Advice: WR450 vs WR250?

[e_dogg]

I bought a WR450 last year (my first bike in 10 years) and when I first started riding it, it kicked my a$$. It got to the point where a couple months ago, I started looking into trading in on a new WR250 but decided to keep my 450 after all.

I'm a little bigger than you - 6', 270lbs so I stiffened the rear suspension by 2 clicks and the front by 2 clicks. Other than putting a YZ throttle stop screw in (or just cutting the stock WR one to YZ length), this is the best mod I've ever done. When (or if) you get the WR450, I really suggest tweaking your suspension. It was a huge help to me.

For tight trails, a WR450 is a pretty big handful. It's manageable, but after a few miles, I start to get worn out. A WR250 would be better in this situation I think, but the 450 works. But in more open trails, the 450 really shines.

A 250 should be able to haul you around pretty good. My buddy's CRF250 has enough "go" to get me moving pretty good. But not quite as good as my WR450. ?

Short term, you'd probably be happier with the WR250 since it's a lighter, more nimble bike. Long term, the WR450 will probably do better since you'll never run out of throttle.

[2old4school]

At 25, was in great shape. Rode my XR650L until I turned 35. Sold and went down to the TTR250. Nice bike, but not enough UMPH for my 240lbs. Bought the 05 wr450 and found a confidence and enjoyability that no other bike has provided. Weight, maneuverability, power, .... EVERTHING is perfect. The mods on this site changed it into a lean and mean machine. Can't imagine riding anything else.

[BIGMatt]

Im a big kid too, 27yrs old, 6'6" 250lbs.

450 all the way for me! BUT, the 250 will be able to take the weight of 'bigger' riders, and still have fun. You just wouldnt be able to do some of the gnarly hill climbs, or tight technical trails. If you'll be riding with the little ones, you may want to install a smaller front sprocket. The WR450 motor does not really like to go slow like an XR400 etc..

Both the 250 and 450 will live a long time, longer than a CRF for sure, but still need more engine attention than the old bullet proof XR motors.

[GlocksRock]

A buddy and me bought new bikes last year in June. We were both basically new to the sport. I bought a wr450 while he bought the wr250. Let's just say he is kicking himself in the ass for not getting the 450. He never should have rode mine. The best part about it was the cost difference between the 2 bikes was only $350!! That reason and the fact that I am also a bigger dude made the decision a no brainer.

[trailhog]

This sounds like me..I got back into dirt bikes a few years ago..I got a XR650L, it was just too big and heavy..I just got my WR450 and love it even with out any MODS yet..Love the feel and wieght..I am a big guy at 6'4" 260 and 45yo..so even us older guys love this bike..I am in the PNW and run the Olympic Mtns. I am sure I will do the normal mods soon but just wanted to get use to the bike...damn thing bucked me off twice the first ride..lol...So go with the bigger bike....

[fatdaddy]

WR450F it is .....!

Good to join you boys! ?

.... Thanks for all the advice ?

fatdaddy

[DCaddy]

Ok, In case you aren't sure yet that you want the 450 yet, let me tell you that I just went through the same decision about a month and a half ago. We are the same age, height and weight exactly! Prior to that it was 23 years since my last ride and my confidence was up also. After my first ride on my 450 stock, I came back and did the free mods and am in love with this bike. She will take you anywhere you want to go with smooth reliable power. She will go as fast or as slow as you want to go. She is a very tame machine that rides like a Cadillac. I went back and forth so many times making my decision that I could have cried, and as you know they won't let you test ride one. Finally I found out that the 450 was the only one of the two bikes that were green sticker approved for California. That made my decision and I know now that it was the right one. Also you won't hardly see any one out there on the trails that are of our size and weight and age that ride a 250. Bye the way it is great exercise, I now weigh 218 lbs. as a result of riding a lot. ?

In this forum another member told me "to be aware of the addiction." I guess I didn't listen very well.

[ELOLF1]

I can relate to you. I am a newbie as well, hadn't ridden in since I was a kid and decided to go with the 450 about 2 weeks ago. I was concerned about having too much bike but its really not that bad as long as you remember to respect the throttle till you learn how to ride again. Haven't done any of the free-mods yet but will when I'm ready.

I got the Baja kit on the bike and I can say that I have had some strange looks from people on the street. LOVE IT!

[elton]

Get the 450; its a no-brainer. The 450 will be easier to ride slow or fast with the extra torque, not requiring as much aggressive revving.

You can keep it stock/chilled and do the free mods when ready to unleash it -- add a 3rd party pipe for additional power later.

My 14 year old now rides my WR450 that's fully "unleashed" with a Yosh TRC Pro -- and he only started riding 4 months ago.

I'll soon be migrating my 12 year old daughter from TTR-125LE and won't even consider a 250 4-stroke -- IMO they are heavy and underpowered. Will probably go with a KTM 200exc or KDX 220.

Elton

[byggd]

I'm in the same boat....44 and just trail ride. i got the 450 and I'm glad i did. i was a bit worried about the power the it can be as tame or wild as you want it to be. Ride it out of the box first before doing any of the free mods. Mine just has the throttle stop pin mod and a pipe/muffler and it has PLENTY of power just as it is.

[Seabass]

I came off riding a Honda XR 650 and finally had enough of the beast. I got to ride an '04 YZ 250f for a day in the desert and I admit it was a blast to ride. The bike was light and nimble, and since it had to be revved to keep it going it always felt like you were haulin' arse. But in sandy sections, big hills, and long straights it just lacks too much motor for my liking. I went with the WR 450 and couldn't be happier ? I'm 6'2'' and 225 lbs and it fits me perfect. The bike is actually pretty gutless in stock form but once the free mods are done and you get it dialed in the bike is a blast!!!

