Hey All.

[SDMatt]

On Wednesday I bought an extremely clean 03 WR450F. The bike, with all original parts including the tires, chain and sprockets, doesn't even look like the guy I bought it from laid it down in the dirt(Which I will definately do). He had his mechanic friend do the grey wire mod and install the aftermarket baffle. He told me he hasn't ridden it in a over 1 year. I did read on this forum about the Woodruff Key issue and I am planning on doing this in the future. I was told that the bike has 700 miles of extremely mellow riding, which I believe due to the condition of the bike. I wonder if I won't have to worry about the Woodruff Key at this point? The electric start, which I also plan to replace works also. Anyone have any suggestions on what else I should look for on this bike?

Too bad it's been so hot in SoCal... Oh well, my friends and I are riding next weekend.

[Thumper_Bloke]

Nice find, Matt. How much did you pay for it? I have an '04 that sat around for a long time too, very minimal use. I had to take the carb off and clean it really good.

For the '03 starter issue, from what i've read... its the woodruff key that should definately get replaced. You can always kickstart it if the starter motor fails.

[SDMatt]

I paid $3700. I wanted to offer less then that, but the bike basically looked brand new. No frame protectors and the frame is barely scratched from riding boots. I couldn't really say much to 'knock down' the price. First used car/bike I have ever come across like this one...

[GCannon]

Clean that carb and fuel system. check all fluids, and ride it like you stole it.

Enjoy your new toy.

[bg10459]

For the '03 starter issue, from what i've read... its the woodruff key that should definately get replaced.

There is nothing wrong with the woodruff key, the flywheel torque spec or the shaft taper. The problem is in the starter mechanism. A backfire while starting could try to turn he starter backward, causing the woodruff key to shear. The '04 starter upgrade allows the gears to freewheel backward in case of a backfire.

Do a search for “woodruff key” in the WR450 forum and you’ll find all the info you need.

[SDMatt]

That makes sense. I guess I'll just kick the bike for now until I do that upgrade. It kicks so easy. I upgraded to this bike from an XR400, which isn't even a bike compared to these WRs...

[Thumper_Bloke]

There is nothing wrong with the woodruff key, the flywheel torque spec or the shaft taper. The problem is in the starter mechanism. A backfire while starting could try to turn he starter backward, causing the woodruff key to shear. The '04 starter upgrade allows the gears to freewheel backward in case of a backfire.

Do a search for “woodruff key” in the WR450 forum and you’ll find all the info you need.

Thank you for explaining that. My KFX400 had a one-way "sprague" clutch that went bad, from too much compression (not because of backfires). Is this one-way part of the upgrade?

[bg10459]

Is this one-way part of the upgrade?

Yep, the torque limiter. Check THIS link for the '04 starter upgrade parts list. ?

I found the best price at Zanotti Motors, but the TT store is usually very close.