WR450 '06 Engine durability

[Justang]

I know this is an old thread, but people seem to have this question a lot. Changing your oil is important in these bikes. Espcially since they hold so little oil. It's not difficult to change oil, so do it often. I got a reuseable oil filter so I wasn't spending money constantly on the oil filter.

People say to change the air filter after every ride... why? That's excessive. Clean it when it gets dirty. Find a filter that filters properly and they only thing you will lose by running a dirty air filter is power. Make sure the filter you have filters properly, or you're adding dirt/dust into your engine.

I don't see any reason why these bikes can't last a long time, if properly maintained.

[dirtysouth]

I know this is an old thread, but people seem to have this question a lot. Changing your oil is important in these bikes. Espcially since they hold so little oil. It's not difficult to change oil, so do it often. I got a reuseable oil filter so I wasn't spending money constantly on the oil filter.

People say to change the air filter after every ride... why? That's excessive. Clean it when it gets dirty. Find a filter that filters properly and they only thing you will lose by running a dirty air filter is power. Make sure the filter you have filters properly, or you're adding dirt/dust into your engine.

I don't see any reason why these bikes can't last a long time, if properly maintained.

He's right man. Do the maintenance. I change my oil every 5-600 miles and I have changed a middle eastern country worth of oil throughout my 05's life. Still goin strong too.

[JSanfilippo]

People say to change the air filter after every ride... why? That's excessive. Clean it when it gets dirty. Find a filter that filters properly and they only thing you will lose by running a dirty air filter is power. Make sure the filter you have filters properly, or you're adding dirt/dust into your engine.

Its not so much about the air filter itself as it is about the oil. Its crucial to find an air filter oil that tacks up nice.

I use maxima FFT and twin air filters. I've seen the shit that comes out of my filter after one ride...I do not want the engine in my bike to be sucking air through a dirty filter.

Its not that big of a deal. Keep two or three filters in the rotation and clean um at the same time. Your valves will thank you:thumbsup:

[Justang]

My only point to that is, if it allows dirt to go through the filter after it has been caught in the filter... it's not filtering. Thus it's not doing it's job and is a bad filter. If a filter gets dirty it should clog up. If it clogs up you will get less air flow through the engine and thus less performance.

I'm still running my stock filter, but only because I haven't researched the filters for this bike.

[123BigcoopDawg576]

I'm still running my stock filter, but only because I haven't researched the filters for this bike.

stocker filters work great...go to baja and ride some of the nastiest silt you can find and it will stop it (just as jsan said good filter oil is required and a spare to rotate when dirty.)

for a second filter i run a uni and i personally like it but i also clean it and oil right

[waynus]

My only point to that is, if it allows dirt to go through the filter after it has been caught in the filter... it's not filtering. Thus it's not doing it's job and is a bad filter. If a filter gets dirty it should clog up. If it clogs up you will get less air flow through the engine and thus less performance.

I'm still running my stock filter, but only because I haven't researched the filters for this bike.

I'm not sure if you understand the concept of the oiled foam filter.

The foam is merely the medium that holds the oil and the oil is the thing that holds the dust.

When the oil can hold no more dust, then dust will pass through the filter. You lessen this risk by washing and oiling the filter after a dusty ride.

[Justang]

Yes, but oil wetted foam air filters have an amazing dirt holding capacity. Which is why it is used in offroad applications. I'm not saying never clean it, I'm only contesting the statement that cleaning it after every ride is necessary. I find it hard to believe that you will reach the dirt holding capacity of the filter in one, or even five, rides. And since foam air filters still flow well when dirty, you aren't losing power.

I guess what it comes down to is... what does Yamaha say you should do for air filter maintenance.

[waynus]

Yes, but oil wetted foam air filters have an amazing dirt holding capacity. Which is why it is used in offroad applications. I'm not saying never clean it, I'm only contesting the statement that cleaning it after every ride is necessary. I find it hard to believe that you will reach the dirt holding capacity of the filter in one, or even five, rides. And since foam air filters still flow well when dirty, you aren't losing power.

I guess what it comes down to is... what does Yamaha say you should do for air filter maintenance.

They say after every race, or as required or 1000km.

Here's a link to an independent test of several types of filter. Check out the Unifilter.

http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

For peace of mind, unless it's a damp ride (but not raining), I'll continue to change mine after every ride. (I wash 4 at a time, oil them and put them away till required).

[Justang]

Is that for competition use or for normal use? My service manual gives mileage for both.

[waynus]

I would say that "after every race" would mean competition use (maximum power).

Just guessing but 1000km on sealed roads would seem ok.

"As required"... determined by riding conditions.

[MaddogYZ]

I clean my air filter "as neccassary", and here in the East Coast with the type of riding I do it's usually 4-5 rides. You Califorinia boys ride in a much dustier environment and thats why they're all saying they clean it after every ride, which in most cases is probably neccassary.

[taycam]

Maintenance is common sense on any motorized machine, the harder you push it the better you should look after it! oils these days are pretty darn good at their job, engines are producing way more power per cc and lasting longer than ever. I have brutally thrashed many bikes/snowmachines and vehicles and NEVER suffered an oil related failier. Having said that, I maintain everything I own to the point of overkill. So rule of thumb is "take care of your stuff and it will take care of you" and always use quality products. There is no reason that a Wr when maintained accordingly shouldnt last many seasons un-opened.

[w00dsRider]

I've put 3,000 miles on my 06, changed the oil every 150 miles or when it changes color (synthetic ), twin air filter, uni filter oil cleaning it every time it changes color (every ride or every other ride depending if conditions are wet or dusty), and have changed the spark plug three times. Mine runs a little rich. That's all I've done to the motor. Oh I also run a magnetic drain plug to keep the clutch crap out of my motor, if you've never used one you'll be surprised how much junk it picks up.

[johnnyjeep]

Its hard to say what kind of mileage with no permanent odometer, but my bike has a lot of miles on it. I thought I maintained it well. I got about 1 1/2 yrs on it before It said "no more!" I need everything from the crank up to the cylinder. Suprisingly, the head and valves are fine. I dont know exactly what happened to it, dont know if it was my fault or the bikes. Im not happy with it, but it doesnt bother me enough to swear off yammi or the WR, it was a great machine untill it stopped. It is times like these I miss the 2 stroke.