[DIGITAL_SOLDIER]

Even if I was 3' 4" tall and 96 pounds soaking wet, I would still get the 4 fiddy. The 250 merely bounces junebugs off your goggles, the 450 completely disintegrates them. ?

Isn't that what owning a motorcycle is all about?

[JAMES35]

That's funny you say that about the bugs.....Last week after hauling

ass on mountain roads on my WR426, I had yellow crap all over my enduro

jacket from the bugs splattering off my helmet!!!

Nasty stuff ?

[dale]

Yes I'm a newbie!

I'm getting back to the dirt after a lengthy departure. I sold everything bike related to race sports cars. I'm rusty but confident of my abilities.

I'm 44 years old, 6'1" tall and ~235lbs.

Thanks

My .02,

1) you sound too big for the 250

2) unless you ride real tight stuff get the 450

3) don't rule out a DRZ if you want to putt around and never race.

4) I would pick an XR400, but I am bias, and they quit selling them here. ?

Welcome back to the best sport ever! ?

[Mike Grady]

I'm 6'4" 235 46YO and got the 450 last November. I raced in the late 60's to the mid 70s and quit in 89. Got back into it 6 months ago and I said the same things. Just going to ride around. Yea right! All mods done, New rubber, modified bars, tree, etc. ran a Poker run two weeks ago. First race next weekend. The 250 would never have done it for me. Once competitive always competitive. Once you have gone fast you will always want to go fast. Get the 450 and don't kid yourself. Were to big and to old for kids toys. A 250 will only spark your interest and be replaced in 6 months or less with a 450.

[Dirtmizer]

450 no question!

[jonnytmoto]

Only choice is 450. You can lug it around and it will pull you fine. Then when more comforatable can rip on it. The 250 is not bad but to little for ya and to really go ya got to rev it.

[slotracer577]

Yes I'm a newbie!

I'm getting back to the dirt after a lengthy departure. I sold everything bike related to race sports cars. I'm rusty but confident of my abilities.

I have absolutely no plans to race. I will ride the trails with my buddies and putt around with the kids. I want to buy the "right" WR for my size and needs. Ideally I would like to by one bike and hold onto it for awhile. I only want to make minor mods .... and I appreciate a quieter bike. The cost differential is not a big factor in the decision.

Is the WR450 too much bike for me? Do I need the extra power? (I know I want it!)

Does the WR250 have enough power to lug my rearend around? Especially if I only want minor mods?

Which bike will I be happier with both in the short and long term.

Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated ... I hope to buy my new WR this weekend!

Thanks ?

Having the chance to ride both bikes, I chose a 450 since I ride at high altitude (6000-11,000ft) and higher speeds. If I rode at lower altitude, 2000-4000 ft in tight twisty stuff I would own a 250.

The 250 is lighter and turns better. The 450 is heavy and has lots of motor. I think the 250 tops out in the 70's so if you ride fire roads it may be too slow compared to a 450 which tops out in the mid 80's with stock gearing. It will also do 100+ with the right gearing.

At the last enduro I rode, one of the other guys on my row had a 250 and we were tied after the first 4 sections.

FWIW I am 6'3" and 190 lbs.

John

[Canuck]

Yes I'm a newbie!

I'm getting back to the dirt after a lengthy departure. I sold everything bike related to race sports cars. I'm rusty but confident of my abilities.

I'm 44 years old, 6'1" tall and ~235lbs.

I've decided I want a "WR" but I'm getting conflicting signals from the "sales guys" and thought I'd ask the guys who know and ride these bikes.

I have absolutely no plans to race. I will ride the trails with my buddies and putt around with the kids. I want to buy the "right" WR for my size and needs. Ideally I would like to by one bike and hold onto it for awhile. I only want to make minor mods .... and I appreciate a quieter bike. The cost differential is not a big factor in the decision.

Is the WR450 too much bike for me? Do I need the extra power? (I know I want it!)

Does the WR250 have enough power to lug my rearend around? Especially if I only want minor mods?

Which bike will I be happier with both in the short and long term.

Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated ... I hope to buy my new WR this weekend!

Thanks ?

FatDaddy:

I own both the 450 and 250 and enjoy them both for different reasons. Depending on what type of terrain you will be riding and how aggressive you are will help make the decision clear.

250F:

Lighter bike, has sufficient power to flick through the tighest trails and tweak all kinds of jumps. Wheelies on command in any gear. Must be ridden like a 125 two smoke to fully enjoy the high rpm capability. Cannot keep up with the big bores on the open trails. With after market exhaust, free mods and advanced timing will dust any two smoke with ease!

450F:

Much heavier, much more power! Can't be beat for open trails, hill climbs, dunes, or long enduro's. Larger machine better suited for bigger riders. Wheelies like a champ every gear. Lugs up any hill. Not the best for jumping due to weight.

Cannot go wrong with either machine. Yz timed plus free mods will unleash the beast regardless of model chosen. Like any other fast toy (sport bike, boat, skidoo etc.), after getting enough seat time you will be comfortable regardless of power plant.

Cheers

[96warrior]

450.....

I have the 426, and my bro got the 250. He wishes he bot the "big bike" instead. I think the 250 can be more fun in some area's. But just doesn't have the power or outright accerlation the big bike does.

But we both still like the 250, and it will haul you around the trails without a whole lot of trouble, I'd add 2 teeth to the rear sprocket for your weight though.