CA plated WR400 for $ 3500: is this good?

[FORMA MOTO]

I am looking at buying a used 1999 WR400 with super low miles on it, and would like to know what I should look out for on this particular model bike.

It has:

- low miles (still on the stock front tire)

- RG3 suspension valving and re-spring

- CA license Plate and Baja Designs lighting kit

I am not new to bikes (own a CRF450), just looking for the known 'issues' on this bike I should be aware of.

TIA

[SXP]

I am looking at buying a used 1999 WR400 with super low miles on it, and would like to know what I should look out for on this particular model bike.

It has:

- low miles (still on the stock front tire)

- RG3 suspension valving and re-spring

- CA license Plate and Baja Designs lighting kit

I am not new to bikes (own a CRF450), just looking for the known 'issues' on this bike I should be aware of.

TIA

The carb sucks, apart from that there are none - I have two. I'd grab it (although I think he's asking a lot). Don't expect the handling of the CRF though.

[redswr]

where are you in cali? there was one in our local paper for $2000 (bakersfield Camera Ads)

[byggd]

The WR400 and 426 are pretty bullet proof. Kind of steep but being plated adds about $800 to $1000 to the value.

[FORMA MOTO]

The carb sucks, apart from that there are none - I have two. I'd grab it (although I think he's asking a lot). Don't expect the handling of the CRF though.

The Carb sucks? Isn't it a standard Kehien FCR Pumper? (with the EPA stops and jetting).

[SXP]

The Carb sucks? Isn't it a standard Kehien FCR Pumper? (with the EPA stops and jetting).

It's the first generation FCR carb, The current 450s are on the 3rd generation FCR carb. Big difference. I've never had any luck tuning the 99 carbs and broke down and snagged a 05 carb from someone on TT. Big difference in the way the 99 with the newer carb performs when compared to the other 99 with the older carb. The biggest problem (even with the JD kit) is the archaic AP system on the older carbs.

[FORMA MOTO]

It's the first generation FCR carb, The current 450s are on the 3rd generation FCR carb. Big difference. I've never had any luck tuning the 99 carbs and broke down and snagged a 05 carb from someone on TT. Big difference in the way the 99 with the newer carb performs when compared to the other 99 with the older carb. The biggest problem (even with the JD kit) is the archaic AP system on the older carbs.

Hmmmm, makes that big a difference, huh? I did not know about the generations: Thanks for the input.

[TeamScream]

Hmmmm, makes that big a difference, huh? I did not know about the generations: Thanks for the input.

I would not let that stop you from getting the bike if it is the one you want.

You are in California, and it is not like you are going to be messing with jetting everyday, once you get it dialed, it will be dialed and you will never think about it again.

[SXP]

I would not let that stop you from getting the bike if it is the one you want.

You are in California, and it is not like you are going to be messing with jetting everyday, once you get it dialed, it will be dialed and you will never think about it again.

Agree. I took one of my plated WR400s on the Big Bear Trail Riders ride this past weekend and it never missed a beat. I didn't once wish I was on my 07 (okay, I missed the estart when I stalled), but otherwise didn't have a single moment of envy with all the newer machinery around me.

[byggd]

I agree as well. I installed JD jetting, made one change and ride from 800' to 6000' with no problems, ever. Always one kick warm and three when cold ?

[FORMA MOTO]

Cool! Thanks for all the help.

I also found an extremely clean Plated '01 WR426 with lots of great upgrades, including tall-guy stuff.

This WR forum is very good. Free gas for everybody.

[jim-in-so-ore]

$3500 is an awful lot for a 99. I sold my 99 wr 400 in 2003 for 3500 and it was street legal.

Jim

[TeamScream]

$3500 is an awful lot for a 99. I sold my 99 wr 400 in 2003 for 3500 and it was street legal.

Jim

Yeah but now NOBODY is getting past the man with the registration woes so all of a sudden, clean older bikes are worth more to people that want Japanese and not Euro.

[tp3dxf]

$3500 is an awful lot for a 99. I sold my 99 wr 400 in 2003 for 3500 and it was street legal.

Jim

Here in Cal it's very hard to get a plate for a offroad bike. Unless you buy a new one like the KTM or Husky which will set you back around eight grand or more stock. But It will come with the plate.

So some people are willing to pay a little more for a older bike with a plate that was granted before Cal came down on dual sporting bikes like the WR, or YZ. Also the older WR's and YZ's are still really great bikes. They will get the job done for sure.

I picked up a 02 YZ 250 smoker that has a plate. Really a fun bike. So much so I am thinking about selling my plated 01 WR 426. In any case a 99 in good condition with a plate is a bike that will attract some attention in Cal. It could also save you upwards of $5000 over a new plated bike. Just a thought.