Tall rider choosing a bike wr426?

[kerosene]

Hi, I am 6'4" tall rider and want to buy a better bike (now on lazy XR650L) for mostly desert riding - occasional racing too. No motocross stuff.

I am a little bit on a budget and have seen several WR426s in the price range I am looking at. Is WR roomy bike for a tall person? I understand that high bars and/or bar risers are on the list on any bike.

How bout WR426 - is there a difference between 2001 and 2002 in terms of reliability etc. I might have bought already a WR450 2004 - but those are not green stickered in Cali so 450 is out of question for me. 2005s are too pricey.

My other option is KTM 400EXC - e-start is a nice bonus. I tried one quickly a littel while ago and it felt tiny and feather weight compared to my XRL. Any tall guys opinions on EXCs?

Thanks,

H

[westrider03]

I am 6'4" tall also and my 99 WR400 suits me fine. I do have the risers and pro taper high bend bars. I do a lot of stand up riding too.

[TuningFork426]

should be fine for you, try testriding one.

[MountainMax]

I too am 6'4 and to make it a little better, get a handlebar risor (up and forward), taller seat and lower your footpegs (buy some or mod them yourself) then put stiffer springs in there and that will put her at a higher ride height in the front and set up the sag in the rear, not a really costly thing but will make your riding alot more enjoyable

[silverlakerider]

I'm 6'3", 240 and my WR works great. I just put on pro taper bars and higher seat foam. Dialed in the suspension and away I go.

[baja4lif3]

Im 6' 2" and i love mine. You never have to worry bout anything just change oil and air filter. Run forever!

[WRC]

Iam 6' 5" about 230, I rode a 01 426 for about two years and it worked great for me with no mods. Could have used a heavier rear spring but I didnt change to one. After being without a bike for about two years I purchased a 07 yesterday and will be trying it out tommorow,cant wait!

[SXP]

Iam 6' 5" about 230, I rode a 01 426 for about two years and it worked great for me with no mods. Could have used a heavier rear spring but I didnt change to one. After being without a bike for about two years I purchased a 07 yesterday and will be trying it out tommorow,cant wait!

Be prepared to be dissapointed (as it sounds like you will not have had the time to do the free mods). On the other hand you will have something to compare it to once you have done the mods and THEN .....be prepared to be blown away!

[Bladerunner426]

Do not get the KTM! I road a buddy’s, and it felt like a little kids bike, that small. My 426 is roomy and comfortable and I love it.

[WRC]

SXP, I didnt do any of the mods so I would have a baseline for improvements. You were right the bike was kind of down on power and will need a heavier rear spring at least. Now on to the mods!

[Str]

Hi

Im looking for riser´s that allow the bar to go up and foward a bit so i can stand without problem. Any one know where to buy them?

[emtieman]

As far as wondering about a good priced alternative to the big honda, my '01 WR 426 devinately fit the bill. I am 6'3", weigh about 200, and have owned and raced 2 previous XR 600's and never thought I would deviate. I had tall bars with risers which made it comfortable on long standing rides. My first ride on my WR made me wonder why I waited so long to make the switch. I have a tall seat and bars and to my surprise the bike feels very comfortable standing, even though I am bendt over slightly. I think the lower weight makes the difference. I do plan to raise the bars a little more.

I was surprised how easy the bike starts after hearing many horror stories about these high revving 4 strokes. As long as I fallow the correct routine the bike starts on the first kick, even after laying it down and hot. My DRD hot start is a nice addition.

The only thing I miss from my XR is the seat. 100+ miles in Baja with anything else is inferior no matter how much Gell or Guts your WR seat has. If you're like me and can't part with more than 3k, the WR 426 is the best bike (desert, single track, fire roads, track once in a while, and dual sport)

[trueblue426]

i love my WR ...i got the cr high renthals but im still stooped over bieng 6' 4" also so i think ill get risers and drop the pegs