02' 426

[forum33]

I am looking into an 02' WR 426. Does anyone know anything about this year of bike? Any known downsides to this bike? What have the upgrades been on this bike over the years?

Thanks-

[Matty05]

No e start, manual decomp, weak 5th gear (3rd too as on same shaft).

It is quite tall (this is great for some - I prefer the height to mine).

My neighbour has an '01 WR 426 with 6600kms on the clock and the valves are still in spec. It goes great when compared to my '05 but mine is still way better - more refined.

Better suspension and handling (the fork rake was way out on the old models), e start, better carby, gearbox fixed, just a few more years of development.

You should be able to get one quite cheap, they are good reliable bikes. There is still a few WR400's kicking around here with no problems.

[NuckingFuts]

I just picked up my second 426 this last weekend. I love the bike for hardcore trail riding. With free mods its got enough power. Ive resprung the shock on both which was just right for my 210#. Like Matty said, the motors are very reliable. If you drop in a 450 cam(do away with decomp) you wont need to have a weeny lil' estart b/c it will start like pie.

For the money ya cant go wrong!

BTW, Id stick with the 01's n' 02's. I know a guy(not personally) who's selling his 210mi stock 01' for $3400 here in SF bay area. PM me if you want his info.

[Matty05]

Oh yeah, my neighbour's still starts first kick too.

But e start is just the best ever. It just takes one push of that magic button........

What is wrong with the katoom???

[byggd]

I ride an 02 and IMO it's one of the best bikes ever built

[ISBB]

I love my 02..

[blue_beast_wins]

I am looking into an 02' WR 426. Does anyone know anything about this year of bike? Any known downsides to this bike? What have the upgrades been on this bike over the years?

Thanks-

I had an 01 (virtually the same bike) the gearboxes are a bit weak though they are heaps better when they are shimmed properly, the fat tank can be annoying at times (the yz tank and seat fits) other than that the 450 cam mod makes it easy to start and gives a really nice power curve, i did 16,300 K's on mine with one piston and ring job that it didnt really need.

[bluethundaaaa]

I have an 02 and I have had the suspension rebuilt by Enzo for riding tight single track. I moved the forks up in the triple clamps by 12mm which helps it turn better at slow speeds in the tight stuff. The engine and trany have had not one problem and the valves are still in spec after 4400 miles. I will agree that the tank/seat combo is better on the newer bikes but I like the large tank for distance. I can't use all its power and it seems fast to me, I still race cross country with it and I always seem to have a good time....and really that is what matters right?

[Motone82]

I had a 98YZ,99WR and 01YZ and never one problem! Just get the damn thing!

[Strattos]

Another positive vote for the 02 426 here.

The only drama i've ever had was recently when my bike started to idle a little high, but tracked it down to leaking hot start mechanism - which could happen to any bike.

Apart from that, loads of power. Handles well. Bulletproof. The only thing you have to do is keep an eye on valve clearances, clean your air filter regularly and change your oil regularly. They're magic.

The main advancement with the 450 was the electric leg and better ergos with the new seat/tank.

The extra cubes make the 450 a bit more civilized too - bit more linear than the 02. But in terms of outright power, I go riding with a mate who owns a 450 and i never seem to be wanting for power.

I've put a yz seat and tank on mine and it made a massive difference in terms of getting over the front end in corners.

[WR4BLUE6]

I'd have to say I don't know that I'll ever sell mine. It's just been so reliable and without a single problem that I just can't see getting rid of it. Plus it's street registered for those Tahoe area rides and the valves haven't moved a bit. Now-a-days reliability is more important to me than the latest, greatest, fastest, and lightest. Heck I'm a pretty good moto pilot, but I can't outride the capabilities of my 426. And if you still like a little 2-stroke hit, the 426 is right up your alley.

[Matty05]

I'd have to say I don't know that I'll ever sell mine. It's just been so reliable and without a single problem that I just can't see getting rid of it. Plus it's street registered for those Tahoe area rides and the valves haven't moved a bit. Now-a-days reliability is more important to me than the latest, greatest, fastest, and lightest. Heck I'm a pretty good moto pilot, but I can't outride the capabilities of my 426. And if you still like a little 2-stroke hit, the 426 is right up your alley.

You should at leat try a test ride on the new '06 WR450's. A lot has happened over 4 years! They are amazingly better.

[byggd]

You should at leat try a test ride on the new '06 WR450's. A lot has happened over 4 years! They are amazingly better.

I agree with WR4BLUE6. The 450s have been improved but "amazingly" better they are not, at least not to the tune of being worth thousands of $$ more. ? And yes I have riddin one.