WR450 vs. DRZ 400E

[chino bandito]

I have a 2003 KLX400R (DRZ400E) that I like but I've been thinking about getting something 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.

[Numskull]

The Wr wont dissapoint you. Its not a toy though, very fast. ?

[Lukejt]

The WR is a kick ass dirt bike. My best bud has an '03 WR450, great bike.

Lukejt

[WR_Dave]

Fast , once you do the FREE mods to open it up. I bet that there are alot of riders with stock WR's that are very dissappointed in the bike off the floor. WR Dave.

[camaro345]

The suspension, weight, power, is like night and day compared to a DRZ400. You will not be disapointed and never go back.

[chino bandito]

Thanks for the replies. You WR guys seem to love the bike. Here's another question... If I want to use it for mostly single track trails would a wr250 do the job? I'm 6'4" and I weigh about 185 if that matters.

[Lukejt]

LOL, I'm a Husky guy. You want a super kick ass dirt bike? Track down an '06 TE, DOT legal in all fifty states ? They are super quiet too, trying to quiet down my friends WR as I type this.

Lukejt

[chino bandito]

I have checked it out at my local dealer and I like it but the wr seems to have a really good track record and is cheaper too I think.

[camaro345]

I have both a 2003 WR250F and WR450F. The 250 is faster in the tight single track. The 450 is for big open desert type riding. Both are great bikes, it just depends on the type of riding you will be doing the majority of the time.

[TimBrp]

Put a for sale sign on the KLX and buy the WR, you won't be dissapointed. My 06' is awesome, out of the box w/ the free mods done.

[TARFELE]

Thanks for the replies. You WR guys seem to love the bike. Here's another question... If I want to use it for mostly single track trails would a wr250 do the job? I'm 6'4" and I weigh about 185 if that matters.

Chino I am 6'1" and weigh 240 to 250 (depends on what was for dinner) I had the forks revalved and heavier springs. I also got bar risers that raised that bars 1.5 inches. The suspension is awsome and the taller bars makes it alot more comfortable standing or sitting. I think your wieght is fine but the height may give you some problems but no bike is made for guys that are 6'4". The bar risers were a great addition.

The WR is an awsome bike that is very reliable. If you want to race or just joy ride through the woods it will work for you.

You mentioned something about no seeing them raced "Off Road" alot. I am not sure I know what you mean I am assuming you mean desert/Baja type racing. If that is what I were doing I would only own a XR 650R but I have raced Enduros/Hair Scrambles and also gone to the desert to ride. I think the WR is the perfect bike for either. It is geared a little high for the open stuff but a sprocket change will fix that.

On thing to consider and you pointed it out yourself by noticing how we all like the bike so much. This has kind of turned into a little WR cult and with good reason.

To answer your question, the WR450 would be the perfect bike for single track riding and it will give you alot more power than the DRZ.

[JamesD]

If you like to ride trails like you are on an MX track the WR4X0F is the hands down fastest bike (well... the Honda is great too). It begs to be ridden fast and it makes it easy.

I'm 6'4" and 210-220lbs depending on diet and exercise in a given week. Your current weight is light enough that the factory springs are sufficient but you will appreciate an upgrade once you cross the 200lb barrier. At that time get the suspension done.

The factory stuff is good but gold valves and such make a noticable improvement.

My only real complaint with my WR is the seat height. It takes someone my size to stand flat footed on the thing. It also feels like it's CG is a little higher than other bikes I'd ridden which felt really weird when I first bought it. Handling varies a little between year models but in stock form mine likes to be cornered with the throttle. Raise the forks in the tripple clamps a little for tighter trail work. Not sure about the new ones since I've been happy with mine. The bike scares the hell out of my brother but he's shorter and never was as aggressive of a rider as I am.

If you wanted to wait you could get suspension mods done to your current bike and add some performance parts. I think the aftermarket exhausts drop a few lbs too. No, it won't be quite like the WR but you have a more comfortable bike for long, in the saddle, rides.

[chino bandito]

Great info guys.

I am not into really fast riding. I prefer more single track or long day rides in the mountains nearby that are thick with old mining roads and trails. Being reliable is mucho important for me. I haven't raced but have been thinking about it. I've been told I'd do pretty well in the C class and might even want to ride in B but I really just want to have fun and stay out of the hospital.

