I have a 2003 KLX400R (DRZ400E) that I like but I've been thinking about getting somethng with a bit more performance in terms of suspension and weight. I'm mostly into riding ST and old jeep roads. The WR looks like a good next step but I don't see too many of them in the off road races etc. Just wondering if anybody has opinions on the WR and/or comparison to the DRZ.

Difference........About $1000.00.......The WR is a good bike, more race ready out of the box than the DRZ with suspension and motor. It was a toss up for me between the DRZ and the WR...$$$$ won over. I have been told by people that if your looking for a bike to just cruise around on that the WR will beat you up????

You have the best bike for dirt roads and street with the bike you have!! I have a WR400 and it is great but it is no road bike. At least not over 2-3 miles. Now on dirt roads the WR may be just a bit more fun - but the motors do not take as much abuse so I keep the miles down and leave the long rides for the DRZS.

I don't ride it on the street. Maybe you thought ST means street? I mean single track.

Man the WR guys are all over this thread in that forum. I figured I'd get even more info here.

Whats the word in WR land?

Sell the KLX and get the WR. It is faster, better suspended, and lighter....

chino bandito said:

Thats all true, but that doesn't make it the "right bike for you". A lot depends on how/where you ride. The fact your thinking about a change may mean its time to get a different bike. Check out some magazine tests on the WR and other bikes, it gives you some insight on different bikes out there. Thought I would come over and see what the response is on this side. Good to see everyone getting along!!

chino bandito said:

Maybe you need to buy the WR and give us a report....I personally would steer clear of the CRF, don't trust in terms of long term reliability. I can't say that I have heard anything really bad about the WR. I have known guy's with YZ 426's and 450's who barely touch them, and they seem to all keep running!

I like to hear about reliability. I like to ride bikes not fix them. That's one reason I got the KLX/DRZ.

I rode an 06 wr450 yesterday,very nice bike. Suspension was spot on and lots more power than my FCR'd DRZ.It felt much lighter to ride but actually the difference isn't that much.

WR means "Wide Ratio". It was used from Yamaha to cross models prepared for enduro use.

The WRFs are used in Europe for African rally races with almost no problems.
Of course they are not XRs or LC4s and you would not run the engine full throttle for many miles.
Thus private pilots can finish a Paris-Dakar without major issues if they respect this rule.

To a DRZ you change oil after 2500 miles, with WR after 1000 miles (I am talking about going around, not racing).

For an off-road use only I would get a WRF, probably the most reliable 450 if used on long distances.

Uncleroby