277 replies to this topic

[rrussell TT Bronze Member]

Hello fellow riders and racers.

Wanted to share more feedback and answer a few questions.

Yes, the big bore kit (276 ice cube kit) was worth every penny and once you have it, you will not go back!

Tell the boys at Max Power I sent you and they will take care of you!

I still LOVE the E-start. Late in the Expert class race I came up across a fellow 450 rider (Chuck White, super fast guy) and he lost massive time kickstarting his bike after a fall!

I went down 2-3 times myself and the e-start saved my butt!

So needless to say the trusty 07 WR 276 helped me pull down a 40 A Worcs win, with some pretty big names in it!

Don't tell anyone about my secret weapon

Back at it this weekend for some more fun!

[SPUTTER TT Gold Member]

I've had both; an 03yzf,  an 02 WRF, and now an 07 WR250f.  The wr's are noticeably heavier, but the 07 is less so, riding wise (lower cg).  I loved the 03 yz for it's lightness and quickness (and easy long wheelies) , but hated having to change the oil every ride to keep the tranny from getting notchy - I tended to use the clutch more on the yzf in the really tight single track that I ride - but the tiny oil capacity couldn't handle the clutch wear debris. I nearly ruined my back trying to start the high-kick start on an off-camber cliff-edged trail one day....no room to get in position. I would have loved an e-start. And if I gear down a mx'r for slow, technical single-track, they lose too much top speed.  If you are a trail rider, the WR is a better bike overall, once uncorked.  You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do the mods either IMO.  
Jeez, a 40A WORCS win?  What else do you need to know?

[rrussell TT Bronze Member]

Hello Fellow Riders,

Just wanted to give you another update on the 2nd racing season on my Trusty 2007 WR276 Ice Cube Big Bore Kit!

WOW!

The more time I spend on this bike the more I LOVE IT!

Predictably, powerful, and very confidence inspiring.

The proof is in the pudding and at my last race, The Dick Jagow at Washougal Washington I lined up with the Open Experts, 1 row back from about 7 local pros.

The pros took off 30 seconds ahead of us, and then we took off!

Needless to say my start was HORRIBLE, close to dead last!

But what happened next was pure magic!

The course was somewhat muddy with just about everything you could ask for:

some motorcross track, grass fields, tight trails, some gravel sections, up hills, downhills, you name it!

At the end of the 1.5 hour race I came in 2nd overall beating 6 of the Pros, and I'm no spring chicken (43 years old).

Cant describe how underrated this bike is for sure!

[YHGEORGE TT Addict]

Thanks Mr. Russell. But, I went to that "loopd" site and got nothing but a return to this post. Would appreciate info on your mods. I am a senior rider thinking I need to retire my 2st for a smoother bike. Thanks.

[rrussell TT Bronze Member]

Ok, here is a direct link to my bike set up and sponsor contacts:

http://www.hookit.co...s/robruss/blog/

After you go to this page, you will need to scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see a mini Q&A I set up to help explain my exact bike set up I use and what I have found out works best for me.

If you end up using my sponsors products do me a favor and let them know Rob Russell sent you.

I want them to know I'm working hard to represent them, and if I run it, it is a good product and not just for the bling!

Keep er pinned and see you at the finish!

RR

[YHGEORGE TT Addict]

Thank you, I really appreciate your time and obvious expertise. Your treatment of your sponsors is nice also. Happy Trails!

[rrussell TT Bronze Member]

You bet YHGEORGE!

I just like to make sure that all the angles are know. When I first came on Thumpertalk there was alot of talk about the WR not being a woods capable  bike, and then luckily I came across a KICK-ASS article done by my now good freind JC Hilderbrand the offroad editor at Motorcycle-USA.

Here is a link to the kick-butt article:

http://www.motorcycl...F-1st-Ride.aspx

BRAPPP!!!

[awsomeA3 TT Bronze Member]

im saving up for a wr250f 09 moddle basical new its only done 750km apparently but still its $8500 aus through would it be worth buying a brand neew one or and the 2nd hand one
previous bike that i still have is a crf 230 through could some one post the new prices on the 11 wr250f thanks

[team222 TT Newbie]

A friend wants me to go along on the Continental Divide run they are planning from Montana to New Mexico.  It is 90% dirt and 10% pavement....I have been told. "Kicker" is I would like to consider ridijng the bike from PA and back for this ride....using dual purpose tires while knobbies on the ride.  

I need a lighter bike due to my age ....and yes not being in the best of condition....plus I just think this is just smart due to all the gear needed to be carried along for this ride and the varied terrain.

Also I need a bike with an above average suspension adjustablity to accomodate the equip needed for the ride.   Esp important is a bike that can handle the slow speed parts......not trials bike slow/precision....but slow enough to avoid falling over too much when super slow speeds and conditions make slow speed necessary.  Gearing to take care of this would be ok.  Warp speeds on the flat parts in WY  ...whereever..... is not that important.  

