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WR250 or WR450

By yeahkaliyeah,
in WR400F/426F/450F

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yeahkaliyeah

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Hello, new to the forums, and would like some advice. I have a DRZ400 and have recently started trail riding. I have ridden sport bikes on the street for years, so I know how to ride bikes…just not off road bikes. Here is the question, I am going to buy a newer bike, and I don’t know which would be the best fit. I rode a WR250 (03) on flat and level ground, this bike felt wonderful, power, handling the works, I loved it. But after trail riding for the first time this weekend, (on the DRZ400), I thought that I was in need of all the low end power this bike had ( I don’t ride very fast and don’t keep up a lot of momentum), so could I get by with the smaller WR250 or should I purchase a WR450, I like the feel of the lighter 250 but am afraid that it might not have the needed grunt to keep me out of trouble. Thank you for your help, Adam. Personal stats: old, 5’11”, 230lbs. :D Also which years are the best for the 250/450 thanks again.

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old man dan

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It depends on what sort of riding you want to do, for really tight single track you may be better on the 250 but the 450 will be better for your weight in just about every other situation, plus the extra power is a gas. Sometimes the extra weight and power can get you into trouble faster than it will get you out. If you get an chance take a test ride on both machines and see which you feel better on. I love my 450 but I think it might a handfull when it gets slippery this winter.

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pkcof

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well in my 'humble' opinion, the '05 WR450F is one of the best bikes that I've ridden.It can be ridden 'slow and lazy' or 'fast and furious'. My last three bikes have been Huskys and this Yamaha is a great overall package that will appeal to many people. The power delivery is smooth and predictable with plenty in reserve should the need arise. The handling of the '05 model is by far superior to the '03 models and i definitely recommend that you at least ride one before you make your final decision.

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Just_a_trail_rider

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I too am a long time street rider who started trail riding about 6 months ago. I was also conflicted about the 250 or 450 decision. I was a also conflicted about the honda vs yamaha issue.

I am 5-10 and 205 lbs. After much reading and opinions from this site, it was hard to find anyone to say anything bad about either the 250 or 450.

However, I recently purchased an 05 wr450 because it was the best deal on a used bike I could fine. My previous ride was a very humble and meager ttr225.

Standing still the wr450 weighs only slightly more than the ttr225. However, it is a lot taller. I have a 31in inseam and I am on my toes when sitting on the bike. So you really should have no problem touching the ground slighlty.

I always use the kick start because my two daughters have kick start honda's. I feel guilty about having the e-start. So I choose to suffer with them. Its not hard to kick at all (unless I fall!)

When moving, the wr450 is definitely a lot more to handle. But in the past couple of weeks, I have been practicing my slow speed turns and manuevers in my back yard. I am getting more comfortable. I can ride the single track with no problem, but at a slighty slower speed. However, I keep up with everyone else just fine. (Just watch out for steep and slippery uphill climbs)

But, in the straight and long deep sand, there is "absolutely no replacement for cubic displacement" ! You will need all of the 450's power to pull you through it. Trust me when I tell you that deep sand is very very humbling. On a 450, its a non issue. Just gas it and go.

Also, for your size, you will need a little extra pull.

I've had the 450 for three weeks now and have been riding every week. I am getting more and more comfortable and I don't think about it now.

BTW... this bike turns like you would not believe. Do the free performance mods, get your self some moose hand guards to protect your bars and grips, and properly dial in the suspension for your weight. (most important)

You won't be sorry if you had the 450.

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steveT

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I am 5-10 and 205 lbs. After much reading and opinions from this site, it was hard to find anyone to say anything bad about either the 250 or 450.

thanks for your post...i'm 5-11 190...45-years old...started riding dirt at age 6....haven't ridden dirt much in about 20-years....been riding a Aprilia Mille on the street the last 5-years and I really want to get back into dirt riding...

I've been thinking about the 250 vs 450 4-stroke issue...rode a 2-stroke rm 250 around the block a few times....but I've never ridden a 4-stroke dirt bike...but everyone I talk to loves them...though I like the fact that a 2-stroke is easier to work on.........

now there is a yamaha dealer about 10-minutes from me ....only wish they would have a sale on the 05-wr 450...wishful thinking on my part.. :D

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Flaminchiten1967

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I alwyas tell myself that you cant use more power than you have so get as much as you can! thats why I have the 1967 400 firebird and the 99 SS camaro as the daily driver, also the same reason I opted for the 450 over the 250 cause I may not use 100% of the power 100% of the time but that 25% I do use it I am glad it is there :D

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Grand Master

clark4131

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Since you've had an extended hiatus from dirt riding, I'd definitely recommend getting the 4-stroke. Though not as immediately responsive as a 2-stroke, the 4's are a close second with the added bonus of being able to lug the engine and tractor through things. Since you're likely to be a little rusty, like I was when I returned to the earth, it's a nice feature. The only drawback is the weight comparison with 2-strokes barely cresting the 200# mark now. At your size and weight, I'd say the 450 is just about set up perfect in the suspension department, though you may want to bump up the shock spring one level. This is my logic on the issue, and I'm rarely ever wrong. I'm mistaken quite frequently though :D ...SC

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SPDFRK450

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I would say go for the 450. that way if you get into trouble you have the torque to get out of say a mudhole. My brother got the 250, and I got the 426, and he says that my bike feels like its ripping his arms off compared to his. Plenty for him to grow into.

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Canuck

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I also have both. Can't go wrong with either. The big bore has the power with extra weight. the 250 is comparable to a 125 2 smoke, can rev the piss out of her. If you jump and hot dog, the 250 is the one. For serious trail riding and hill climbs, nothing is better than the 450 power.

Cheers

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Canuck

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I also have both. Can't go wrong with either. The big bore has the power with extra weight. the 250 is comparable to a 125 2 smoke, can rev the piss out of her. If you jump and hot dog, the 250 is the one. For serious trail riding and hill climbs, nothing is better than the 450 power.

Cheers

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