The KLX just seems pretty spongy and rather than do a bunch of mods and still have something less than the WR I figure maybe I should just buy one. It is pretty comfy for trail riding but when the going gets rough and fast it just isn't up to it. I put one inch bar risers on it but I'm still not too comfy standing up. I really like all the upgrades that come stock on the '06 WR like good bars, computer, etc.

Besides the one failure mentoned that has been fixed what other negatives might there be for the WR? Is it pretty easy to work on like valve adj. etc?

[tony1970]

There is a whole hardcore DRZ Forum that will disagree with anything anyone is posting on this thread. ? For tight trails a guy your size will have no problem with the 450. Hands down the WR is better. Now go buy one. ?

[chino bandito]

I see the writing on the wall and it spells WR... ? Now where do I get the money...?

The DRZ guys are pretty quiet on this same question over there. Hummm...?

Oh, my comment about not seeing the WR's much is from my experience in some of the riding areas around here. I see lots of hondas and KTM's but not as many WR's as I would expect since they obviously are a great offroad bike right out of the box.

What are the free mods? Seems like I've heard about a throttle stop mod. What's that about?

[RC81]

The DRZ was on my short list when I bought my 05 but I wasn't sure if I would outgrow the bike. I only had one chance to buy the right one and I love mine. Go 450, at your size you will like it and probably never need another bike. Maintenance is no more than the DRZ depending on how you ride it.

[JCORMI]

The Drz is a great bike for what it is made for, and it is an exceptional buy. BUT, the way 90% of us are we cannot leave things alone and are constantly looking to go faster, jump higher, etc. The drz leaves much to be desired because of this. It comes with really cheesy bars and fasteners and a really crappy heavy exhaust. Plus the fact that it weighs quite a bit more. If trail riding and dirt roads are your thing then the drz will do it well and in comfort, but if you want to be able to twist the throttle and get the feeling of holding on for dear life every once in a while the wr is your ticket. For a little over a thousand dollars more I think the wr is well worth it. Thats my opinion.

[JamesD]

The Drz is a great bike for what it is made for, and it is an exceptional buy. BUT, the way 90% of us are we cannot leave things alone and are constantly looking to go faster, jump higher, etc. The drz leaves much to be desired because of this. It comes with really cheesy bars and fasteners and a really crappy heavy exhaust. Plus the fact that it weighs quite a bit more. If trail riding and dirt roads are your thing then the drz will do it well and in comfort, but if you want to be able to twist the throttle and get the feeling of holding on for dear life every once in a while the wr is your ticket. For a little over a thousand dollars more I think the wr is well worth it. Thats my opinion.

I replaced the bars, grips and all sorts of stuff on my WR before I even rode it. Why would it be any worse to do that do a DRZ? And you aren't counting costs of add ons to make the WR more street worthy like the DRZ.

I wish my WR had come with the speedo/computer like the new ones.

A key would be nice too.

For $1000+ you can make a lot of mods to a DRZ.

[tony1970]

I replaced the bars, grips and all sorts of stuff on my WR before I even rode it. Why would it be any worse to do that do a DRZ? And you aren't counting costs of add ons to make the WR more street worthy like the DRZ.

I wish my WR had come with the speedo/computer like the new ones.

A key would be nice too.

For $1000+ you can make a lot of mods to a DRZ.

I don't think you can compare the engine technology or the suspension of the DRZ to the WR at all. If you were going to bring the DRZ up to par with the WR in these categories you would have to spend a lot more than a grand to bring it even close. Then to shave some weight you are talking mo' money. Now if you wanted to ride a bike mostly on the street then yes the DRZ is probably a better choice, but who wants to ride themselves to sleep on the street when you can rip up hills on a WR. ?

[Old_Yeller]

I knew I wanted a duel sport bike. Everyone said you can't have a bike that does both off-road and on-road good at the same time. I only need to be on-road the mile it takes to get to the trials from my house. I was looking at a 06 DRZ400 at the same price as an 05 WR450. I knew I would have to spend another $500 to make the WR street legal but I thought in the long run I would be better off.

I decided on the WR450 and I'm happy to say it was the best choice for me. I know that even 5 years from now I can twist the throttle and scare the hell out of myself! All of my buddies on 250's come back after riding it, all white faced and humble, saying little...

I'm still looking at Dual-sport kits for my bike and DOT tires also. I need to do the suspension first though.

Good Luck!