The bike should be street legal or made to be street legal.  My inseam is 29". I have no issue lowering either bike.....or paying to have it done right.  

I have looked at the Kawa KRL and Suz 400s and would like something alot lighter for reasons stated.

Electric start would be greatttttttttttttttttttttttt.   Seems the WR might be best, but open to all ideas and suggestions.

Thanks


Mike

[a0280kerry TT Newbie]

With a little advice from the forum ive modded my wr, look on you-tube regards cutting gray wire  this will allow engine to rev out a little more / ive changed to a FMF silencer and have had to up the pilot jet sits next to the main jet in the float bowel to a 45 easy job you dont even have to take carb off just undo and rotate / ive taken 6mm off the the throttle stop allows carb slid to fully open / and my last mod was the cam timing ,i then dicovered a starting issue thanks to this forum ive now ground 1mm off the retractable lug/pin in the exhaust cam bike now starts on E-start nil prob , and the wr goes like hell and yet still plod along with a small throttle opening there is deffo a warp factor transition as you reach the midrange and top end ?  recommended   top mod   next poss power or mega bomb front pipe there is extra boost to be had there as well start saving ?

[justin mcelheny TT Newbie]

i have a 05 wr 250f and it has been acting werd now. when you go over half throughtle it will just boug out. It ant the values we just re did them and dont now what is wron:banghead:

[rrussell TT Bronze Member]

Hello fellow riders!

I just got this question, and wanted to share it for the group, and future viewers looking for more info:

Hi Rob...been reading your posts and just curious what gearing you have been using on your wr. I ride really tight wooded trails here in BC....I'm thinking 13/52....just curious what works well for you. thanks

Also getting a 290 kit this winter...worth the money??

+++++++++++++

Sure, I have played around with the gearing and I have found the combo 13/50 works well for me. This combination works well for the tight trails in northern Washington, and on the more open tracks like Washougal..man I loved that race!

Funny you should ask about the 290 kit. I hooked up with Jason Raines with Raines Ridding University ( http://www.rainesracing.com )when I took his class this summer and I asked him all about the 290 kit.

He said I would Love it, so I'm in the process of putting a 290 kit on the trusty WR this winter as well.

Once I have some seat/race time on it, I will report back in my No BS, just the facts style!

Until then, keep the rubber side down!

Rob Russell

[YZ2Smoker98 TT Silver Member]

I need some help people. I will be only TRAIL RIDING I am looking to buy either a YZ or WR....obviously. I don't have much $$ to spend. I am looking to get a 2003-2006 YZ250F or a WR250F. I have a few problems and input would be nice. First and a big thing is the weight. Unlike most riders I will NOT have a problem with the weight. I have been riding my 1993 DR350S for 2 1/2 years and that thing weighs 286lb DRY. So either the YZ or WR will be a lightweight compared to it. A 2003 YZ250F weighs roughly 214lbs. That's shaving off 72lbs! The 2003 WR250F weighs between 233lbs-249lbs. Which is still a 53lb-37lb loss. So regardless of the bike I will be throwing something around that weighs atleast 50lbs less. Second thing- The Electric Start. The DR350 I have is among the worst to start. They SUCK at starting but when they do its a beautiful sight/sound. I have always wanted an electric start, BUT it adds weight to the bike itself. The YZ250F does NOT have an electric start which is disappointing, but you wouldn't need one to ride MX anyway. The YZ does have a "Hot Start" I have been riding and around bike for say 7 years. I'm 18 so I started at 11. Anyways I have never heard of it, but I read up and I think I know what it does. They say is opens up the carb allowing more air to get in increasing the flow and the bike starts better when hot(HOT Start). Is this even compare to the electric start? So I want to know is the extra weight worth it for the electric start. Third- I am 6'1" around 210lbs with my gear on. The YZ is setup for track and so the suspension is stiffer for jumps. The WR is setup for the Woods/Trails and is plusher for bumps/rocks/roots/etc. I know you can set the sag and whatnot for either of the bikes. My main concern is that will the WRs be "too" plush for my weight or no. I was almost thinking the YZ suspension would be nicer for my size seeing as its stiffer meaning less chance of bottoming out on rocks. The last thing I can think of so far is the upgrades. The WR comes "corked?" not sure if thats the word for it, but it is very restricted off the start. I have heard of doing the Grey Wire Mod, Aftermarket Exhaust, Throttle Stop, Air Box Snorkels. This will be time consuming, BUT when I buy a bike used I will have to find out what was done with it. I will also take off the backlight, probably headlight, any turnsignals that the previous owner may have put on it. I want it to look and ride like a YZ, have the YZ power, BUT have an electric start and I am not going out and buying a used stator and other components to get a E-Start on a YZ. I won't be purchasing a bike until Early Spring once I sell my DR. There are a few WRs for sale in my area for 1800-2500 from years 2003-2005. I looked at the prices and the WR is actually cheaper than the YZ. Also to clarify the seat height is 39.2in on both. I have went to dealership and sat on a 2011 WR and I couldn't flat foot. Which is a plus and minus. I know you can modify the suspension lower or higher, but I like the height that it has so that's not an issue. So overall I will be riding trails 100%, I like a good pulling, looking, sounding bike. I had a Dual Sport for 2 years and I want a strictly offroad bike. Thing is that the WR looks like a Dual Sport to me. I think with some plastics and mods it can be 98% YZ and 2%WR. The 2% being the E-Start and Suspension. Any Help will be appreciated. I have got a few months to decide, but getting it over with will be a start. I feel as if Im pulling towards the WR, but it MUST have good power. BTW my DR only had 30HP stock and with a few mods I did increased probably 3-4. So I am coming off of a bike with 34hp~. I would like more. Thanks Guys.
EDIT. One last thing. YZs are for racing meaning some if not most that were used in racing have been abused. This is another problem that is pushing me away from the YZ and more towards the WR. The WR is a trail bike which can still be abused, but is less likely. I just found a 2003 WR250F for sale in my area for $2000. It has all of the goodies for trails (Bark Busters, Skid Plate) My one concern is he says he put a NEW TOP END  in it. Is this something I should be worried about? I just dont want to buy a bike from some nutcase who ripped apart the engine and replaced things (unless it was done at a shop I wont know unless I ask). I've got time to make this decision. No hurry. I am in the process of cleaning my DR with a toothbrush (not joking) and getting it ready for sale. Hope I can get 1300-1500 for it. Thanks Guys.

