

What were all the sag numbers before you sent it out to ENZO?

Rear was about 105mm and the free sag was A couple of inches or so.

[KennyMc]

Rear was about 105mm and the free sag was A couple of inches or so.

Hmmmm, that's what I really like about my 350, the relative lower seat height. Easier to dog paddle in the rocky and technical stuff. Scoot back to get some traction and paddle ?

Well, some time too much.....

 

Edited February 4, 2016 by KennyMc

[Chaconne]

Not to take too much away from the previous model the new 16' is very well sorted. The only issues are it costs more, doesn't have a big tank and is a bit tall. I just had Enzo lower mine an 1', make it more plush and spring it for my weight. I emailed Acerbis on the need for a little larger gas tank and they replied they are coming out with a bit bigger tank for the 16' WR250. That should also fit the 450 I believe.

Is it actually any taller than the 12-15s?

[SteveThe Snakes]

Is it actually any taller than the 12-15s?

I really don't know.

[RMK800]

I really don't know.

What does something like that cost to shorten your suspension?

[Motodisiac]

I finally measured my sag tonight, it's exactly 100mm. GYTR ECU installed, ready for Sunday .

If anyone is interested in my opinion I posted a review on our blog.

Edited February 5, 2016 by Motodisiac

[SteveThe Snakes]

I finally measured my sag tonight, it's exactly 100mm. GYTR ECU installed, ready for Sunday .

If anyone is interested in my opinion I posted a review on our blog.

Feel free to paste and post your review here as I have named the thread Ride report and Opinions. Your Opinion is likely as good as any's.

[SteveThe Snakes]

How did you go about lowering it? Link or shock?

 

I want to drop mine about 1" as well. The height is good for MX, but a bit too tall for off road, IMO.

 

May also look at softer seat foam.

 

So I'm not 100% sure if a 1" might not be a bit too much? I always wanted the bikes suspension an 1" lower even on my 07' however never did it. I know plenty of people that go an 1" with no issues. But now my bike looks a bit low? However it's not fully together yet and I haven't ridden it. 

[KennyMc]

So I'm not 100% sure if a 1" might not be a bit too much? I always wanted the bikes suspension an 1" lower even on my 07' however never did it. I know plenty of people that go an 1" with no issues. But now my bike looks a bit low? However it's not fully together yet and I haven't ridden it.

Nah, it looks fine. I knew Ross had a sense of humor, but hell, that's a sweet paint job?

Edited February 5, 2016 by KennyMc

[SteveThe Snakes]

What does something like that cost to shorten your suspension?

 

Well you could do it yourself from Racetech = cheep. From Enzo it's somewhere in the vicinity of $400. or so. Mine was much more as they re-did the valving, springs, mid valve spring parts and removed the plastic spring tube for a machined aluminum tube.

[RMK800]

Well you could do it yourself from Racetech = cheep. From Enzo it's somewhere in the vicinity of $400. or so. Mine was much more as they re-did the valving, springs, mid valve spring parts and removed the plastic spring tube for a machined aluminum tube.

Thanks for that info. Can we see a side picture when you get it back together?

[SteveO300xc]

Well you could do it yourself from Racetech = cheep. From Enzo it's somewhere in the vicinity of $400. or so. Mine was much more as they re-did the valving, springs, mid valve spring parts and removed the plastic spring tube for a machined aluminum tube.

Steve please post a photo, I would like to get mine a little lower. Was thinking about the JGR sub frame mod.

[SteveThe Snakes]

Thanks for that info. Can we see a side picture when you get it back together?

Steve please post a photo, I would like to get mine a little lower. Was thinking about the JGR sub frame mod.

Sure.

JGR mod would also be a good mod. However if you run the big IRC 140/80 M5b tires like me you might check tire clearence with the fender.