Edited by DR350S93, 21 December 2011 - 12:32 PM.
new stuff

[Swede73 Out of work midget stuntman]

You are the same height and weight as I am and I have no problems at all with the suspension on my 04 WR. I am 100% trails and don't do huge jumps. Go for the WR. Do not worry about the weight. Do the free mods and a new top end is expected on a bike of that age. Make sure the previous owner has kept up on the maintenance and the free mods is a must!!! If it still feels a bit under powered then you can always look into cams and/or big bore kit.  The WR is the right bike for you

[YZ2Smoker98 TT Silver Member]

I was going to do the free mods anyways. I have heard too many people and read too many articles about how the WR is too restricted. I won't be buying until March-April once I sell my bike. I am hoping that the same bike is still for sale until then. I don't see why not seeing as everyone sells their bikes here for snowmobiles for the winter and then sells the snowmobiles for bikes in the spring. Nobody buys bikes around this time. Do you think that 2,000 for that year is a decent price? There is an 07 for sale close by but he wants 3,300. Money I don't have. If the bike runs good and the maintenance is up I am definitely getting that 03. I need something over a 02 because 03 is the start of the E-Start. Which is a reason why I want it. If I do end up getting it I will probably do the Grey Wire, Baffle, Lights, AirBox, Snorkels, and anything else I can look up. Thanks for the reply. Now I play the waiting game until Spring. Damn you Westerners....

[Algreen TT Bronze Member]

DR350S93 said:

I was going to do the free mods anyways. I have heard too many people and read too many articles about how the WR is too restricted. I won't be buying until March-April once I sell my bike. I am hoping that the same bike is still for sale until then. I don't see why not seeing as everyone sells their bikes here for snowmobiles for the winter and then sells the snowmobiles for bikes in the spring. Nobody buys bikes around this time. Do you think that 2,000 for that year is a decent price? There is an 07 for sale close by but he wants 3,300. Money I don't have. If the bike runs good and the maintenance is up I am definitely getting that 03. I need something over a 02 because 03 is the start of the E-Start. Which is a reason why I want it. If I do end up getting it I will probably do the Grey Wire, Baffle, Lights, AirBox, Snorkels, and anything else I can look up. Thanks for the reply. Now I play the waiting game until Spring. Damn you Westerners....

FWIW - that's the same pricing I'm seeing in the Midwest.

[pdivizzle TT Member]

I love my 09 WR.  with the suspension dialed in, steering damper, some power mods, its awesome for the Hare scrambles and enduros that i race.  It has a lot of pep once uncorked.  I weight about 180lbs..6'1" and the bike has plenty of power for me.

[Vinsanity TT Member]

rrussell, on 26 October 2010 - 11:39 PM, said:

Ok, here is a direct link to my bike set up and sponsor contacts:

http://www.hookit.co...s/robruss/blog/

After you go to this page, you will need to scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see a mini Q&A I set up to help explain my exact bike set up I use and what I have found out works best for me.

If you end up using my sponsors products do me a favor and let them know Rob Russell sent you.

I want them to know I'm working hard to represent them, and if I run it, it is a good product and not just for the bling!

Keep er pinned and see you at the finish!

RR

Looking for the Q&A...little help?